Jetskis have been around for quite some time, and are usually used as recreational vessels involved in skiing or surfing waves. People skippering these vessels are usually referred to as “cowboysâ€, as they tend to steer quite close to people, usually at both party's expense. Jetskis are abused in this sense, resulting in many marine waterways banning them altogether. These “cowboys†have caused a ill feeling towards jetskis.
For the past few years, jetski fishing has become increasingly popular, owing to it's small size and maneuverability, ease of launch and relatively low fuel costs. Many start to realise the ease of jetski fishing and start using their jetskis for one thing and one thing only. Fishing.
Jetskis are often modified to the extremes with extra side wings for storage complete with rod holders, live bait wells, water bottle holders and space for a whole array of equipment.
These jetskis are not used by “cowboysâ€, they are used by fisherman to fish. I have yet to see a irresponsible skipper on a fishing jetski, putting swimmers and beachers lives at risk. The same cannot be said for “cowboy†jetskiers who tend to show off close to beach where tanning beauties are in range.
Here is what this whole email is about. Upgrading a jetski to a category C.
What is the main difference between a category C and a category D boat's construction?
A category C vessel has two engines and a category D vessel only has one.
After some research and a few emails, it was clear that jetskis are confined to either a D, E or R category. I plan to upgrade my jetski(currently category D) to a category C by installing an outboard engine for safety reasons. The link below refers to a company installing outboard engines on jetskis. http://jetskidevelopments.com/about.html
The total number of engines on the jetski will be two.
Here is why I believe,with the proper safety equipment, a jetski should be able to qualify as a category C.
1)One inboard engine, one outboard engine
"Inboard vessels must comply with the standard regulations. A craft with a petrol inboard engine must have an auxiliary outboard engine."
Dave Rorke Ski-boat magazine explaining Small Vessel Safety.
So if I understand this correctly, to qualify a vessel with an inboard engine as a category C, an extra outboard engine needs to bee fitted. Installing a extra outboard complies with this regulation.
2)Auxilary outboard
"Every motorised and passenger vessel must have an engine capable of propelling the vessel in its fully loaded condition at a speed of at least 5 knots. If operating in a surf, the engine must be capable of propelling the vessel at a safe speed when operating in surf conditions. (rough conditions)"
http://www.samsa.org.za/sites/samsa.org.za/files/cat_c_1pg_checklist_2.pdf
What I understand: To qualify a vessel with a inboard engine as a category C, the auxilary ouboard, needs proper strength. Thus our outboard engine will have the required strength.
3)What is a jetski's inboard engine? Does it satisfy Samsa's regulations?
"For propulsion purpose, a Jet Ski doesn’t use a conventional propeller but a water jet propulsion system driven by a gas powered motor or a small engine"
http://www.brighthubengineering.com/naval-architecture/57862-what-is-a-jet-ski/ written by: Raunekk • edited by: Lamar Stonecypher • updated: 11/30/2009
Nowhere on any Samsa document could I find a rule against or banning jet propulsion, only that the propulsion be of proper strength(refer to number 2).
So the inboard engine of the jetski should be of no problem, As there are inboard /////
4)A jetski is categorized the same way as other vessels(D,E,R) regarding safety equiptment.
"Jetskis >3 metres in length should be categorised as a category D, E or R vessels in exactly the same manner as any other vessel in accordance with the owners usage of the vessel."
http://www.samsa.org.za/sites/samsa.org.za/files/MN%2013%20of%202011%20Small%20vessels%20Policy.pdf
So a jetski is categorized the same way as other vessels for D,E and R.
Conclusion
From all above, a jetski(vessel) with a fixed auxilary outboard(total number of two engines), having proper strength and buoyancy, can be categorized as a category C. I see nothing that indicates this to be untrue, except that our vessel is still called a jetski...
I do not consider a vessel with a fixed outboard and side wings a vessel that anyone(or “cowboyâ€) will use other than to fish with.
I see no reason for a jetski with all the same equipment and necessary requirements as fishing boats cannot qualify as a category C. If I am wrong, please do not hesitate to correct me.
I see a fishing vessel, not a plaything to frolick with with in the waves. With the added outboard engine and all safety equipment the jetski is as safe as any other rubberduck on the blue.
