I know, I know. Bass boat in saltwater is a bad idea. But what about the new Xpress X Pros without carpet? Would only be a few times a year in the flats. If I removed the Ultrex and washed everything good after how would It stand up you think?
Obviously the Xpress bay boats can go in the saltwater. What's different? From what I can tell even the trailer is pretty much the same except vinyl on the bunks instead of carpet.
Anything else to consider?
What say you?

what kinda trailer u got? I would at least drop the trailer in a fresh water lake on the way home, and u probably still have issues. Salt is a killer.

The boat is on order but its all aluminum backtrack trailer. https://xpressboats.com/trailers/
I'll call them tomorrow and see how much the saltwater package runs and see if it's not too late to upgrade to that.
Saltwater package - composite bunk covers over carpet and upgraded bow roller.

What about the trolling motor? Is it built for salt water use?

There are other things to consider: exposed electrical connections will corrode, hinges and latches will rust...

Might be cheaper in the long run to hire a guide.

It's an Ultrex but I would definitely remove It before going if I decided to take the boat. I THINK the hinges and latches are stainless but would have to confirm. Exposed electrical connections - this is why I ask, didn't think about that. I wonder if Xpress leaves connections exposed on the bass boats but protected on the bay boats?

I love going with a guide, but when we go, we end up staying a week or so. It just sucks to go out for a day with a guide, then sit around wishing I had a boat with me the rest of the days.

Is it too late to change your mind, and get a bay boat? Even if you are only going to the coast a few times a year, it might be a better choice.

I really just want both lol!
I had the Xpress bay boat on order first for that reason and already changed to the bass boat a few weeks ago! It's what I really want. My wife would kill me if I changed my mind again. Been driving her insane during the boat buying process the past month.

IT WILL EAT UR WIRING UP, DONT DO IT!!!

I believe you, but what' different in the wiring in the Xpress bass and bay boats?

The console location makes a difference on how much water gets to the boat's equipment. Bass boats have a wet bilge. Saltwater will go into the bilge of the boat, and corrosion will occur forever after that; you can never get it all washed out. Bay boats are self-bailing. They are often sealed such that water never gets under the floor of the boat. If you do it, you're going to ruin what would have been a long-life boat and trailer - in short order. You'll end up trashing the rig long before it is paid for, or spending major bucks fixing the disaster. If you're determined to learn what not-to-do the very difficult and expensive way, proceed as you wish. In no time at all, you'll realize the mistake you can never unmake.

Look into boat rentals down there. My brothers and I would go down there and rent a boat for the week. It really wasn’t bad at all...

I ran an Xpress bass boat in saltwater for years, with zero issues. It sat on a McClain galvanized channel trailer, that had no issues either. Ran aluminum boats in the bay and the near rigs out of Sabine pass. Know lots of other folks that do the same too. Don't listen to the naysayers, you'll be fine with that boat. Been there, done that, longer than a lot of these experts have been alive.

I think the key to not having issues with salt water is understanding what the issues can be and planning for them. Somewhere on the boat you need to have a big zinc anti corrosion plate. You didn't mention what motor you are going to have on the boat, maybe one of the salt water engines would be best. I fish out of a CC flats boat with a Yamaha OX66 150hp. Before I bought my boat, it had been used all over the Everglades, inshore salt water, etc. and while its not an aluminum boat, I think that isn't a deal breaker.. you just have to take care of it.
BD

Thanks for your input sir.
I have an email in to Xpress to see what the differences in builds are. I do know that their bay boat is not self bailing and also utilizes a bilge pump.

The engine is a Yamaha SHO. Same engine on their bay boats.

This is a good idea for sure.