Speaking as a classical guitarist, here are some rules to follow if you want to take a guitar on a
cruise:
1. Never take a concert(high quality) instrument on a
boat. A working
guitar around $1500. or less is the best choice since it will be exposed
to salt air, wide temperature variations and a few unavoidable
knockabouts. My boat guitar is an Esteve IGRO8--solid cedar top,
rosewood sides and an ebony fingerboard. It has solid wound
basses and nylon trebles.
2. Never store any guitar in a soft case. A hard case will protect your
guitar and maintain more conistent humidity levels.
3. Never de-tune your guitar when in
storage. Always keep it tuned
since a guitar needs proper tension to withstand the variations
of temperature and humidity.
4. Buy a moisture meter and a guitar humidifier that can be adjusted
to "optimum" conditions.
5. Never polish a good guitar but wipe the body, neck and
head with
distilled
water to remove impurities. Wipe with a clean dry cloth.
6.
Oil tuning pegs as needed. Wipe strings with a string cleaner
after playing.
7. NEVER LEAVE YOUR GUITAR OUT AFTER PLAYING. PUT IT BACK
IN THE CASE.
If you adhere to these simple rules, a "boat guitar" should last about ten years before microscopic salt encrustation permeates the inside of the guitar. After that happens, keep it around for a good
dinghy paddle in times of need. Good luck and good
music. P.S. Please disregard the above
advice if you play Country Western, Rock and Roll or anything that resembles Peter, Paul and Mary. Your audience won't know the difference anyway.