What is the best all purpose boat for both salt and freshwater? Inshore and offshore? Play and fishing?

[Charliefretz329]

[DaveToo]

When it comes to boating, you may ask if there is a big difference between fresh and saltwater. The answer is somewhat dependent on the specifics… as in are we talking about fish? Alternatively, are we talking about the boats themselves?

If we are talking about the equipment for fishing in the two different bodies of water, then yes, there is a significant difference. However, since we are talking about boats, is there really a difference between the two?

Better yet, can a boat used mainly for freshwater finishing be used for saltwater fishing and vice versa? While the simple answer is yes, boats can traditionally enter either water; there are a few key differences between the two that boaters should keep in mind.

First of all, the overall construction of most freshwater boats includes a hull strength that is designed to be closer to shore. This means that it can be easily swept away if it has to deal with the larger waves that appear in the oceans.

Overall maintenance of the boat is another key difference. Depending on the materials that the boat is made of, the boat may require different types of maintenance. Saltwater is known to corrode metals much quicker than freshwater, and untreated wood tends to rot quicker in both types of water.

So, is there a significant difference between freshwater and saltwater fishing boats? Not much, but if you are planning to switch your boat from one or the other, you’ll want to make sure that it is properly water-ready, so you don’t end up making some costly repairs later on.

So, you are looking to purchase your very own saltwater fishing boat, and you aren’t quite sure where to start.

In order to help ease the stress of finding the best saltwater fishing boats that would suit your fishing need, we’ve compiled a shortlist of factors that buyers should consider before taking the final plunge.

The Boat’s Material
This is one of the most vital pieces of information you’ll want to find out when looking at saltwater boats. Obviously, if you are planning a fishing trip out on the ocean, you won’t be paddling in your little homemade, all-wood dingy.

Chances are, you are going to be in a boat that is built of fiberglass, specially treated wood, and metal. When it comes down to the metal materials, you’ll want to make sure it is sea-ready. Many professionals state that 316-grade stainless steel or better is ideal because anything lower will begin to rust and corrode rather quickly.

Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity is a big one for those that like to travel further out to sea when saltwater fishing. You always want to make sure that you not only have enough fuel to get where you’re going, but to get back as well, plus a little bit extra.

For many boats, the standard goes like this: 1/3 fuel capacity to get where you’re going, 1/3 to get home, and 1/3 in reserve.

[Charliefretz329]

Good points Dave! Thanks!

[Charliefretz329]

I’m looking for a good brand right now… everything you’ve said had been spot on though

[DaveToo]

www.strongsmarine.com/.../

[Charliefretz329]

Thanks 😊

[exitseven]

Maritime Skiff.

This boat will do everything you want. It does not draw much water, it is very seaworthy and handles great.

[Charliefretz329]

Thanks!!!

[TrueConfection]

My personal favorite is a sailboat. I'm not sure about going between fresh water and salt water though. They're definitely fun for play, in shore, off shore, and even fishing!

[Charliefretz329]

Sailboats definitely seem fun. I’d like to learn one someday… but I’m looking for an easy weekend craft at the present

[DaveToo]

I learned to sail using a sailboat when the Coast Guard had me take a tour on the Eagle, a 3 masted schooner. I've loved the sounds and peace of a vessel powered by the wind.

[TrueConfection]

@DaveToo 3 masts! Sounds beautiful. The largest I have crewed on was 50 ft. Single mast.

[DaveToo]

USCGC Eagle (WIX-327), formerly the Horst Wessel and also known as the Barque Eagle, is a 295-foot (90 m) barque used as a training cutter for future officers of the United States Coast Guard. She is one of only two active commissioned sailing vessels in the United States military today, along with USS Constitution which is ported in the Boston Harbor. She is the seventh Coast Guard cutter to bear the name in a line dating back to 1792, including the Revenue Cutter Eagle.[1][2][3]

Each summer, Eagle deploys with cadets from the United States Coast Guard Academy and candidates from the Officer Candidate School for periods ranging from a week to two months. These voyages fulfill multiple roles. The primary mission is training the cadets and officer candidates, but the ship also performs a public relations role for the Coast Guard and the United States. Often, Eagle makes calls at foreign ports as a goodwill ambassador.

The ship was built as the German sail training ship Horst Wessel in 1936; it served to train German sailors in sail techniques until decommissioned at the start of World War II. The vessel was given anti-aircraft armament and re-commissioned in 1942. At the end of the war, Horst Wessel was taken by the U. S. as war reparations.

[TrueConfection]

@DaveToo Wow! That must have been very exciting to sail on that boat. I've been a passenger on a few larger boats, but not crew. Saling is fun and I prefer to be part of the crew.

[DaveToo]

It was the thrill of a lifetime for me. I almost took them upon entering the Academy, but I didn't want to commit to 6 more years.

[tomtom05131]

A rental. If it flies, floats or fucks, rent it don’t buy it. 🤣

[Charliefretz329]

Probably gold advice 🤣

[Redstang88]

No such thing. Major pros and cons for any design in any use

[WowwGirl]

A big one

[Charliefretz329]

Yes 🙌 I agree! But they make them very very big 🤣