Fresh water vs. Raw water cooling

[Scotyp]

Greetings,

I currently own a 1998 210 Bowrider and am about to jump in to a 2000 340 Sundancer. I'm up in Seattle and have found an available boat in Anacortes, Wa. so it sits in salt water.
I plan to keep the boat in Lake Washington full time which is fresh water and use it in the Summers out in salty Puget Sound one or two weeks a year. My question is do I run from this boat since it is raw water cooled or not worry about it because it will be stored in fresh water?What things do I look at during the inspection period? I have heard several past perspective buyers turn it down for this reason! Any advice appreciated!

 

[Golfman25]

I would base it on the condition of the boat and the likelihood you can find a fresh water version in your area. A real good engine analysis would be in order. Does the owner have maintenance records? When was the last time the manifolds/risers where changed? What is the boat's history? Etc. Etc.

 

[Scotyp]

Thank you for the good tips! Being next to fresh water I'm sure there are other boats fresh water cooled coming up this Winter!

 

[Groucho]

Yeah, not only inside the engine but the damage it does just from the regular salt spray. Hot water heater etc. as well as anything inside the bilge is at risk.