On Thu, 5 Feb 2004 00:57:58 -0600, "Eric H"
wrote:

I have a 2001 Nitro bassboat with a Merc. 115 four stroke outboard that
has only been operated on Illinois freshwater lakes. We are thinking about
moving to the west coast of Florida, near Homosassa. I have noticed several
Merc outboards in that area are badged as "Sal****er". Is there a major
difference between my motor and the "sal****er" version? I assume the
significant difference is in the corrosion resistance of the cooling water
circulation system. Can I use my current rig in a sal****er environment
without major damage? Should I sell it in Illinois and by a sal****er
boat/motor in Florida?
I know this is a lot to just toss out there and simply ask for "HELP" but
I also know this NG has a lot of participants that understand situations
w/o a lot of detailed introduction. Thanks for any advice .

To answer the engine question, yes, they are a little different in
that the corrosion coatings are different and some of the metals and
fittings are stainless. There isnt' really much difference.

Are you planning on using the boat inshore salt and inland fresh? If
so, then you are fine as long as you flush the engine every salt trip
and wash things down. Expect some corrosion on fittings and the like
because they probably aren't stainless. The boat isn't really
designed for this type of activity, but a once in a while trip isnt' a
problem. As to the boat itself, as long as you keep a weather eye
out, obtain a marine radio and the usual safety stuff it will be great
on the flats and in the rivers.

However, you might be wiser to sell the boat and pick up one of the
Nitro inshore boats like a center console. Triton makes a couple of
light tackle boats in the 18-20 foot range as does Ranger which makes
a great inshore/inland boat - The Intercoastal series. You might also
want to take a look at Polar which has a solid line of boats, although
they aren't as versatile as the other's I mentioned.

Can't help you with price comparisons between Florida and where you
live where ever you live. :)

For the record, I own a Ranger 200C which is a 20 foot center console
that they only made for two years. I think it's the perfect boat for
inshore/inland although it dosen't handle small water very well - it
can be a beast to launch in shallow water. I have a tin boat for that
kind of stuff.

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
----------

"I thought I'd just go fishin', but the fish
were not amused. And I caught myself just
wishin' that I was in the fishes shoes. Just
swimmin' in some deep blue water not a care
in my head, watchin' some fool with a line
and a pole hidin' by the riverbed."

Joe Ely, "Back To My Old Molehill" - "Flatlanders,
Wheels of Fortune - 2004"