What would you look like? How long would you last without protection?

Let’s take a look at what you could experience:

A sudden burst of rain pouring down from the heavens, soaking to the core – fun on a hot summer days but a real freeze in winter The perfect ecosystem created to house moss and fungus in the dam of your clothes and maybe even a few mushrooms in your shoes.

 What about a little bit of dust, settling on your shoulder, just enough to bring out the hay fever in you. Even the finest layer can cause  a major damper on anyone’s colour scheme. You trade in clean and new for rustic and coated.

Let us not forget the prevailing wind that appears out of nowhere to blow your hair back and around. A tornado of leaves swirl around your feet, slapping at legs – an naturally painful exfoliater… real romantic story… 

Feeling uncomfortable yet?

 Well don’t take your shirt off in case of a hail storm. The little red marks that remain from a hail encounter are not pleasant.  Imagine a million paint balls falling from the sky with vicious velocity awaiting a helpless target (yes…You!). Unprotected you try dodge them – virtually impossible.

 Finally the onslaught ends with a break of sunshine – yes the end in near! The bright sun dries up all the rain leaving you feeling hopeful. Unfortunately the hot sun has no limit to the temperatures it will go to pity a poor soul subjected to its harmful rays. You skin begins hardened by the dust left behind, causing cracks in your face, legs and arms. You feel the stretch of your flesh as the heat expands your body, shades of red appear and little heat weaves radiate and you can barely hold off any longer….

Why would anyone want to subject themselves to this, especially when protective items are available? : hat / umbrella / suntan lotion / water ensuring your complete outdoor protection!

Why then do we abandon and neglect our boats, jet ski, outboard motors golf carts, jacuzzi to fend the harmful weather conditions by themselves. Unable to provide their own protection they look to us to ensure they are kept in good nick, to give us the life enjoyment we paid for! 

Our weather conditions exposure of marine and auto vehicles to disintegration:         coatings peal, dust eats away at upholstery, fungus takes residence in the carpeting, glue comes unstuck, rubber begins to warps, scratches appear on glossy coatings and fading occurs.

SOLUTION! Invest in a boat cover, engine cover, canopy, tonneau cover – something that will take the punishment, something affordable, something that is made to guard against and with stand the elements that come your way!

Boat Cover protection – its the only way!

Spearfishermen have their camo wetsuits, hunters their full bush suits, the bush guides have their kaki tac…what could we offer the eco-friendly boater?…

With the increased drive to supporting the environment we have decide to blend in, to assist you with creating as little disturbance to nature as you possibly can. 

Our selection of earth colours in the marine range enable the avid bass fisherman, off-road wheeler and bush lover to be at one with their environment.

We manufacture camo designed canopies, bush green tarps, covers and awnings ensuring you are hidden amongst foliage. Be green even at home with forest green blinds / boat covers /braai covers and furniture covers.

I know many golfing and housing estates require natural looking covers, we can provide you with our “go for green” golf cart dust and storage cover.

Hassle free and colour compliant!

Among the several kinds of boats for sale, you have to choose one that fits your needs the best.  Figure out what is the most important aspect of boating for you:

• Will you use it as a fishing boat or a cruising boat?
• Do I have space to house a boat? If not, where will it be stored?
• How many people should your boat be able to carry?
• How often will you be boating?
• What performance are you looking for?
• What enjoyment  are you wanting out of your boat?
• What aspects are important to you? Easy to tow? Fuel Efficient? No fuss enjoyment?
• What is my budget?
• Should I look at a payment scheme?
• Do I have finance for a new boat? Should I look at a previously owned boat?

These are examples of questions you may ask yourself when looking out for the perfect boat.  Keep in mind the added maintenance and operation costs that the boat may have. E.g. Annual SAMSA membership, buoyancy certificate, skipper’s license, Wild Card renewal.

In South Africa we are really spoiled for choice imported versus locally made boats as well as a variety of designs, colours and ranges:  fishing boats, power boats, jet skis, sailboats, personal boats, and self powered boats. Visit your local boat trader to acquaint yourself with the types of boats available.

