What is the difference between a saltwater and non saltwater Mercury outboard?

Saltwater motors have 25" shaft, regular outboards for bass boats have a 20" shaft. Other than that I'm not really sure, they probably have some extra corrosion protection from the saltwater too.

So... really no difference. I take it it would be safe to say that I could use my Stratos 176XT for inshore saltwater fishing in the sound at Emerald Isle once or twice a year so long as it is rinsed properly afterwards?

There is no difference. Mercury labled them "saltwater" to put customers mids at ease. They are the same motors. I use my 90 mercury and Tracker in saltwater. As with ANY motor and boat, give it a good flush and rinse after a day in the salt.

Thanks.

Your trailer and trolling motor are probably not saltwater worthy. Trailers are the worst, even with a cleaning because it will rust/corrode quick. As for trolling motors, the black ones are designed for freshwater and the white ones are designed for saltwater.

That I did know. I was told to give both a good greasing before and then a good cleaning after each dunking.

That I did know. I was told to give both a good greasing before and then a good cleaning after each dunking.

That I did know. I was told to give both a good greasing before and then a good cleaning after each dunking.