Saltwater vs freshwater speed

[Rdavis0207]

I noticed that I tend to hit and extra couple mph in salt water than I do in the lake. Could this be the density of the saltwater or just currents? Just curious. The small lake I use is always smooth as glass vs the the bay but I always seem to hit 50mph on gps vs 46-47 on the lake .

 

[Dixie Highway]

Colder water is denser. Salt water is denser than fresh. The current will play a role. Also if the water is glassy smooth there is more surface tension than water that is not. Some have said it gives 1-2 mph.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Objects are more buoyant in salt water but you could be calculating the tidal current while in salt water.