I am new to boating and have a 2002 Fisher 16' aluminum bass boat.

I would like to fish in the lower Potomac River in Maryland, not far from Chesapeake Bay.

Is it OK to use an aluminum boat in salt water? Any precautions necessary?

Thanks

Absolutely safe with no special precautions necessary other than keeping an eye on the weather  

Just do the things you would do to any boat in salt - flush motor, give it a good rinse, and especially rinse the trailer, even if galvanized, or aluminum.

I use her all the time in saltwater.  Just flush the motor and give her a bath the same day you take'er out.  I stop at the drive thru do it yourself car wash on the way home and then flush the motor when I get home while I unload my gear.

My aluminum boat started out in saltwater bays back in 1958  for 12 yrs  and over 36 yrs of fresh water. Never had a loose rivit either. Lucky ?  I say quality. The make is no longer made ( duro tech).I'm looking for 20 more years. Its dull looking but that helps not spooking fish.

I've used a 14 and 16 for years in the salt.  Extra cleaning with soap and water is all you need.

Like Boatnik mentioned, they don't make that model anymore but on a bigger note, they don't make them like that anymore,....period.

Thicker gauge aluminum, deeper gunnels,...friggin bulletproof.  I will not buy a jon that is less than 30 yrs old now.

Thanks everyone for your input.

I will just remember to clean with freshwater after use.

And soap!

The motor is more important.  If you use a t/m,...it sure better be a saltwater one like a riptide.  Freshwater models don't last very long once exposed to the salt.