Navigate semi-rigid, fresh water vs salt water: what you need to know
Introduction
Exploring the large expanses of water, whether in fresh water or salt water, offers unique experiences.
For owners of semi-rigid boats, the crucial question arises: how to navigate with confidence in these two distinct environments?
Let us dive into details to discover the nuances of semi-rigid navigation in fresh water and salt water.
Equipment: What to pay attention to?
The trailer
Navigating between soft and savory waters requires a robust trailer, ready to face the challenges of each environment.
Opt for a trailer in aluminum, a strategic choice to counter marine corrosion. Aluminum offers greater resistance to salt water compared to galvanized steel. This robustness guarantees the safety and sustainability of transporting your semi-rigid.
In addition to the choice of material, a regular maintenance is essential. After each launching, install the ritual of washing with fresh water. This practice eliminates potentially corrosive salt and extends the life of your trailer. Insist on areas in direct contact with salt water, such as wheels, axles, and the metal parts exposed.
The braking system
The braking system of your trailer is an often neglected but crucial element for the safety of your boat, especially when you sail between fresh and savory waters.
THE Choice between drum and disc brakes Can impact performance, particularly in salt water.
The brakes to drum, although less expensive, may suffer from the accumulation of salt water compromising their effectiveness.
The brakes to disk, they offer an alternative More accessible and easy to maintain, often preferable for sea navigation.
Whatever your choice, the brakes will be exposed to salt water during water and outings. A conscientious rinse with fresh water after each use is therefore essential to prolong the life of your braking system.
Anodes
In the marine environment, corrosion is watching your boat. This is where the anodes come into play.
Anodes are metallic pieces strategically placed on your boat, mainly aluminum to face salt water. Their essential job: Corrosion attract to them, thus protecting the crucial parts of your boat.
How does it work? Anodes metals, such as thealuminum, take corrosion on them, preserving the hull, the propeller, and other metal parts. They sacrifice themselves to prolong the life of your boat.
But beware, they have their limits. Over time, the anodes wear out and must be replaced regularly. It is a small interview that makes a big difference.
Regular follow -up and the appropriate replacement of anodes are therefore simple, but essential gestures, to ensure the longevity of your salt water boat.
The engine
Regarding the engines, the outboard is well suited to salt water, but they require regular maintenance rituals.
After each outing, rinse the engine with fresh water.
The sterndrives (a type of maritime propulsion where the in-board engine is associated with an outboard means), on the other hand, require further attention. Composed of a submerged part, they require a more frequent replacement of salt water components. Unlike outboard, the sternrives generally do not tip over the water, which implies meticulous maintenance of the submerged components.
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Pneumatic sausages
In fresh water, the sausages semi-rigid tires Can generally stay in good condition longer, because fresh water is less corrosive. However, it is essential to clean them regularly to eliminate dirt, debris and residues that can accumulate.
In salt water, where corrosion is more likely, a more frequent rinsing of sausages with fresh water after each outing is crucial. This helps prevent salt accumulation, which can damage the long -term sausage material.
The occasional application of a protective product recommended by the manufacturer can also contribute to extending the lifespan of sausages, providing an additional barrier against the corrosive effects of salt water.
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Painting
After a few weeks in fresh water, the boat hull can already start to accumulate deposits, even if they are generally less important than in salt water.
At sea, exposure to marine elements can lead to rapid growth of organisms such as algae, shells and other marine life forms.
Antisalissure painting is specially designed for prevent the adhesion of these marine organizations to the boat hull.
It creates a smooth and difficult surface for marine deposits to get attached, thus facilitating their elimination during cleaning. Investing in a quality anti-user painting can considerably reduce the time and effort necessary to maintain the shell of your semi-rigid in perfect condition.
Please note, certain types of paint are specifically formulated for aluminum shells, while others are better suitable for fiberglass shells.
Consulting the recommendations of the manufacturer of your boat's painting and manufacturer is essential to guarantee appropriate application and sustainable results. It is also judicious to renew the paint layer According to the manufacturer's recommendations to maintain optimal protection against marine deposits.
Safety equipment
Safety equipment requirements can vary between alternative waters and the sea.
In general, regulations for sea navigation are often more strict due to potentially more difficult conditions.
It is crucial to comply with local and national rules to ensure safety on board, whether in fresh water or at sea.
Certain basic elements, such as life jackets, signaling devices and fire extinguishers, are generally required in both environments, but specificities may exist depending on the local authorities.
It is recommended to verify the regulations in force in the region where you browse.
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Navigation: Differences between freshwater and sea
The license
Navigation in fresh water, such as on lakes and rivers, often requires obtaining the "Interior waters" yawning permit In France. This permit assesses knowledge of river navigation, the rules specific to interior waterways, and safety in interior waters.
For sea navigation, the "Coastal" yawning permit is generally required. This permit covers the aspects of coastal navigation, including the management of tides, knowledge of fires and beacons, as well as the safety rules specific to coastal areas and small islands.
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Visibility
Soft waters, whether from lakes or rivers, generally offer clearer visibility. Water clarity facilitates the observation of funds and the detection of obstacles.
At sea, however, visibility can vary due to the presence of salt and other elements. Captains must deal with sometimes less transparent conditions, demanding a increased vigilance.
Funds and maneuvers
In fresh water, funds are often made up of more soft floors, such as sludge or sands. These conditions can make maneuvers more flexible, facilitating mooring and travel.
However, in salt water, the seabed are more diverse, ranging from sand to rocks and reefs. This variety requires increased caution on the part of the captains during maneuvers to avoid damaging the boat.
A In -depth knowledge of local marine cards is essential to anticipate variations in the seabed and ensure safe navigation, especially in less familiar areas.
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Signage
Lakes and rivers are generally equipped with clear signaling systems, especially for swimming areas, ports and routes to follow.
At sea, signage can be more many and complex, marking fishing areas, navigation routes, and signaling the presence of islands or sandboxes.
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Weather conditions
Météorologiques in fresh water can be more stable, with less influence of the tides. However, abundant rains can affect the level of rivers.
At sea, captains must deal with the tides, THE waves and sea currents. Weather conditions can evolve quickly, requiring constant adaptation.
Conclusion
Equipting your semi-rigid for freshwater or at sea navigation requires a deep understanding of the shades specific to each environment.
The choices of equipment and maintenance practices become invaluable allies for hassle -free marine trips.
Good navigation, whether water is soft or savory!
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