I do wish that this negative hype surrounding jetskis can stop so we jetski fisherman can enjoy our fishing the way it was meant to.
Regards
Jannus Redelinghuys
For the past few years, jetski fishing has become increasingly popular, owing to it's small size and maneuverability, ease of launch and relatively low fuel costs. Many start to realise the ease of jetski fishing and start using their jetskis for one thing and one thing only. Fishing.
Jetskis are often modified to the extremes with extra side wings for storage complete with rod holders, live bait wells, water bottle holders and space for a whole array of equipment.
These jetskis are not used by “cowboysâ€, they are used by fisherman to fish. I have yet to see a irresponsible skipper on a fishing jetski, putting swimmers and beachers lives at risk. The same cannot be said for “cowboy†jetskiers who tend to show off close to beach where tanning beauties are in range.
Here is what this whole email is about. Upgrading a jetski to a category C.
What is the main difference between a category C and a category D boat's construction?
A category C vessel has two engines and a category D vessel only has one.
After some research and a few emails, it was clear that jetskis are confined to either a D, E or R category. I plan to upgrade my jetski(currently category D) to a category C by installing an outboard engine for safety reasons. The link below refers to a company installing outboard engines on jetskis. http://jetskidevelopments.com/about.html
The total number of engines on the jetski will be two.
Here is why I believe,with the proper safety equipment, a jetski should be able to qualify as a category C.
1)One inboard engine, one outboard engine
"Inboard vessels must comply with the standard regulations. A craft with a petrol inboard engine must have an auxiliary outboard engine."
Dave Rorke Ski-boat magazine explaining Small Vessel Safety.
So if I understand this correctly, to qualify a vessel with an inboard engine as a category C, an extra outboard engine needs to bee fitted. Installing a extra outboard complies with this regulation.
2)Auxilary outboard
"Every motorised and passenger vessel must have an engine capable of propelling the vessel in its fully loaded condition at a speed of at least 5 knots. If operating in a surf, the engine must be capable of propelling the vessel at a safe speed when operating in surf conditions. (rough conditions)"
http://www.samsa.org.za/sites/samsa.org.za/files/cat_c_1pg_checklist_2.pdf
What I understand: To qualify a vessel with a inboard engine as a category C, the auxilary ouboard, needs proper strength. Thus our outboard engine will have the required strength.
3)What is a jetski's inboard engine? Does it satisfy Samsa's regulations?
"For propulsion purpose, a Jet Ski doesn’t use a conventional propeller but a water jet propulsion system driven by a gas powered motor or a small engine"
http://www.brighthubengineering.com/naval-architecture/57862-what-is-a-jet-ski/ written by: Raunekk • edited by: Lamar Stonecypher • updated: 11/30/2009
Nowhere on any Samsa document could I find a rule against or banning jet propulsion, only that the propulsion be of proper strength(refer to number 2).
So the inboard engine of the jetski should be of no problem, As there are inboard /////
4)A jetski is categorized the same way as other vessels(D,E,R) regarding safety equiptment.
"Jetskis >3 metres in length should be categorised as a category D, E or R vessels in exactly the same manner as any other vessel in accordance with the owners usage of the vessel."
http://www.samsa.org.za/sites/samsa.org.za/files/MN%2013%20of%202011%20Small%20vessels%20Policy.pdf
So a jetski is categorized the same way as other vessels for D,E and R.
Conclusion
From all above, a jetski(vessel) with a fixed auxilary outboard(total number of two engines), having proper strength and buoyancy, can be categorized as a category C. I see nothing that indicates this to be untrue, except that our vessel is still called a jetski...
I do not consider a vessel with a fixed outboard and side wings a vessel that anyone(or “cowboyâ€) will use other than to fish with.
I see no reason for a jetski with all the same equipment and necessary requirements as fishing boats cannot qualify as a category C. If I am wrong, please do not hesitate to correct me.
I see a fishing vessel, not a plaything to frolick with with in the waves. With the added outboard engine and all safety equipment the jetski is as safe as any other rubberduck on the blue.
I do wish that this negative hype surrounding jetskis can stop so we jetski fisherman can enjoy our fishing the way it was meant to.
Regards
Jannus Redelinghuys