Saltwater Boats

[DiverDux]

Hello all-

I live in NE Ohio, Lake Erie is my playground. I have been around boats of various sizes and shapes my whole life. The one thing they have all had in common is that they were/are freshwater boats.

I am going to upgrade to a larger vessel than I currently own (1999 Sportcraft 251). I am considering 30'-33' express models. I have interest in the Tiara 31 Open, but I really like the Pursuit 3000. These are twin inboard vessels with the Tiara usually carrying twin 454 Crusader engines and the Pursuit mostly twin 350 Mercruiser Horizons.

Most of the boats that are available on the used market have been living in saltwater and as I talk to others about used boats most of what I hear is that I should run, not walk away from any vessel that has a saltwater history. They mention wiring/electrical issues and overall corrosion concerns affecting everything from bright work, fittings, engine components etc.

I'm not sure I buy into all of the negativity as I feel that boats are built to deal with a saltwater environment, but I have no experience and therefore, no personal knowledge.

So, I'm throwing it out there to this forum as most of you all spend your time boating/fishing in saltwater. What is the real deal regarding saltwater and it's effect on a boat? What are your opinions, thoughts and experiences?

Thanks in advance!!

[bradford]

Saltwater will rust tupperware.

[SkunkBoat]

Never owned a boat that didn't get salty....except my canoe.
Salt takes it toll on outboards and inboards. But you can buy new ones....

Those boats will have freshwater cooled engines. The exhaust risers are the weak spot since they are iron and hot and cooled by saltwater. If they get replaced BEFORE they go bad...no problem!

There won't be any Zamak on those boats. There should'n be zamak on ANY boat.

Millions of us run saltwater boats.
I wouldn't run away...just look at it hard and price it accordingly.


The Pursuit express is a beautiful ride. Got a 3000 Offshore docked next to me.
Offshore fishing machine for sure. Center helm like my Grady.(btw, Grady made 26/30/33' outboard powered Expresses)

Thats a whole nuther level of boating.

[inaforty]

We sold a 5 year old Novi boat that was used in the salt. It went to it's new home on Lake Michigan.
Those Pursuits are very nice. We looked at 30' Grady and the 29 Coastal Wellcraft and 285 Pursuit when we were shopping. We finally decided on a 29' Stamas Express. However we were only shopping for outboard powered boats. I got tired of climbing under the floor of our 35' Bertram to maintain twin 3208 CATS.

[spareparts]

Pusuits and Tiarra's are both upper end quality boats. Depending on what was ordered, they could have either Mercruiser or Crusader engines. Ive worked on both of those boats and they are part of the reason I've had two back surgery's. For service, they suck. The crusader is the preferred marinization and they normally have the manifolds included in the closed cooling, where as Mercruiser usually doesn't. Mercruiser parts are cheaper, but Crusader is a better set up. I hate working on either one in a crowded engine compartment. The inboards are being passed over for good reason, the outboards serve better in salt water. I wouldn't worry too much about the rest of the boat as teh running gear and engine will be your most concern. Pursuit and Tiarra both use good quality hardware and accessories on their boats. Also keep in mind, they haven't made new 454 engines since 2002, Mercruiser holds the manufacturing rights to the 502 and bought all the remaining 8.1 engine from GM. You can still get a new 5.7(350), and if you didnt make a typo and are looking at a boat old enough to have a 351 Ford engine, plan on a complete repower

[Para]

From a chemical perspective, exposure of metal to salt is like a repeated kick in the scrotum....

[DiverDux]

Thanks guys, appreiate the information.