I'm found another 353 on Long Island, NY. It is a salt water boat. What is the general opinion of salt water boats, OK or stay away? The asking price is $69,000.00 without a trailer. This boat has 502's, 200 hrs. and bottom paint. I would appreciate any honest opinion of this boat. Thanks for any advice.

My 311 lived in salt water it's previous life but it is WAY cleaner than most of the fresh water boats that were for sale when I was looking. It was trailered most of the time; didn't sit in the water much. I think it just depends on the care of the previous owner.

The salt water wouldn't bother me, but the bottom paint would.

If it's bottom painted, and no trailer, it was most likely moored/slipped in salt. These boats don't typically get flushed and rinsed. There is a reason it's the cheapest 353 ever heard of. I personally wouldn't touch it with your money. Another 15-18K will get you a nice '98-99 FW boat. One of the members here has a nice clean one for sale taken in on trade. I think it's brokered too at Lake Cumberland. The price was 89K on a trailer 200 hrs. very clean. If that boat could be bought for 85 clean cash...youd be waaaay ahead of the salty boat.

I just responded to your other thread in Technical.....didn't realize they were down to 69k. Just consider how much maintanence and "fixing" your willing to do and if you will be ahead after doing so. (I think probably not)
Good Luck.

Agree with Rippem: Bottom paint = stay away. Boat will be slower and would indicate it spent a lot of its life sittting in the brine.

Wantsa311: Nice boat...........same graphics (Palm Beach as my '89 and looks clean).

I also agree with Rippem. I have bought two bottom painted boats in the past, and I swear I'll never do it again, no matter how good a price I think it is.

I looked at both when shopping. Try to stay with fresh water. No matter what salt takes a toll , especially when left in

Thanks for all the replies. I think I will stay away from the salt water boats. I have my 1999 271 for sale if anybody is interested. Let me know of any 98-00 353's out there.

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