South Africa offers an exciting and unforgettable experience for boaters in South Africa. However, while it is exciting, one must understand the risks these activities may pose for your vessel’s condition. In this article, we are stressing the importance of regular boat maintenance in South Africa.
Why does Regular Boat Maintenance Matter in South Africa?
South Africa boasts diverse ecological and geological conditions at sea, primarily due to the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean. These conditions can affect your boat’s performance and longevity if left unattended.
This is true especially if you take your vessel to the sea regularly or your boat is constantly docked at a marina. South Africa’s coastal waters are rich in marine life and salt. These can cause significant damage to your boat’s hull, regardless of the material. Saltwater is a potent conductor for galvanic corrosion, especially for the various metal parts of your boat. If your boat has a wooden hull, it will suffer from constant moisture absorption. Or, if your boat has a fibreglass-reinforced hull, you may observe issues like osmotic blistering.
Not to mention, these conditions and your negligence will also affect the equipment, boat mechanisms, and other important components such as radar.
All these issues will eventually weaken your hull and cause extensive, irreversible damage in the long term or put your safety at risk. This is especially true if you drive in rough sea conditions more often than not.
SAMSA Annual Survey and Certificate of Fitness
To ensure the safety of life on the sea, SAMSA requires you to obtain/renew a Certificate of Fitness annually for your boat.
All recreational/pleasure vessels are required to obtain the SAMSA Certificate of Fitness. This applies to the vessels of the following criteria.
- Power-driven vessels powered by motors of 15HP or less;
- Sailing vessels of less than 9m; and
- Vessels propelled by human power alone.
All these vessels will require a renewal of their CoF annually. This may or may not apply to recreational Jet Skis and other vessels under 3 metres. For more information, consider contacting your local boating club or SAMSA itself.
All commercial vessels must renew their CoF annually regardless of the size.
Key Boat Maintenance for your Vessel in South Africa
The most crucial parts of your boat are the hull and the engine (or the sail). As long as the hull integrity is intact and the engine is in good shape, your boat will carry you safely.
When it comes to key maintenance, cleaning and waxing duties are your priorities. Depending on how you store your boat, you should thoroughly wash your boat once every 1-2 months. This includes cleaning the exterior and interior. On the other hand, waxing the hull offers protection from UV rays, salt, and water, while keeping your boat shiny and clean.
Wash your boat as often so that you can thoroughly clean it with just mild cleaners like soap and not chemicals.
Now, the engine. On a personal level, you can keep an eye on the oil levels and cooling systems to ensure smooth operation. Furthermore, you can eye for damage and debris. Remove any debris and allow your engine to operate smoothly.
Also, don’t forget about winterisation. South African climate can get severely cold during winters. Freezing temperatures can damage your engine and hull if left unattended. In this case, it is crucial to keep your boat dry and covered. Furthermore, consider draining all the water from your engine, plumbing, and bilge to prevent freezing and damage.
If you must take out your boat during winter, consider adding anti-freeze to the engine and water systems.
Conclusion
The importance of regular boat maintenance shall not be overlooked for your safety and the performance and longevity of the boat in South Africa. By committing to regular maintenance, skippers can extend the life of their vessels, enhance safety, and ensure that every outing is enjoyable.
The rule of thumb for maintaining your boat depends on how often and for how long you use your boat. The more you use it, the more often you should maintain it.
Also, while personal maintenance is always a must, you should at least consider servicing your boat from a professional once a year.
If you are looking for a skipper’s license or other marine-related courses in South Africa, Sail and Power SA can help you. Contact us today for more information.