| Aspect | Freshwater Use | Saltwater Use |
| Corrosion risk | Low | High |
| Weed exposure | High | Low |
| Maintenance needs | Moderate | High |
| Drive material focus | Lightweight | Heavy-duty |
| Shallow-water importance | Very high | Medium |
Freshwater pedal-drive systems prioritize weed handling and shallow performance over extreme corrosion resistance.
