Salt vs freshwater. Which is harder on a sailboat?

[Steve Horswill]

When reviewing listings some mention that the sailboat has only been used in fresh water. Is this a better condition for the boat. I will sail my boat in the ocean. Am I better off buying a fresh water boat or a boat that has been used under the same conditions that I will sail it in; off Nova Scotia?Thanks Steve

 

[Steve Dion]

Fresh Water.

Steve:Generally the fresh water environment is going to be easier on the boat. The metal corrosion, engine components and electrical are going to be effected more in the salt water.The only negative that I have heard is the chances for blisters tend to be higher in fresh water than in salt water.You may want to watch out of a fresh water boat in your area that has had problems with zebra mussels. I do not know much about them but understand that they can be a problem.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

And the Warmer the Water ................

......... the greater the chance of blistering. So if the boat is from a warm lake, I would really keep an eye out for blistering.Regards,s/v Island Hunter

 

[David]

Climate

The area the boat has lived can be more important than fresh or salt. For example, in the northeast boats are generally in use and in the water about half the time as those in warmer climes. Do you want an in the water 1985 that is as old as a late 1960's northeast boat? That's an exaggeration but compare boats from Florida with those from Nova Scotia and see the difference.

 

[Noel Black]

Don't rule out good maintenance

Re: David's comment about boats in Florida in the water twice as much as in northern waters. True, but also depends on maintenance of which Florida requires a lot more. However a well maintained FL boat will be much better than a poorly maintained Northern boat. Having moved from Canadian Great Lakes to Florida it is apparent blistering is much more prevalent in small molecule fresh water than in warm salt water. Also there is the damage from the Northern boat experiencing freezing cycles and the Northern boat likely having experienced much more rough weather battering.