Salt Water to Fresh Water?

[340Sundancer]

Hey everyone, just wondering your thoughts on a 2005 390 Sundancer diesel (700 hours) from Florida (salt water) and bringing it back to the great lakes? So far the boat is in perfect condition, just wondering your experience if you have ever bought a boat in salt water?

Thanks!

 

[mnm99]

Just have the survey check the normal items that salt water would affect. Otherwise, Your boat will thank you for it. I can't see any bad about it. Just have to change to Magnesium Anode.

 

[sbw1]

Surely you can find a clean boat that is comparable but has not been subjected to the ocean. Take a close look around the boat and you will see the effects of the salt. Also, the cooling system will likely need maintenance. Fresh water boats will most likely be cleaner and there are many on the market.

 

[Hifirush]

340, I have done it with my 330. Several reasons, my budget at the time, my boat was $20k less than freshwater models I was looking at, and features.

I'm not completely knowledgeable on diesel marine engines, but I will say pay for an engine survey and be there with them if you can.

As for the switch over to freshwater, as mentioned change the zincs out.

One thing I found out, fortunately before buying the boat, (another boat, not mine...) make sure it has never taken on water. Engines, trannies, gennys etc can be replaced, but the wiring usually isn't. Saltwater kills the wires from the inside out and will be a nightmare. That's why I passed on that boat...

As for the issues I faced were the fact that it was exposed to salt, air and water. It will take a toll on gelcoat and even the stainless. But if it is regularly washed and buffed and waxed, it'll look good.


I did have to wet sand and compound it to get a good shine, and there are things I'd like to freshen up, but in my case that is typical of a 19 year old boat.

One thing you should consider though, the cost of transporting it home. My cost from Miami to Dallas (50 miles north of there actually) was $4200.

I would expect yours to be quite a bit more, mostly due to size of boat and depending on the distance traveled. You could put this money towards a local boat.

In the end, it's what you want and what your budget will allow. Are there issues with SW boats? Yes. Is it worth it, sometimes, you just have to look carefully at the boat.

BTW, my boat has returned to the salt world! She and I could not be happier!

Welcome aboard and let us know how you do on whatever boat you get!

Matt, Hifirush


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JVM225]

My previous boat was 30 years old, all of it spent in saltwater, and it was immaculate in and out.
Yes, the raw water side of the cooling for the exhaust will need special attention, but other than that everything else is more about how well the previous owner maintained the boat.

 

[FastMarkA]

Just know that you will eventually sell this boat, and if asked if it were ever in saltwater, you'll have to be honest.

People in freshwater freak out about saltwater boats (with some good reason but, as mentioned, if a salt boat were immaculately maintained, it's better than a poorly maintained fresh boat), and that can be a hit on your resale value. (Of course, we're talking about a 12 year old boat, so the brunt of the depreciation curve has already been suffered.)

 

[El Capitan]

Hey everyone, just wondering your thoughts on a 2005 390 Sundancer diesel (700 hours) from Florida (salt water) and bringing it back to the great lakes? So far the boat is in perfect condition, just wondering your experience if you have ever bought a boat in salt water?

Thanks!

There'll be many varying opinions on this but since you asked I'll give you mine.
I grew up and lived in Fl my whole life except the last 15 years. I grew up on boats and enjoyed all kinds.

Now i I live here in Great Lakes area part of year and in treasure coast part of year. I've been trying to decide on my big boat type and have looked at boats in Fl and in Great Lakes area.

The thing i notice consistently is the is the great condition of all types of boats up here and how boats in Fl are so much more degraded in my opinion due to salt AND the more intense sun. Especially on slipped boats.

If if you've found a good one down there and you like it just be more thorough and diligent during the survey process and if all checks out you should be fine.

For me im only considering fresh water boats.

 

[BlueYonder]

Do you have service records that show that the cooling system has been properly serviced? Probably should have been done every 2 -3 years in salt water.

 

[juggernaut1]

You may also want to query what bottom paint is on it as some bottom paints are for salt water only i.e. Micron 66.