You need to consider some things when taking out your boat on the water. A question that is often on the minds of boaters is ― can I sail on fresh water and saltwater?
If you love boating, you probably don’t want to narrow your sailing options, and you shouldn’t! First-time boaters, who have boated on rivers and lakes or in the ocean, are intimidated by the switch. You do need to keep some things in mind, especially pertaining to saltwater, but a little maintenance will go a long way in keeping your boat in great shape.
Saltwater and freshwater boating and fishing come with a set of instructions, most of which are about proper vessel maintenance. Let’s look at Fresh Water vs Salt Water Boats:
Saltwater Boat
Corrosion Resistance and Hull Design
Saltwater boats have a special design that deals with corrosion. The boat resists rust, and the closed cooling systems cool down the motor. This does not mean that your saltwater boat does not require maintenance. It still needs proper cleaning from time to time and a coat of sealant to prevent lasting damage.
In comparison, freshwater boats pull in water. If a saltwater boat does the same, its motor will rust.
When it comes to the hull design, there’s a slight difference, which is almost unnoticeable. A saltwater boat’s hull takes the force of choppy waves, thanks to its deep V design. The V adds stability in saltwater but is not good for freshwater sailing.
Freshwater and Saltwater Boating
Water Conditions
Freshwater boating is mostly done on rivers and lakes. Since the water is contained, the waves are pretty calm. The waves made by other boats sailing close past you are gentler, making it easy for you to navigate your vessel.
Saltwater boating is mostly done on the ocean. As you have seen in many documentaries, the ocean is a rough place to sail on. The currents are stronger and the waves bigger. The harsher the conditions, the more difficult it becomes to control your powerboat.
In addition, saltwater bodies are larger, so it’s possible you might get lost. Keep the navigation system with you and other equipment for emergencies.
Saltwater = More Maintenance
Your custom powerboat is not equipped to handle the harshness of saltwater. Did you know that saltwater is 5 times more corrosive compared to freshwater? The salty ocean corrodes your boat’s metal 10 times faster. Hence, you need to wash the boat’s metal parts after your saltwater fishing trip.
The parts you should focus on include:
- Props
- Engines
- Railings
- Exposed Bolts
- Brackets
Use a marine-safe cleaner to wash the hull. Make sure to pressure wash first and then scrub, so you don’t make a mess. If your boat is docked for days in saltwater, you will see barnacles or algae sticking to the hill. Barnacles give your boat a dirty look, slow down your boat from drag and hurt fuel efficiency.
Fresh Water vs Salt Water Boats
So, now you know why you should choose the water you will be sailing on before the boat. Don’t forget to buy some protection for the boat as well while you are at it.
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