Author Topic: where to start? (Read 10870 times)

sea sick · « **on:** April 12, 2011, 09:56:12 PM »

guys
Your input needed.
I am a keen rock and surf angler, but i want to start doing offshore.
I would like to know the following,

Would it be a mistake, starting small in like getting a aqua quad.
I did think of a jetski, but it's a no go as the aqua quad is n little bigger, so me and my 15 year old son can fish from the quad.
The quad is more steadier as it is wider then a ski.
I have a isuzu 280dc 4*2 difflock and want to keep it that way for now.
As the quad is very light, towing from joburg down to the coast shoild not be that tireing.

I could later upgrade to a bigger boat, if needed.

Will the isuzu not get stuck in the st lucia sand?
Had a beech buggy years back, so have some experience, but the isuzu is way heavier then the buggy.

Your comments awaited.
Dankie.
Pottie

PH · « **Reply #1 on:** April 13, 2011, 05:59:58 AM »

Pottie,
Do you know about the Catskee? It is made in Pennington on the South coast and is
worth investigating, I think.
Nice entry level, sea-going craft.
Very affordable as well.

I'm thinking of getting one myself.

http://www.catskee.com/

Rory mundy · « **Reply #2 on:** April 13, 2011, 06:16:11 AM »

SS do not attempt to launch anything with a 2 wheel drive as you will get stuck and if you are alone it will be in the shore dump when launching your boat, then you have serious problems. the launch site at st lucia is a 2km beach drive you might be fine while you have momentum but as soon as you stop on the soft sand its going to be a battle to get going again.

cheers rory

PH · « **Reply #3 on:** April 13, 2011, 06:28:20 AM »

Quote from: Rory mundy on April 13, 2011, 06:16:11 AM

SS do not attempt to launch anything with a 2 wheel drive as you will get stuck and if you are alone it will be in the shore dump when launching your boat, then you have serious problems. the launch site at st lucia is a 2km beach drive you might be fine while you have momentum but as soon as you stop on the soft sand its going to be a battle to get going again.

cheers rory

Rory,
Can't one rent a tractor to assist with launching at St Lucia?
Or launch at the Fishing club? (If the mouth is open)
Being a kayaker I never realy noticed.

benniejordaan · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2011, 07:26:29 AM »

I would say the first thing to consider is a 4x4. You will be towing a long distance and it can happen there is something wrong with the tractor, then what?

Then, I like the look of that little Catskee PH posted. I would much rather have something like that.

sea sick · « **Reply #5 on:** April 13, 2011, 07:52:39 AM »

guys,
The 4*4 is sorted.
Any one have any comments regarding entry level 'aqua quad'

You can also see them at
Peterswatersports.co.za under the rubber duck section.
I can get a 2nd hand one, for a good price, with a 50hp yamaha.

benniejordaan · « **Reply #6 on:** April 13, 2011, 08:33:59 AM »

Quote from: sea sick on April 13, 2011, 07:52:39 AM

guys,
The 4*4 is sorted.
Any one have any comments regarding entry level 'aqua quad'

You can also see them at
Peterswatersports.co.za under the rubber duck section.
I can get a 2nd hand one, for a good price, with a 50hp yamaha.

Sorry, can't comment as I've never been on one. PieterH has one, maybe send him a PM

sea sick · « **Reply #7 on:** April 13, 2011, 08:58:03 AM »

hi bennie.
I do understand, but is it worth starting small, or should i just go big?
Small is manageble.
Big is oprn ocean........

benniejordaan · « **Reply #8 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:25:43 AM »

Quote from: sea sick on April 13, 2011, 08:58:03 AM

hi bennie.
I do understand, but is it worth starting small, or should i just go big?
Small is manageble.
Big is oprn ocean........

It is worth going small initially especially if you have very little to no off-shore experience. Small will mean low operating costs and a lot more manageable on the beaches, easier to tow, easy to launch. Just bear in mind if it is for you, you may want to upgrade in the future, most people do until they eventually scale right down again.

