Buying a used boat in Florida vs Mid-Atlantic

[sanibel sailor]

UV damage is more vivible than potential freeze/thaw damage.

[flyingfin]

The hot year round sun in Florida is rough on boats and all their components. I look at 20 year old vessels in Michigan whose masts and gel coat are still shiny. A ten year old boat in Florida is chalky and most aluminum fittings & spars pitted unless it was stored under cover. Find a Great Lakes boat,,,,,,if not then New England for your best values.

[dennismenace111]

Originally Posted by flyingfin

The hot year round sun in Florida is rough on boats and all their components. I look at 20 year old vessels in Michigan whose masts and gel coat are still shiny. A ten year old boat in Florida is chalky and most aluminum fittings & spars pitted unless it was stored under cover. Find a Great Lakes boat,,,,,,if not then New England for your best values.

If you think the sun and salt are hard on boats, you should see what it does to sailors! I grew up sailing in South Florida. Im 72 and look like it!