What to look for on a boat with a saltwater past

[jpeac2]

Hello all!As I stated in a previous thread I am currently looking at purchasing a used mid-90's boat. We sail on Lake Michigan and have exhausted all the local boats, but have found a couple that either are in a saltwater setting now or have had some time in saltwater over the course of their lives. What should I be looking for? Some people have told me that there can be significant differences between a saltwater and a freshwater boat. Can anyone provide some insight on what we should be looking for and what types of questions we should be asking?Thanks in advance!

 

[Robert Gainer]

No real tricks

Warm seawater is much more corrosive then fresh water. The swage fittings and rigging suffer and have a shorter life on a boat used in warm seawater. A boat used in New England doesn’t age as fast as a boat used in Florida but both age faster then a boat used in fresh water. The biggest thing is probably the engine. If its raw water cooled the salt water plays havoc with the cooling system and even corrodes the block. No real tricks just look at the boat with some thought to corrosion. Engine, rig, keel bolts etc are all things to look at but that’s true of any boat when you do a survey.All the best,Robert Gainer

 

[Pooka 3]

Lake Erie Island Sailing

Boat in barn - snow blower blocking the barn entrance - really enjoyed your photos - THANKS. BTY- printed "Sun Rise Over the Bay" and have it on my office wall as a reminder of "why I sail". Mike T.

 

[Bob15962]

A good Surveyor

Saltwater or fresh - a surveyor is the key... the other comments are right on... these boats are designed to be in "water" salt or fresh.... salt is harder on it... but not that bad... since most fix keels are in salt all around the world... find the boat you like... look for obvious things... then call a surveyor when you find the one you must have... happy hunting : )

 

[Bob7291]

corrosion

Check spots where stainless has been in contact with aluminum (fasteners on spars, mast base, etc.) In a salt water environment electrolysis is more rapid.