Freshwater Boat

[Adschantz]

I am looking at a nice looking 1984 Hunter 37C for sale that has spent it's entire existence on a freshwater lake in the Midwest. The boat looks well maintained, has a newer Yanmar and has only been in the water for appx. 5-6 months of each year.

I am curious though if there is a real advantage to a boat that has been used exclusively in freshwater? I see boats for sale all the time as "freshwater" boats, but don't know how important that is. It will end up being quite expensive to get the boat back to Florida, but assuming it checks out, how big of a win is this?

Boat is currently out of the water so an in water trial would be tough. What do you think? Appreciate all the help!

Adam

 

[Chief RA]

I purchased a 1998 Catalina 250 last year that spent its life on an Arizona lake. The overall condition of this boat, sails and trailer is astounding! There was no rust on the galvanized trailer, boat interior like new, hull finish good and no hull damage. Freshwater boats are usually a special buy! Good luck, Chief

 

[Jackdaw]

Fresh water is much easier on stainless steel and aluminum. And in particular where the two meet. The shorted season means less wear. Less sun is easier on gelcoat, sails, and line.

The plumbing system will smell better with fresh water in it.

The only (rare) downside is that fresh water (being less dense) is more likely to absorb into the gelcoat and cause blisters, but this is usually offset by a northern boat being pulled every winter.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

It's all about prior maintenance regardless of where,how or how long the boat has been used. Fresh water can never mitigate the effects of poor maintenance.

 

[Johnb]

Got to believe the cooling system etc is better off in fresh water. I don't know what affect the winter freezes would have had on deck fittings etc.

Good luck, and if you buy it and need crew to get to Florida let me know.

 

[centerline]

It's all about prior maintenance regardless of where,how or how long the boat has been used. Fresh water can never mitigate the effects of poor maintenance.

This is absolutely true....
but i would also add that a boat that has spent its life in freshwater takes less effort and less dollars to maintain than a salt water boat does.. and so it may have less issues that need to be immediatley dealt with...
I would chose the freshwater boat everytime if all else were equal.... but things are very seldom equal.