Is there a difference between a saltwater boat and a freshwater boat?

Freshwater is inland water. Saltwater is seawater and it contains a lot more salt. Boats that are in saltwater mainly have to deal with salt corrosion, but other than that, there's no real difference. Generally, a saltwater boat doesn't have a different hull shape and doesn't use other materials.

Accordingly, can you use the same boat for freshwater and saltwater?

The answer is yes, any boat that has seen time in salt water should be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water and should have its engine flushed. Keep in mind that boats used in saltwater have a shorter life expectancy than the boats used in fresh water.

Furthermore, how long can a boat sit in salt water? 3 to 4 years

Hereof, what does salt water do to boats?

However, corrosion (like boat cancer) occurs quickly and can be quite devastating. Freshwater doesn't pose many problems to boats, but saltwater can corrode metal up to 10 times faster. Not only that, boating on the ocean can be rough on your hull, especially if it is designed for inshore boating.

Can any boat go in the ocean?

Most boats, especially those commonly used in freshwater, have a hull strength that was designed to be close to shore. Thus, most any boat can go into salty, ocean waters. Boaters, however, must be aware that rough waters and rocky shores can pose danger if the hull strength of your boat is not rated for such.

38 Related Question Answers Found

Do you need to flush boat engine?

All outboard manufacturers recommend flushing (according to the procedures outlined in the engine owner's manual) after every use in salt, brackish, dirty, or polluted waters. Operating an engine in sandy, silty, or muddy fresh water also dictates the need for periodic flushing.

How many hours will a boat engine last?

The Life Expectancy of the Marine Engine. The average marine gasoline engine runs for 1,500 hours before needing a major overhaul. The average marine diesel engine will run for more than three times that long and log an average 5,000 hours under the same conditions.

Will saltwater ruin a freshwater trolling motor?

Yes, a freshwater trolling motor can be used in saltwater. However, you must clean and protect your trolling motor before and after.

What is the best used boat website?

One of the best places to start is YachtWorld. This site typically lists over 120,000 boats, with tons of information and photos about each.

You can search listings by one or more of these criteria:

Boat type.
Manufacturer and model.
Length.
Year.
New or used.
Price.
Location (country, region, or state)

How big of a boat do I need for the ocean?

BAY BOATING SIZE: 20 TO 30 FEET

For bay boating, you need a combination of size and versatility. Many bays can have large, choppy, rough waters, but rarely the type you will see in the open ocean. They also have more obstacles, such as water-way markers, buoys, and other boats.

Can I use an aluminum boat in saltwater?

Aluminum Can Do Well in Salt and Freshwater

When not in contact with other metals, aluminum can do quite well in both fresh and saltwater, needing only bottom paint for aluminum boats to prevent fouling. Above the waterline aluminum does even better.

What is the best boat to buy for a beginner?

Five Starter Boats that are Perfect for the Beginner Boater

Bowrider – Four Winns Horizon F190. WE LIKE the fact that while Four Winns keeps cost down in this entry level model, it maintains the construction quality level of their other model lines.
Center Console – Bayliner Element F18.
Jet Boat – Yamaha SX210.
Pontoon Boat – Escape RT 220.

Can a jon boat go in the ocean?

Jon boats can be taken out into the ocean but must be done so with caution. Boats shorter than 16 feet in length present a significant hazard on the open water due to stability and power rating.

How do I protect my boat from saltwater?

MAINTENANCE TIPS

BOAT MAINTENANCE TIPS.
AFTER EVERY TRIP: Flush the engine each time it's used in salt water. Use “earmuffs” over the water intake and a freshwater hose.
GENERAL CARE: Wax the boat every few months to protect the finish from stains and UV damage. A good coating of wax makes regular clean-up much easier.

Can you use a bass boat in salt water?

A bass boat is capable of going in saltwater, but it's best to keep your bass boat in freshwater because many components of your boat's system were not designed for the corrosive nature of saltwater boating. The bottom line is I would NEVER take a bass boat into saltwater and definitely out into the ocean.

How do I make my boat saltwater ready?

Here are the steps for a full saltwater conversion:

evaluate your current setup.
apply anti-foul bottom paint.
install a full closed cooling system OR:
install a freshwater flush system.
install a Mercathode system if docked in saltwater marina.
change out your hardware and electrical system to marine-grade.

Does a boat go faster in saltwater?

The higher a boat is on the waterline, the faster they are going to travel. Variations in salinity also cause the freezing point of seawater to be somewhat lower than that of freshwater, so if salt water is colder, it can have a higher density than cold fresh water.

What should I look for in a used boat?

8 tips for buying a used boat

Look for cracks in the fibreglass above and below the waterline. Small cracks, such as spiderwebs in localized areas, are mostly cosmetic.
Inspect for signs of damage.
Check for loose seats.
Look for mildew.
Make sure the electronics work.
Check the belts.
Start the engine.
Test the oil.

Can Sea Doo boats go in saltwater?

Re: Sea Doo and salt water? more seadoo on the water than any other , fresh or salt. the new seadoo's have a closed loop cooling and no salt water runs through the engine. so no problem there.

Can you use a regular outboard in saltwater?

Although saltwater can easily damage an outboard motor, there is not need to forgo saltwater boating. Instead, pay careful attention to regular and preventative maintenance that will help keep your outboard motor clean during saltwater use.

Can I leave my boat in the water all year?

Lots of people leave their boats in the water during the winter months but there are some precautions that need to be taken, especially if you are not going to be visiting the boat on a weekly basis. Under cover, boats in the water can provide an escape from daily shoreside life—even in the offseason.

Can I leave my outboard in the water?

Simply put, if you are leaving the boat in the water, leave it in the up position to avoid growth. If you are leaving it out of the water, trim it down to drain the water and protect the Power Tilt and Trim seals from the sun.