Freshwater Motor vs Saltwater

[BlueGhost93]

I keep seeing on craigslist that some people claim their 30hp-on up are freshwater motors. What designates a outboard as "freshwater"? Or is that just their way of saying they only used it in fresh?

Thanks

 

[a70eliminator]

There are some factory "salt water" designated engines that have a special corrosion inhibitor base coat of paint and most waill also have a cooling system flush hose adapter installed so you can hose flush after each outing.
But, there is the fact that when selling an engine some will specify it as a freshwater engine meaning it was used in fresh water whitch could in fact be a saltwater engine, the serial number has the code to be sure. It's not like you can't use a freshwater engine in salt water or vice versa.

 

[F_R]

Generally speaking, if it is a factory saltwater series, the seller would indicate that. But if it merely says "freshwater motor" it means it is just a regular motor that has never been put in salt. Sellers in salt water / coastal areas generally point that out (if true), so people don't get scared off by the location.

 

[theoldwizard1]

In a CL or eBay ad, that usually means the motor was only used in freshwater.

 

[phillnjack2]

some engines are infact salt water motors due to their parts used in manufacture.
for instance the mercury saltwater series have some parts made of stainless steel rather than carbon steel for instance.
this makes it more of a anti-corrosion problem for salt water use but can STILL be used perfectly well in freshwater.
Many makers claim their entire range can be used equally in salt water and fresh water, yes they can but not as good as a engine that has many parts
that are used for a better salt water usage.

but like said above 99% of the time when someone says they have a freshwater motor they mean its never been used in salt water.
now unless its a single owner engine I would not be so sure.
a good dose of cleaning an engine after each salt water use will keep the engine as good as one used in freshwater.

infact the engine I have now was only used in freshwater, but corrosion has still taken its toll due to lack of clean water flushing.
calcium from fresh water is almost as bad as salt water corrosion if not flushed out and kept at bay.
limescale build up clogs engines very badly and will also attack aluminium almost as bad as salt deposits !!!!!!.