Saltwater rating?

[Betty Smith]

When we purchased our boat, a 2005 Nitro700LX, the fellow told us it was rated for saltwater. What exactly does that mean? The engine doesen't appear to be any different. Dumb question, I know, but I haven't ever tried putting a freshwater boat in the ocean before. Seems like you could really bung up a boat that way unless you cleaned it up immediately after getting out of the water. Does anyone else know much about that? Would like to know if it is really possible to put into saltwater, say, for bayfishing.

 

[Bob Bourget2]

Salt is terrible even for true "saltwater" boats. Your engine {if it's a Merc}, was designed for salt use, period. The trailer and boat are what you need to pay attention to. Wash and wax everything you can see, and WD-40 all of the electrical components {under the dash, battery copmartment, exposed wiring}, allow to dry....BEFORE you dunk it. After you take it out of the water, give it a thorough wash with some wash'n'wax soap. As far as the trailer.....the best way to flush it would be to back it into your local fresh water lake and do it a couple of times. After it dries, WD-40 it as well. Allow to dry before it's used again. With proper care, you can enjoy the salt water to the fullest.

 

[Betty Smith]

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I turned into a saltwater junkie when we were on vacation in FL. My husband says "You were spoilt!" We went bay fishing and came back with 150 trout and other assorted fish. I actually hooked a 50LB redfish, but only had 20lb. test on the line, so you know the rest of the story. I got him up to the boat, but he was too big to fit in the net our captain had on the boat! Single greatest fishing experience of my life! I know our boat was purchased for use on the Tenn-Tom waterway, but I may just have to save this email and make sure my fishin' buddy reads it!

 

[Bob Bourget2]

Yes, the salt is FUN. My Dad has a 29' WellCraft Offshore and we frequently go out of the Bass River on Cape Cod. He hooked up to a 210lb. Bluefin Tuna last year. Not a big one by any stretch for THOSE fish, but 210lbs nonetheless!!!

Maintenance if crucial for longevity. Wash, wax, then do it again. No matter how well you care for it, the most abuse will be taken by the trailer. Expect shorter life.....

 

[Betty Smith]

Man alive! 210 pounds? That must have been fun getting that one in the boat! I was getting tired fighting the lil' ol' 50lb. redfish!



Johnny will have to take the boat out a few dozen times before he's willing to subject it to saltwater, I guess. This new boat is "the baby" at our house and he's just not ready to dunk her in the ocean yet. By the next time he gets an itch to go to Florida, maybe he'll consider it~~