Fishing boats have several variations, mostly because they are used in different types of water: freshwater and saltwater.  Each water type has different safety requirements, rules and expectations that need to be met, do some research and find out what you need to adhere to. With regards to the types of fishing boat you want, consider which water type you be spending all if not most of your time in? Some are designed for shallow freshwater fishing while others for deep ocean fishing.  What AMP’s will you need? T-top? Rod & reels holders? Sneaker motor? Fully Enclosed canopy? Cowl Cover? Fish Finder? Your basic all-purpose fishing boat can be made of fiberglass, wood, or aluminium suited for catching certain species of fish like bass.

The power boat category  also has varied choices for you: run-about (skiing boat), jet boats, semi-rigid (rubber duck),  or even inflatable dinghies that are easily transportable.  These are a few styles: bow rider, inboard  / outboard ,swim platform, wakeboard, closed nose, centre console or conventional . Put some extras on and personalise you craft with AMP’s: Ski pole / Mini wing or Monster tower? Canopy – flying or sport style? Sound system? Night lights?If you are looking to rather cruise around the water and enjoy a little more luxury and less tempo but plenty of power under the bow you could look across at the cruise liners, cabin boats and motor yachts. Here you can indulge in the  smorgasbord of trims, finishes and accessories tailored to your to your desire.

So now lets talk about the power! Depending on the boat you have a choice in this regard: Mercury / Mariner, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Evinrude.  The dealer you visit will be an accredit supplier of one or more of these brands. Test them out if your not sure, ask around and get advice. Remember depending on your boating application you might need to look at a different propeller and well as the type.

Whether you buy a fishing boat, sailboat, or power boat, the financing and purchase agreements you go through will be very similar for all kinds of boats for sale. Make sure that your purchasing contract allows you to get your money back or replace the boat if it is not performing as promised. Get all warranties in writing in order to make the most out of your boat purchase.  Always ensure you protected and read the fine print!

Visit your marine supplies store or local boat dealer to view what’s on offer, find out about boat show days, boat tests, accessories and any other boating information you may require. Look to finding a dealer Be sure to find a marine supplier with gracious and informed staff so that your trip will not be a waste. Ask your boating friends for recommendations.

Happy looking!

Come back and let me know how it went. Did this help?

 Snippets from: http://vu2015.admin.just1.co.za/recreation-and-leisure/outdoors/boating/finding-the-best-boat.html

 With the present fuel hikes can you afford not to look at options to lower your fuel usage?

A study in South Africa was done using the Nissan NAVARA driving a 132.8km route using normal driving tactics (overtaking). The trip distance included speed restrictions of 60km, 80-100km and 120km which gave a good range for testing. Without the Tonneau cover the bakkie’s average fuel consumption was 11.08litres while with the Tonneau cover on it dropped to 10.33litres – a 7% SAVING!

This is equivalent to 0.65 per litre.

Other independent tests done by SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) have shown that on average you need to be driving over 100km/hr before you would get the fuel saving benefit. For normal everyday travelling at kilometers below 100km the air resistance is not enough affect the fuel consumption greatly.

Here is a formula enabling you to see and calculate you’re saving thus proving the benefit of buying a Tonneau cover.

*It is important to note that there are many factors that affect your vehicle fuel usage: driver, vehicle, load, terrain etc… But if you are able to save fuel, the accumulative total over time would work in your favour!*

To his misfortune the initial bomb did not have a long enough fuse and he was not able to get away quick enough which lead to him being hit in the head by flying shrapnel. Sloma determined to not let that happened again ensured that the final pipe bomb would have at least a 2 foot fuse and not a mingy 3 inch.

This gave Sloma plenty of time to plant the pipe bomb in cabin of L.A.’s fishing charter: Trout scout. In fact he had so much time that he was able to drive away without hearing or seeing the explosive devastation he would create.

The inferno set 2 adjacent fishing charter boats alight as well as affecting a pleasure yacht on a neighbouring jetty. After the flames died down and the ash settled, the bare hulls of 3 boats remained: Trout Scout, Predator and Peanuts IV. Lucky to still be around, Crown Royal was still intact, but suffered major heat damage.

