Fishing Q&A

purchasing a boat for lake and saltwater fishing, what is important to know about the motor etc?

We will be purchasing a used boat to use for lakes and saltwater. How do you prepare a boat for saltwater ? What do we need to look for as far as the motor etc.? We know we will need to buy a V hull for ocean, but we don't know much else. Any advice would be greatly helpful. We have never owned a boat before. we have however rented several times in florida. THANKS IN ADVANCE !

Public Comments

1. Check with the lakes you have in mind, many have a ten hp limit. (The cause of many 9.5 or 9.9hp engine ratings) In any case, you should be sure to flush the engine after use in seawater, and run it in a barrell of fresh water as soon as possible.
2. Saltwater is corrosive and therefore boats used only in freshwater generally have a higher resale value. If the boat is going to be left in the water (marina or mooring situation) you must coat the bottom with anti-fouling paint. Boats left in salt water need to have sacrificial anodes to prevent corrosion of dissimilar metals (usually zinc). Look for evidence of corrosion inside and outside the boat. I am sure there is a lot more to consider. Depending on the size and complexity of the boat, hire a mechanic to check the engine and maybe even a surveyor to check the boat.
3. on a side note, you dont NEED to buy a V hull for the ocean. a catamaran hull is very effective offshore. just want to avoid shallow V hulls, such as most bass boats etc, they arnt eally ocean going hulls. just thought id throw that in no preperation needed to go from fresh to salt. but as already said, be sure you flush that engine out when you have finished with it in salt water. if its going to be laid u p for a period of time. what happens is, the water evaporates, as it will, but leaves behind the salt, which builds up in the waterways, causing poor cooling and eventual seizure. also, saltwater is very very corrosive. hence you have marine grade stainless, and normal stainless. so if buying any stainless parts, make sure its marine grade stainless (often called hospital grade) you can tell if it is true stainless, as it will NOT be magnetic. lower grade stainless, like that found in places like home depot etc, is magnetic and will corrode in saltwater. ummm since you say you have never owned a boat before, i would strongly advice you seek some offshore training, coatguard training or similar. although it isnt required by law, it is a good idea, as operating a boat on the ocean is different to on a lake. many more factors involved, and its worth while learning the basics, so you dont get caught short. better to be a student, than a statistic!
4. O.K. you have lots of advice regarding flushing your motor every time you use it in salt water, unless you plan to buy a boat more than ten years old or older, this is not necessary!!! Buy a boat with a good name, wash it after use in fresh/salt water,keep up with maintenance,and check your zincs often. Use only fresh and salt water zincs. if you plan to keep the boat in the salt water for more than one week you should consider painting the bottom. You do not need to anything else... Have fun!!! ( merc. motors recommends you flush your motor once per year, regardless salt or not!)
5. as all say, remenber to flush the engine and wash down every thing if in salt water.. if you are buying an older boat the engine needs to be looked at closely. there is alot of damage from salt water.. i have had my 78 trojan for 6yr and had to replace engine. not a cheap thing... if you have never boated in the ocean. you should take small steps. never know what will be thrown at you. wind, waves, unseen items in the water, breakdowns, ect... and try to have twins screws or atleast and kicker...
6. you need to know to start it and your mechanics phone number