Fresh-water boat vs Salt-water boat

[Wandering Loon]

We're getting serious about finding THE boat for us, and have been looking at quite a few in our area. Since we live in Michigan, everything nearby is fresh-water, and of course all the brokers here expound on the benefits of fresh-water boats vs salt-water. Though we understand the pros and cons to some degree, we also suspect that the local brokers have at least some ulterior motive behind insisting that "You don't want a salt-water boat!"

I would assume that the larger percentage of boats being thoroughly enjoyed out there ARE salt-water boats, and there also seem to be plenty of older ones that are holding their own and still going strong. And so we are keeping our search expanded from the Great Lakes to anything from Maine to Florida! Any input from others would be very welcomed and appreciated.

 

[Tranona]

Depends on how they are differentiating the two. If it is by design of the boat then generally those designed for inland waterways may tend to be more suitable in light conditions - lower wind speeds, flatter water, shorter passages. However many of your lakes are not always placid and you will find, particularly in larger boats and sailing boats the same basic designs are used in both environments.

However, they may be referring to how well the boats stand up. Arguably they have an easier life in freshwater, suffering less from corrosion and salt damage, plus often only in the water for less than half the year. Contrast that with boats kept in southern salt water such as Florida where the sun and salt can be hard on the fabric of the boat and the climate encourages year round usage.

As to which you should buy, that depends on where you are going to use it. It clearly makes sense if you are cruising the eastern seaboard to buy a boat there, rather than relocating one from the Lakes - unless the relocation by water is part of your plan. Most importantly, however is that the boats will need to be equipped differently reflecting the different sailing environments. If you plan to do the Intracoastal and the shallow waters of the Bahamas and parts of Florida in a sailing boat the draft and mast height become important.

So, you need to decide on your cruising/living style and area and see what sort of boats others use in similar situations. Then you can draw up a list of your requirements and look for boats that meet the key ones. Not easy without experience but there is masses of material in books, magazines, blogs etc to help you.

 

[vyv_cox]

What is certain is that there are very many salt water boats still going strong after 40, 50 and more years. Corrosion can be more of an issue with salt water but generally exterior metal parts are relatively small and cheap, so updating or replacing them is not a huge issue. As Tranona says, the main issue is finding a boat that suits your intended cruising style. I would not be overly concerned about its history if it was the one I wanted.

 

[Wandering Loon]

I wasn't referring to the design of the boat, but it's previous exposure to the elements, particularly the salt air and its effect on the electrical system, engines, etc. That seems to be the major issue that others have been warning us about. We also note that freshwater boats command much higher prices than those kept in saltwater.

 

[vyv_cox]

It depends a lot on the design and construction of the boat, but fresh water is considerably more damaging to wood than seawater is. My motorsailer has large areas of rot, all above the water line and due to rainwater. Conversely, my Sadler is bone dry below, has the original electrical wiring and most fittings, now 28 years old. The engine is 'only' 12 or so years old and looks like new, no rust whatsoever. Other than a period in inland Holland it has always been on the sea.

 

[Tranona]

Suspect that it is as much to do with the lower level of usage and the lower level of choice than anything to do with the water per se. Easier to keep up with maintenance and cosmetics when a boat is only used 4 or 5 months a year and probably kept under cover in the winter.

 

[duncan99210]

I think that there may be a slight degree parochial thinking going on with your local brokers. Yes,salt water is more agreesive than fresh but just about all marine systems are designed with salt water in mind rather than fresh. Rampage is 13 years old and of the maintenance issues we've had, most can be traced to simple fair wear and tear rather than corrosion caused by salt water. Living on a boat really designed for occasional use on a permanent basis imposes wear issues that will lead a continuing work load to keep things on top line.

Equally, my brother lives on a narrowboat in UK on fresh water. Whilst he doesn't have the electronics on board that we do, he does have corrosion issues with his hull but then again, it is a steel boat rather than GRP or wood.

Final thought. If youdo buy a boat that has been used on fresh water, don't forget to check what sort of anodes are fitted. Make sure you use zinc if you transit to salt water!

 

[AntarcticPilot]

I wasn't referring to the design of the boat, but it's previous exposure to the elements, particularly the salt air and its effect on the electrical system, engines, etc. That seems to be the major issue that others have been warning us about. We also note that freshwater boats command much higher prices than those kept in saltwater.

I was under the impression that osmosis in GRP was more likely to be a problem in freshwater than in salt.

In the UK, it's horses for courses. A boat set up for fresh-water in the UK is likely to need seriously re-equipping before use on the sea - it will lack a lot of navigational equipment, as there is no fresh water lake in the UK much bigger than 20 miles long and a lot less than that wide! But of course, the Great Lakes are big enough to require serious navigation, so will be equipped to the same standard as a sea-going vessel. Again in the UK, the period out of the water in the winter is not usually different for boats in fresh-water and salt - but in the Great Lakes, the winter freeze means that boats pretty much have to be out of the water in winter. So, a US or Canadian freshwater vessel may well have spent a lot less time in the water than one kept in salt water.

In the end it will come down to how well kept and maintained is THIS boat - not generalizations about whether a freshwater or saltwater boat is better.

 

[Wandering Loon]

All very noteworthy comments and suggestions... thank you!

 

[Andy and Lyn]

a bit like buying a high mileage car from a dealer - the dealer will play down the mileage issue (along the lines of quality car, engine serviced regularly etc.) but come to sell it and it will be worthless - 'cause of the high mileage!!

If its a good boat and its what your after - with a decent independent survey - go for it (salt or fresh water).