Use Houseboats in Saltwater?

by John Schuthess
(San Diego, CA)

Can you put any houseboat in saltwater, and if so, what prep do you have to do, and approx what cost on a 16 x 75 foot house boat?

Reply - Answer
Good question John, generally you would apply a anti-fouling paint on the hull, and the cost varies according to the anti-fouling paint used. Your best best would be to contact a local marina shipyard in your area.

Many people will flush the engine(s) with fresh water after a run (not necessary if your engine(s) are prestone cooled).

Saltwater is a good conductor, so you would make sure your anodes are in good shape, and an extra option would be a galvanic isolator to reduce electrolytic corrosion.

Hope this all helps, IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com