I did not want a saltwater boat when I was in same situation. I went through all the expense of going to look at a "freshwater" boat only to find the exhaust manifolds were rusted out junk. From then on I just asked for close up pics of exhaust manifolds and outdrives. Those always seam to reflect the past use of boat. I did end up buying a boat in Iowa and drug it home. Went with a cashiers check in hand for less then asking and a pocket full of cash.