Advice - Saltwater to Blue

[berkshire1]

I am looking at purchasing another boat in a few months. I sail (a Buccaneer B270 - don't laugh, it has served me well) on a freshwater lake in North Texas.
I am constantly checking prices on used boats and it seems there are more available along the coast. There is a bigger selection and the prices are a lot better than what I have here locally.
Question - What is required when moving a boat from saltwater to freshwater? What should I look for? What changes will have to be made if any?

[Melrna]

First congrats on taking on the major hassle of buying another boat! Beware of brokers that say the boat is in like new condition. They are worse than used car salesman. Depending on which price range you are talking about the boat market is real soft from 90k-250k. Under that boats are selling as well as over that. The middle class is becoming a extinct animal here in the US.
To answer your question the biggest concern between salt water boats and fresh water boats is the cooling water thermastat. I might have this backwards but the experts will chime in to correct me. Freshwater requires a lower thermostat 175-185 depending on your engine, while a saltwater requires 190-210 degrees. The higher temperature is so the salt in the water dissolves This of course is predicated on your engine being cooled directing from an outside system. The rest of the system will work just fine as soon as you get all old salt off the boat to stop the constant corrosion battles we salt water boats fight on a daily basis.
The other big difference is your beautiful wax job will last longer than 3 months here in the harsh saltwater Florida sun. Did I mention your bottom job will last 2-3 years too or longer. No more scrubbing the bottom every month. Actually I like looking at my boats bottom.. It is soo cute.

I have heard of other boats where the Propeller shaft gland seal will need to be re-tighten or replaces as the fresh water cleans all the salt water off the gland. Another easy job for most boats. Lastly, I would take the cooling water mixing manifold and have it flushed out with new zincs put in it. Once again to get all the salt water out to stop any corrosion that might have started.
Now back to your regular schedule program!

[Robby Barlow]

berkshire... basically there are a couple of things to consider, depending on the size of the lake & boat, draft may be an issue. On the other hand 'sweet' water has less flotation (or whatever you may want to call this in English) than saltwater, and last but not least, the anti-fouling will probably need changing. And apart from getting the boat on the lake in the first place, I don't think you're gonna have any more problems with the move.

[Melrna]

Draft is an issue in most places. Here in Southern Florida, I sail in a average depth of 8 feet in Key Biscayne and down the ICW. Since I'm used to being a lake sailor I was used to more water under the boat. I am still not used to sailing in skinny water all the time.
Transporting a boat across the US can be expensive depending on the size you are looking at. When I almost bought a 38' boat to have it transported from South Carolina to Florida the bill when it was all said and done was going to be around 6k. That included haul out, demasting, prep work to get it on the trailer, and the reverse when at that final destination. One might be able to find a cheaper price if you can find a trucker that is returning empty to pick up another load. In the end, what might look to be cheaper here in the coast vs inland, consider all cost associated with bringing it to the lake. Also, saltwater boats will have more tear and wear than a fresh water boat. That in itself can save lots of money down stream. Personally, I would stay away from "Southern area boat" and concentrate maybe on Great Lake boats or NE boats where they are stored 4-6 months of the year.

[berkshire1]

Depending on the size and location, I can recruit a retired friend to help with the move. I may be able to do the prep work myself and get it back in the water once I am home.
I'm in no rush to get my next dream boat. I can live with the one I have (my wife won't but oh well). I made the mistake of taking her to see some newer boats and now thats all she talks about. Me? I have fallen in love with sailing in the few short months I have been doing it. Self taught for now but I will be taking the ASA courses in Oct. (this web site is a incredible teaching tool)
As far as pricing, for example a 32' Hunter is priced $25,000 more locally than it is in Florida for the same year and model.
My current boat is a 1976 and I (to be honest, my wife) would like something newer and "cleaner".

[johnshasteen]

Where in North Texas are you? What lake?

[berkshire1]

I am on Lake Ray Hubbard just outside Dallas. I live 2 minutes from the marina so I can "sneak" down there when ever I want. haha