For most people, so long as there is a body of water, every boat can go on it. While this is correct, it will amaze you to note that there are some bodies of water that dome boats can sail safely on.
In other news, we have boats for specific environments and water types. So when you see people asking questions about whether can a bass boat go in salt water, you should not be surprised.
Can a bass boat be used in saltwater?
For those who need answers to the question of can a bass boat go in salt water, you should keep reading to satisfy your curiosity.
You must first note that while a bass boat can go in salt water, it is ideal if you use it in freshwater.
The reason for this is not farfetched as most of the components of its system were not made for saltwater’s corrosive nature. As a result, most people will never take their bass boat into saltwater or the ocean.
In simpler terms, the bass boat is one of those boats that was never meant to be used in saltwater. And as we mentioned earlier, while the bass boat cannot tackle the complex nature of this body of water, some are being made to tackle it.
If you need a bass boat like that, get ready to spend a whole lot of cash to get it. But, if you have to use your bass boat on saltwater, have you ever wondered what may happen to it?
Keep reading to find out.
Features that make saltwater terrible for a bass boat
Some of the features that will be affected in your bass boat if you use it in salt water even after reading the answers to “Can a bass boat go in salt water” are:
Engine
It is a bad idea to take your bass boat into saltwater if the bass boat you bought has an inboard motor.
On a good day, the boats used on saltwater come with motors with corrosion-resistant parcels. It is because salt water is not suitable for the essence used in making it.
The saltwater engines are made tough for reasons that may have to do with the corridor being covered in a coating that is corrosion resistant or already used stainless steel parts. It could even be both.
The fact remains that the motor of the bass boat was not built with any of these properties. Instead, it is because the bass boats are for freshwater.
You can easily risk getting it ruined when you take it to the ocean, especially if your bass boat has an inbound or inbuilt motor.
Bear in mind that if your bass boat uses an outboard motor, you can have it changed to a saltwater-friendly engine before you use it in the ocean.
Flooring
Most of the bass boats you will find come with standard carpeted flooring. So, this is not the issue as the carpet will get wet in any water.
The primary issue is that the carpet gets to hold on to the saltwater way longer than it would with fresh water. As a result, it will lead to the sub-flooring of the boat rotting due to saltwater destroying the wood underneath.
Electrical system
The kind of boat you have will not necessarily count as saltwater will always affect the electrical systems.
A significant difference you will experience is that saltwater boats pass through some lengths to have erosion-resistant parcels on their electrical systems. These could be coatings on joints and wires or waterproof casings on everything.
This upgrade is not found in a bass boat, as bass boats are for brackish use. However, it means that the manufacturers will not go to any length to cover the electrical system from saltwater like they would have done for the saltwater-friendly vessels.
If the electrical systems get exposed to saltwater, they will no longer work properly.
Steering system
Remember that the steering systems you will find on bass boats are not crafted for saltwater. Think of the steering system when you ask, “Can a bass boat go in salt water?”.
The steering system is not designed for saltwater because they have plenty of components not equipped to tackle the type of corrosion saltwater inflicts on them.
If you use bass boats on saltwater, components like pivot arms, cylinders, hydraulics, cables, and even knobs will be destroyed due to corrosion.
While these issues will not come up all at once, you will get to notice them when you have used the bass boat for months on saltwater. For example, the steering system will indurate or get to stall completely.
Hardware of the boat
Unlike saltwater-friendly boats, bass boats are crafted with essence hardware that comes with chrome plated additions. Note that chrome is not user-friendly with saltwater and will rust pretty quickly.
However, saltwater boats’ standard essence is none other than stainless steel. Stainless steel provides a powerful corrosion-resistant bond for the boat that will make it last through the toughness of saltwater.
But, you will notice its rudiments suffering from corrosion when you take your bass boat and its chrome components out in saltwater for an extended period.
Trim tabs
For those unaware, trim tabs force the bow of the boat to go high up in the air and compensate for changes in water conditions, weight distribution, and speed.
It is helpful because when traveling in wavy areas, you can quickly raise the trim tabs so that your boat does not hit the waves and end up getting filled with water. However, bass boats do not have this.
It is because, in brackish, you will not meet such a scenario where the team tabs will be needed. But, you can hit some big waves, which will get your boat swamped with water. There are other features for why bass boat go in salt water.
