Hi Guys. Wonder if someone could help. I would like to attempt building a small reft. Something not specifically to fish off but rather to just chill out on the water maybe with a small trolling motor. I'll try to post a pic of an example. Are there any laws pertaining to such watercraft? I intend using it only on dams, without crocs and hippos ofcourse. Has anyone tried something like this, or have any info that could help with design, materials and suppliers of materials? Any help will be appreciated.
Hi Guys. Wonder if someone could help. I would lik
- Thread starter Mishfan
- Start date
christodeb
Senior Member
christodeb
Senior Member
christodeb
Senior Member
We are going for a specimen session next weekend. The pontoons are inflatable yes.
christodeb
Senior Member
In the beginning I wanted to use drums, but I need to transport the raft with my Bakkie and Trailer, so I decided to rather use inflatable pontoons. I used Aluminium rectangular tube for the frame, and 2mm Aluminium Tread Plate. In the beginning I will use a normal groundsheet to cover the reflective finish. If that doesn't work well I will cover it with synthetic lawn.
Sounds like you did a lot of planning. I also want to plan this properly before I start, build it only once. Synthetic grass would be nice, hard wearing also. So when your deck is folded, is it 2.5 x 2.5 or 2.5 x 1.25? I plan om using a steel frame with a wooden deck and the pontoons are 2200 x 600
christodeb
Senior Member
The deck has 4 sections of 1250x2500, that is the standard size Alu tread plate, so there was no cutting and material loss. I have been planning this project for a long time. The raft is large enough to fit a small pop up tent and has space for two rod pods and a space in the middle to braai etc.
Nice, I just need it big enough for a small tent and two passengers. And I plan on making storage compartments under the deck, that will be flush with the deck when closed. I'll let you know how it turns out. Are there any laws regarding these rafts, will they allow us on most waters, will we need permits etc
christodeb
Senior Member
I don't have an idea regarding the regulations I am only going to use it to fish small venues at places where the public cannot fish without a boat.
christodeb wrote:
Well as far as I know, if the raft is going to be propelled by human power alone or a motor less than 15hp then regulations as far as markings/numbers/skippers/inspections/COF do not apply, except life jackets (one per person)must be carried. If it’s an inflatable vessel: †It must have at least 3 compartments; the vessel must stay afloat with the largest two chambers being deflated.†(Source: Samsa.org)
I could very well be wrong so I think the best would be to speak to an accredited SAMSA inspector as i am by no means an expert.Hope this helps.
Well as far as I know, if the raft is going to be propelled by human power alone or a motor less than 15hp then regulations as far as markings/numbers/skippers/inspections/COF do not apply, except life jackets (one per person)must be carried. If it’s an inflatable vessel: †It must have at least 3 compartments; the vessel must stay afloat with the largest two chambers being deflated.†(Source: Samsa.org)
I could very well be wrong so I think the best would be to speak to an accredited SAMSA inspector as i am by no means an expert.Hope this helps.
christodeb
Senior Member
Thanks for the feedback. Each pontoon has 3 compartments and it will be propelled by an electric motor. We also won't travel far at all. 300m at the very most.
christodeb
Senior Member
Double Post:swear