Freshwater boat in the ocean??

[Jamesiv1]

Is it sensible to buy a boat that has spent it's life in freshwater, if your plan is to cruise in the ocean?

On a gut level that strikes me as a bad idea, but I'm a complete newbie so what do I know. Looking for my first boat...

I live in Dallas, several good-size lakes nearby, and a friend said, "Why aren't you shopping around the nearby lakes?" and I couldn't think of a good reason.

Does it make sense or completely dumb?

[Sailmonkey]

Freshwater boats are typically the best deals. Their season is shorter, they don’t suffer from corrosion....etc.

[SV Siren]

You may have to switch your anodes, as Magnesium is recommended for fresh, and zinc for salt water(verify what you might have come purchase time)...other than that...nothing comes to mind. Fresh water boats are generally have less corrosion..

[Don C L]

Freshwater boats generally have less corrosion. I am curious why your gut reaction was that it was a bad idea? What were you concerned about?

Welcome aboard by the way!

[Jamesiv1]

Originally Posted by Don C L

Freshwater boats generally have less corrosion. I am curious why your gut reaction was that it was a bad idea? What were you concerned about?

Welcome aboard by the way!

Hi Don. I'm not sure why, except for things like the anodes. It seems to me that saltwater is a lot harsher on a boat, so a boat built for saltwater would be much stronger against corrosion, for example.

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Jamesiv1

Hi Don. I'm not sure why, except for things like the anodes. It seems to me that saltwater is a lot harsher on a boat, so a boat built for saltwater would be much stronger against corrosion, for example.

OH, I see. Well, other than zincs, boats aren't really built for salt or fresh water specifically as far as I know (I think all builders assume their boats will be used in both,) but boats that are intended for only lake or calm coastal sailing are generally not as robust or stout in their construction IMO. I have seen many boats that are definitely "bluewater boats" on lakes and vice versa. My own stout little 24' gave me a lot of fun miles in ocean conditions and she is now living out her retirement out on Flathead Lake in Montana. If you find a good boat on a lake it is likely in considerably better shape than an ocean dwelling sibling.

[Jamesiv1]

Originally Posted by Don C L

OH, I see. Well, other than zincs, boats aren't really built for salt or fresh water specifically as far as I know (I think all builders assume their boats will be used in both,) but boats that are intended for only lake or calm coastal sailing are generally not as robust or stout in their construction IMO. I have seen many boats that are definitely "bluewater boats" on lakes and vice versa. My own stout little 24' gave me a lot of fun miles in ocean conditions and she is now living out her retirement out on Flathead Lake in Montana. If you find a good boat on a lake it is likely in considerably better shape than an ocean dwelling sibling.

That's very good to know and thanks for your input. I'm going to widen my search to include area lakes.

[Don C L]

If you let us know which makes and models catch your eye you can report back here and there are many folks who can give you helpful tips and reviews.

[SalingSue]

Originally Posted by SV Siren

You may have to switch your anodes, as Magnesium is recommended for fresh, and zinc for salt water(verify what you might have come purchase time)...other than that...nothing comes to mind. Fresh water boats are generally have less corrosion..

Or aluminum.

I have a set of Al incase I end up in brackish or going through locks for any decent amount of time.

Salt water ops eats the Al up faster if you don’t swap back

[Compass790]

Originally Posted by Jamesiv1

Is it sensible to buy a boat that has spent it's life in freshwater, if your plan is to cruise in the ocean?

On a gut level that strikes me as a bad idea, but I'm a complete newbie so what do I know. Looking for my first boat...

I live in Dallas, several good-size lakes nearby, and a friend said, "Why aren't you shopping around the nearby lakes?" and I couldn't think of a good reason.

Does it make sense or completely dumb?

If it's a wooden boat a salt water boat is much better as wood rots in freshwater but I guess a woody is not what you are talking about.

I wouldnt recommend a wooden boat unless you like work better than sailing but they do have their beauty no doubt.

[mvweebles]

Need to differentiate between hull and engine. Some hulls on small fishing boats are marketed as salt-water, but that's because of higher bow and heavier scantlings due to anticipated grounds. Contrast with low, sleek bass boats made to do 60 mph in shallow, protected water.

But engines do differ, especially the exhaust system. OP makes no mention of the type or size of boat he's looking at. If he's looking at taking an I/O runabout into saltwater, well , saltwater is not kind to outdrives (term Alka Seltzer fizz comes to mind). Exhaust risers and mixing elbows or commonly cast iron on freshwater engines vs stainless steel on saltwater versions. Also, many outboard manufacturers make saltwater versions of certain engines that presumably have stainless steel fasteners and such.

Bottom line: fiberglass/gelcoat's arch enemy is sunlight. It doesn't really care whether it's in salt or fresh water. Metal or wood is a different story. Engines are definitely a different story.

Peter

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by SalingSue

Salt water ops eats the Al up faster if you don’t swap back

Well, that’s not true.

[bgallinger]

I bought a fresh water boat with the intention of taking it to the Bahamas. There were two changes I needed to make 1) Exchange the magnesium anode for a zinc one. 2) Strip off the VC-17 bottom paint and replace it with Sea Hawk bottom paint. Check the bottom paint is ok for use in salt water!

[Jamesiv1]

Originally Posted by bgallinger

I bought a fresh water boat with the intention of taking it to the Bahamas. There were two changes I needed to make 1) Exchange the magnesium anode for a zinc one. 2) Strip off the VC-17 bottom paint and replace it with Sea Hawk bottom paint. Check the bottom paint is ok for use in salt water!

Good points. Thanks!

[acem]

Freshwater boats probably won't have many offshore accessories that may be included with a boat that is on the coast.