Months would go by without locals and tourist being able to charter, leaving the owners “sunk” with no boat and a hole in their monthly revenue.

3 beautiful boats destroyed in unnecessary revenge. Lesson to learn: If you’re going be stupid you’re going to get caught!

*Department of Natural Resources

Be aware of restricted areas: boats only/ jet ski’s Only / ski course access areas / fishing only / wildlife sanctuaries / sailing as well as NO wake zones.

Which direction? Most dams and rivers work on the anti-clockwise route but always confirm before you go out onto the water. Also give way to boats already on the water.

Skier in the water waiting to go, tow line dragging or skier off – RED FLAG UP!

Know the riding capacity of your boat and keep within the maximum number. Be aware of your boat’s limits to reduce putting lives at risks and avoiding fines!

Navigation lights – Red / Green bow lights enable you to identify which side of the boat is coming towards you. Just remember “Port is Red but not right“. Port (red)is therefore the left-hand side of the boat leaving starboard (green) being the right-hand side of the boat.

Emergency equipment: Anchor, 3m Anchor chain, 50m Anchor rope, 1.5 kg fire extinguisher, Galvanised bailing bucket, 2 Oars, First aid kit, Capsize rope (1.1/2 length of your boat), Tool kit, Spares, Alternative steering (unless you have a tiller arm motor)

So get smart on the water and be aware of others!

ATTENTION: PAWS on deck!

According to research done in the USA by Sea Ray, 60% of clients take their pets on-board between 5 to 15 times a year. Taking this into consideration, Sea Ray got together with Nestle Purina and launched a website designed to cater for this unique market.

Their driving point: “Clients’ needs should be catered for no matter what their requirements. If you make a customer and his companion important, you’ll have a friend for life.”

This new venture brought into effect PAWS, (Pet and Water Safety) which regulates animals on-board marine vessels ensuring their security. Now all four legged boaters are required to wear dog life jackets to avoid animal deaths. Chris Padgett, Vice President of marketing for the Purina brand had this to say: “It’s crucial for pet owners to be aware of the special considerations for pets when they’re around the water and PAWS is a great way to deliver important messages about pet safety.”

The website is said to include includes safety tips, articles, contests, and merchandise with the PAWS logo.

Have a look: www.petandwatersafety.com

Hidden away in garages, under trees our boats and water toys are packed away awaiting the rays of summer. The idle months pass by with little attention to the dust that has settled like a fine film on your cover.  Slowly and surely microscopic organisms which hibernate in the dust feed on the protective coatings. This exposes the underlying backer and weakening the fibres. Discolouration also occurs causing the fabric to crack and flake rendering it useless against the elements.

It is vital to keep your cover clean, even the lightest dust contains little pests with gnashing teeth and acid waste. All your covers need is a little TLC. A regular shake and wash will extend its life giving you the most value out of your cover!

The current law in South Africa requires all marine vessels to be SAMSA registered and to have their certificate of fitness approved. A skipper’s license is an essential item – No license means No boating of any kind.

I’ve seen too many boaters turned away in anger and frustration after not having a skippers license.  As the captain of your boat, you need to be aware of the required safety equipment and procedures when operating your boat ensuring the well-being of your passengers and fellow boaters.

Also remember SABS approved life jackets are required by law on all skiers!

In order to do your C.O.F survey, you need to produce a flotation certificate and skipper’s license. With the certificate in hand, skippers license obtained,  relevant SR numbers and contact details visible  on your boat and trailer – you will be finally legal!

Contact your local boating dealer to register for the skipper’s course and to find out more information.

The seasonal holiday seems to have come all too quickly, time passing within the blink of an eye and next year already staring us in the face. The only way to enjoy your time off is to get wet, get tanned and get fit! This Christmas sees Santa trading in his old sleigh for a speed boat!

Life is more fun on the water we say!

Many thanks to all who have supported us throughout the year! We trust you will enjoy your time with family and have a good holiday rest.

Merry Christmas and have a Happy New year from us all at FAST SAILS!