That said, you could also invest in a few charters and decide from there.

tkei · « **Reply #9 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:33:44 AM »

I have never seen the catskee, but seems like a nice very little boat.
IMO the quad has some limitations.
1- it has inflatable pontoons low down. fish have skikes and teeth, sharp hooks are used to catch them etc. they therefore get holes. Persoally I dont like holes in my boats.
2- they are fun to play in the waves on, but they are not as"indestructable" as a jetski. Once the fishing set up is removed froma jetski it can be used as a toy int he waves, you can fall off, flip etc and the motor doesnt get wrecked, you dont chop yourself to pieces ont he prop etc.
3- resale will be down compared to a jetski.
If you do mange to turn over at sea, you wont get the quad righted and running again easily. the jet, you climb on and go.

Ont eh up side, they are generally cheaper than a jet sjki, but there are some good deals on 2nd had jetskis, It is probably a bit more stable than a jetski, but the fishing jets are plenty stavble for 2 people.

If its for only 2 of you, I would go either small boat ie catskee (but I dont know them) or jetski.

Alot depends on how you intend fishing, how many of you, where and what you will target etc. you need to clear this up in your own mind and then make a decision. it may turn out that a skivee or slightly bigger small cat is the ideal for your intended purpose. All are fair capital outlays, so you dont want to pay cash and be unhappy witht he decision.

TUNAMAN · « **Reply #10 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:46:03 AM »

SeaSick ...... you should firstly think it thru properly as it usually is a way bigger decision than one realises. Firstly you have no experience in owning and operating an offshore vessel. From experience I can tell you that as you learn during the operation and ownership of a vessel, you will discover a million things you never considered initially. It is also impossible to consider without the experience. So my advice here would be to go as cheap as you can ensuring however the vessel is constructed solidly and safely. You will be looking around in a while to upgrade and then you do not stand to loose to much.

Another recommendation from me will be to go do your skippers first and ensure it is a Cat C irrelevant of what you might require. This way you gain valuable experience and knowledge before you make that all important decision.

Looking at the Catskee I see a few things that bother me.

1. Looks like there is not adequate drainage for when a water comes onto the deck.
2. Statement of no skippers required I do not agree with.
3. They have a motor rating for a single person surf launching which I would imagine not to be legal.

I hope some of this assist you in that all important decision.

PH · « **Reply #11 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:56:02 AM »

@TUNAMAN:

I know nothing ab out these matters, but I qoute from their web site

The Merchant Shipping (National Small Vessel Safety) Regulations 2007 (also available on the SAMSA website) which has made it easier and cheaper for entry level boaters to start - where a craft powered by a motor equal to or less than 15HP is exempt from satisfying certain conditions namely: exemption of annual inspection and seaworthy certificate(ref Marine Notice 13 – Part 2.1.2-3 – page no. 7) and exempt from the skipper requiring a skippers certificate or certification (ref Marine Notice 13 – Part2.1.2-2 – page no.6 and Part 14 – page no. 52) This is applicable should the craft not exceed 15HP!

The manufacturer informed me that it is the intention to use a single motor to build up hours for the
skippers and then fit an additional motor to be able to take on another person on the boat.

sea sick · « **Reply #12 on:** April 13, 2011, 10:01:42 AM »

tunaman.

Looking at getting a aqua quad, with at least 40 hp.
So it shoukld float even when flipped.
Like you say, an important besluit die.
The nice thing also, getting a aqua quad, i can use on vaal dam which is close to me.

Thanks for all the input, so far.

TUNAMAN · « **Reply #13 on:** April 13, 2011, 10:05:34 AM »

Quote from: PH on April 13, 2011, 09:56:02 AM

@TUNAMAN:

I know nothing ab out these matters, but I qoute from their web site

The Merchant Shipping (National Small Vessel Safety) Regulations 2007 (also available on the SAMSA website) which has made it easier and cheaper for entry level boaters to start - where a craft powered by a motor equal to or less than 15HP is exempt from satisfying certain conditions namely: exemption of annual inspection and seaworthy certificate(ref Marine Notice 13 – Part 2.1.2-3 – page no. 7) and exempt from the skipper requiring a skippers certificate or certification (ref Marine Notice 13 – Part2.1.2-2 – page no.6 and Part 14 – page no. 52) This is applicable should the craft not exceed 15HP!

