If you're considering the purchase of a new boat, one of the deciding factors needs to be whether the boat will be used primarily on saltwater or freshwater. Each type of water exposes the boat to a different type of environment, and you want to be sure that your new boat can handle the conditions it will regularly encounter. Below, get to know this subject better with a discussion of the differences between saltwater and freshwater boating.

Saltwater

The salt content of saltwater can damage a boat and cause corrosion of metal parts. This is less of an issue with freshwater boating. However, many boats designed for saltwater use often include engine cooling components that flush the internal systems and prevent much of the harm posed by salt. The hulls of boats that will be used in saltwater need to be stronger than those used in freshwater, as the ocean tends to be rougher and choppier than lakes and rivers, and the hull will likely experience harder and more potentially damaging movements on the ocean.

Freshwater

Freshwater boats are constructed with calmer conditions in mind. They are sturdy and reliable, but their hulls are smaller and flatter, which is more effective for navigating the small waves and smoother movements of freshwater boating. With all this said, you can still occasionally take a freshwater boat into saltwater, as both types are strong and durable, but you should always flush and rinse a freshwater boat thoroughly after every saltwater encounter to better protect the vessel. A boat designed for freshwater use may or may not include a closed cooling system, so if you think that you may be regularly taking the new boat into saltwater at any point in the future, investing in a vessel with engine cooling capability is a smart idea.

When you're in the market for a new boat, visit Sutter's Canandaigua Marina. Since 1993, they have been providing the Canandaigua, NY, area with new and pre-owned boats. They also offer boat repair and service, as well as rentals and onsite storage facilities. Conveniently located on the city pier, they are here to help you shop for your first boat, upgrade to a newer model, or just provide the best possible boating experience. Call (585) 394-0918 or visit them online to learn more about their current inventory.