One of my fathers friends has a '94 (not sure of the brand at the moment but I hear it's a nice one?) bass boat I can pick up fairly cheap. My experience with "Freshwater Bass" style boats is very limited but I've heard people talking smack when they see one in the salt:
"he's going to ruin that boat" & similar comments.

I won't be able to own one without at least hitting some of the inshore salty bass?
I'm curious what kind of problems salt can cause to a bass boat or if this is even the case beyond regular wear caused by the brine.

I would also love to hear any first hand info on how these type boats handle in any kind of seas? I understand the shape & low waterline aren't ideal but just curious how dangerous such a boat is for moderate local runs the salt?

Thanks!
Josh

I know a few people that took their bass boats in salt. One lasted a year or so with some longer runs in the salt. Another had its problems later. The problem is the water gets trapped under the carpet and the seat posts get wrecked and everything else under the carpet. So rod lockers and other compartments had salt damage. Just what I have seen and know of. I'm sure if you are real anal about keeping things cleaned you would have no problems.

I take my bass boat in the salt all the time and havn't had any problems. Just flush your motor when you're done. Never been out of the bays, but it was perfect for that.

<---Toad Santee Lakes Bass

http://calfishing.com/gallery/v/members/BassSlayer619/