Freshwater vs Saltwater

[SPC]

I understand that saltwater is more corrosive and that a boat from a freshwater environment is generally preferred, but how different, what should you look for, and how much should a freshwater boat be preferred? Please assume a fiberglass hull and a boat 20-30 years old.

(I apologize if this has been covered by I couldn't find the right search terms, and I don't believe that I have seen it since I've been reading threads.)

[puddinlegs]

Good question even if it has been covered somewhere around here. In general, yes, fresh water is much kinder to boats and a plus when looking, but at 20-30 years old, a maintenance record is key. Boats that have been shown a lot of love by the previous owner will show it, salt or fresh, so don't limit yourself to fresh water boats only. For Great Lakes boats, winter storage is also important. Was the rig dropped each winter? Boat stored inside or outside? Was it properly prepped and wrapped?

For salt water boats, in general, colder water temps help, as does less exposure to sun... farther from the equator is better. But again, if a boat's been properly maintained and well loved, you'll find exceptional boats from many different climates and both fresh and salt water.

[Jeff_H]

Fiberglass boats are more likely to blister in freshwater and wood work is more likely to rot in freshwater. But metail work is likely to be in better shape. I personally don't see the big advantage to either assuming the salt water boat has a fresh water cooled engine.

Jeff

[jordanship]

Fiberglass boats are more likely to blister in freshwater and wood work is more likely to rot in freshwater. But metal work is likely to be in better shape. I personally don't see the big advantage to either assuming the salt water boat has a fresh water cooled engine.

(1) Theoretically, blistering is more likely in fresh water because osmosis is the tendency of water to go from a low to high ionic concentration. Fresh water is more dilute so more apt to permeate the fiberglass membrane. In salt water, the concentration of salt is high outside the hull so less apt to permeate the fiberglass membrane.

(2) Salt inhibits dry rot which is due to fungi. Saltwater prevents this type of rot. So does sunlight and fresh air.

(3) Oxidation is more likely in saltwater because of the salt.

Boats further north are likely in better condition because of the shorter season, colder water temperatures, and lack of sunlight.

[boatpoker]

There is a motherlode of info on this topic to be found online. Suffice it to say there is a very good reason why salt water boats sell for 25 - 30% less than their fresh water counterparts.

[sawingknots]

i'd like to add,if its a salt water boat and a keel stepped mast i would check the bottom of the mast [look under the floor boards]also i would be a little concerned if it has a raw water cooled engine,not really any easy way of checking the condition of it internally

[Jeff_H]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

There is a motherlode of info on this topic to be found online. Suffice it to say there is a very good reason why salt water boats sell for 25 - 30% less than their fresh water counterparts.

I have not seen big price differences based on salt water vs fresh water for similar years and models of sail boats, although this issue tends to impact power boat prices more. In my experience, in a very general sense, even though they are in salt water, boats of the same year and model generally are most expensive in New England and the price generally reflects a better condition as well. The cheapest are usually in Florida, but again that reflects their condition.

I have not seen that fresh water is consistly more expensive for an equal year, condition and model. That is especially true on boats that are more than 15-20 years old. But even when there has been some price difference, certainly the asking prices have generally not been 25-30% less for salt water.

Respectfully,
Jeff