The manufacturer informed me that it is the intention to use a single motor to build up hours for the
skippers and then fit an additional motor to be able to take on another person on the boat.

@PH now you have shown me something i was not aware of. I have to however disagree with the practice be it legal. You have just gone out with Mike (Harbour Launch) and can you just imagine surf launching in a craft that probably will be at the speed or slower than the swell itself and an operator (note not skipper) with no experience behind the wheel. I know it is just one person but I strongly recommend that it should not be an option and no insurance company will cover you at all. Secondly any experienced skipper will tell you that the craft in question seems to lack adequate drainage for that wave that breaks onto deck during a launch.

This is where the experience comes in. I personally with lots of experience will not launch that boat with a 15 at the back in our surf conditions. You will be so open for a problem.

TUNAMAN · « **Reply #14 on:** April 13, 2011, 10:10:50 AM »

Quote from: sea sick on April 13, 2011, 10:01:42 AM

tunaman.

Looking at getting a aqua quad, with at least 40 hp.
So it shoukld float even when flipped.
Like you say, an important besluit die.
The nice thing also, getting a aqua quad, i can use on vaal dam which is close to me.

Thanks for all the input, so far.

What do they sell for?
http://www.hansenbt.co.za/Search.aspx?searchcat=&startprice=-1&endprice=9999999&searchmake=Ski%20Vee
Above is just an idea of one of the most popular and dependable small crafts available. Also no problem to swing it afterwards.

Have you done your inlands skippers yet? Reason why I ask it would be best if you have not to do the Cat C type. Costs bit more and takes more time but the experience and knowledge passed on is invaluable.

1309sg · « **Reply #15 on:** April 13, 2011, 10:54:39 AM »

IMHO no person should operate a motor-driven watercraft without a skippers. Not that a skippers is the be-all and end-all, but the experience you gain from the communication with other skippers is vital.

Which brings me to that other issue: hire, rent, steal, beg as much hours with an experienced skipper before you even think of getting your own boat. Experience and common sense on the water is NOT natural and should be acquired. I'm not saying this to dampen anybody's spirits, but as a great big caution to all prospective boat owners.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it costs a lot to keep a boat running, especially if you want to tow from Joburg three or four times a year, if you're lucky.

That said and done, being a skipper and a boat owner is one of the most enjoyable things ever!! Do it right (IMHO) and you'll have so much pleasure you just won't believe!

PH · « **Reply #16 on:** April 13, 2011, 11:12:04 AM »

@ TUNAMAN & 1309SG

Sound advice, Thanks!!!

benniejordaan · « **Reply #17 on:** April 13, 2011, 12:54:30 PM »

Whether or not he should get a skippers ticket is not the question...

Sea sick asked "Would it be a mistake, starting small in like getting a aqua quad...."

sea sick · « **Reply #18 on:** April 13, 2011, 01:12:42 PM »

dis korrek, dankie bennie dat jy die manne weer op track kry.
Seems, that starting small could be better.
And remember, this thing will now replace my bait boat too.
So more fun, on vaaldam too.

Have just spoken to dave de bruin, he advised me to do my cat c skippers instead.

Now i just need to get everything sorted. And then it's

Dankie vir almal se input.

Groete
See siek

TUNAMAN · « **Reply #19 on:** April 13, 2011, 01:14:26 PM »

Quote from: benniejordaan on April 13, 2011, 12:54:30 PM

Whether or not he should get a skippers ticket is not the question...

Sea sick asked "Would it be a mistake, starting small in like getting a aqua quad...."

granted Bud but it is a much bigger question than what it reads....