What is a bass boat
Before learning what a bass boat is, you must understand that some boats cannot tackle the wild nature of some bodies of water. And unfortunately or fortunately, the bass boat is one of them. Even though bass boat go in salt water.
But while they do not function well in salt water, some bass boats are equipped to sail on salt water. However, you must be ready to go above and beyond your budget to get such boats.
As you learn answers to the question of can a bass boat go in salt water, bear in mind that the bass boat is a flat fishing boat created for bass fishing. These boats are crafted from aluminum.
This aluminum material makes them highly affordable and, of course, lighter. However, there are some of them made out of fiberglass, but they come heavy and tagged with a high price.
A typical bass boat is equipped with an outboard motor of a higher power. And they come with features that make it easier to go fishing with them. More so, they come with the following:
- Insulated coolers
- Rod holders
- Rod box
- Recirculating live wells and much more.
It would be best if you bought a bass boat for those who get to be in inland waterways or avid inland anglers. This boat will assist in boosting your fishing experience and heighten fishing effectiveness.
From all you have read, it is pretty easy to see that the bass boat is for fishing. Its primary function is purposely built for inland fishing and comes with a tiny trawling motor.
This motor is used in subtly navigating smaller areas without having to cause a disturbance.
Differences Between Freshwater Boat And Saltwater Boats
Aside from asking, “can a bass boat go in salt water” those new to the boating world must know that there are differences between freshwater boats and saltwater boats.
And while the bass boat can surely go into saltwater, keeping it in freshwater is advisable. Unfortunately, as we have outlined above, some systems in the boat were not crafted for the corrosive qualities of saltwater boating.
Without much ado, the differences between the freshwater boat and saltwater boat are:
Resistance to corrosion
One thing to note about saltwater boats is that they tackle corrosion resistance better. They come with system features like closed cooling systems.
The closed cooling systems assist in eliminating the need for owners of these boats to flush their engines manually after use.
But when using freshwater boats, you will need to self-flush the system yourself after each use.
Hull design
While freshwater boats have Hull shapes and fins that are crafted to be close to flat shores and can tackle flat waves, saltwater boats tackle way more challenging conditions.
Hull fouling
Saltwater boats are more susceptible to marine life growth on their Hull. An example is the fact that barnacles are capable of slicing bellows open. There is also extra time and good maintenance to remove this life from the Hull.
Bear in mind that fouling has to do with the build-up of animal and plant life on the boat. It occurs in all vessels or structure that spends time on the water.
Fouling is available in two forms. First, they are micro-fouling which has to do with tiny organisms like algae and bacteria. And macro fouling like seaweed and barnacles.
Mercathode systems
You will find mercathode systems installed in saltwater boats and not freshwater boats. Note that these cathodic protection systems help run electrical currents throughout the boat engine and prevent galvanic corrosion.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Will a bass boat in salt water damage the engine?
Yes, salt water can damage a boat engine, but that shouldn’t stop you from going on saltwater on your bass boat. If you take proper precautions and follow preventive measures, then your bass boat can go in salt water.
Which is the safest boat for salt water?
While we couldn’t find the safest kayak for salt water, we found a salt water boat that is being advertised as the safest. According to the brand and multiple reviewers, the Kraken 50 is stated to be the ‘safest blue water yacht in build today.’ One of the main safety features of this boat is its Zero Keel.’ This unique hull and keel combo measures 20mm and has Kevlar reinforcement along with other safety and stability features.
What other kinds of boats can I take in salt water?
Since sailing in the ocean is a popular hobby amongst the elites and normal people, there are multiple styles of boats that can go in salt water. These boats also come in different price points and styles. Here are some of the popular ones we have found and tested:
Sailboats
Sportfishing Yachts
Trawlers
Walkarounds
Center Consoles
Motor Yachts/Power Cruisers
Along with some bass boat go in salt water these are just some other boats for ocean sailing.
Can a bass boat sink in salt water?
All boats can sink in salt water if damaged badly, but a bass boat doesn’t completely sink even when punctured.
Bass boats do not typically sink, but they can take on a lot of water if they hit something that punctures the hull, if the water is turbulent, or if it rains a lot. Flotation foam is commonly used in bass boats because it enhances buoyancy and helps keep the boat afloat in the event of damage.
Conclusion
On a general note, we have answered the question, “can a bass boat go in salt water.” It is up to you to read through and ensure you do not make mistakes that condemn your bass boat for good. Also, read how to fish from on a kayak if you are fishing on small bodies of water like a river.