Salt vs Fresh

[sloy]

I am looking to buy a cruiser (used) and I am still learning. I would probably use it in both salt water and fresh water. I see some boats say that it is salt, others say fresh and then some say salt/fresh. What is the difference? Is a salt boat's engine different than a fresh? I understand that salt is corrosive and might need to be washed down more often, but what else is the difference. Can I buy a used boat that's been in fresh water and put it in salt?

Thanks. I'm sure this will be the first of many more to come.

Stephen

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Salt vs Fresh

salt, fresh, both, i were the boat has been used. salt is corrosive, and the boats and engine require more maintainance. inboard, inboard/outboard engines have cast iron exhaust, which periodically needs to be replaced. salt water increases the frequency of this change.

 

[109jb]

Re: Salt vs Fresh

I know that there are 3 different types of anodes, magnesium, zinc, and aluminum. If I remember right the magnesium and aluminum anodes are for fresh water use, and the zinc is for salt water use. Manufacturers recommend flushing motors with fresh water after salt water use.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Salt vs Fresh

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Consequently, being able to find a boat that was been used exclsively in fresh water would mean less corrosion, salt build up in the motor on the hardware, etc.
However, not every boat advertised that way is truy a fresh water boat. Buyer beware.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Salt vs Fresh

The biggest difference is in materials used to outfit the boat. The inexpensive zamak fittings which are quite popular on ?freshwater? boats will go up like Alka-Seltzer in continual use in a salt environment. Chrome plated parts will not tolerate long term salt exposure and Aluminum should be kept to a bare minimum since aluminum and chlorides don?t get along to well.

The materials used in the wiring are typically different as well. The boat for SW use should be wired using tinned wire. Bare copper wiring will turn green and the corrosion will migrate inside and up the jacket pretty quickly. Ideally the switch connections and such should be nickel plated to miminze the exposure of copper componets. If the boat is going to be left in the water the thru hull systems should be bonded as well.

Can a "Freshwater" boat be used in salt, yes. But be prepared for all the rinsing, washing and worries that come with it.