Navigating in a RIB, freshwater VS saltwater: what you need to know
Introduction
Exploring the vast expanses of water, whether fresh or saltwater, offers unique experiences.
For semi-rigid boat owners, the crucial question arises: How to navigate confidently in these two distinct environments?
Let's dive into the details to discover the nuances of navigating a semi-rigid in fresh and saltwater.
Equipment: What to Pay Attention To?
The Trailer
Navigating between fresh and saltwater requires a robust trailer, ready to face the challenges of each environment.
Opt for an aluminum trailer, a strategic choice to counter marine corrosion. Aluminum offers superior resistance to saltwater compared to galvanized steel. This sturdiness ensures the safety and durability of transporting your semi-rigid.
Besides the choice of material, regular maintenance is essential. After each launch, establish the ritual of washing with fresh water. This practice removes potentially corrosive salt and extends the life of your trailer. Focus on areas in direct contact with saltwater, such as wheels, axles, and exposed metal parts.
The Braking System
The braking system of your trailer is an often overlooked but crucial element for the safety of your boat, especially when navigating between fresh and saltwater.
The choice between drum and disc brakes can impact performance, particularly in saltwater.
Drum brakes, although less expensive, can suffer from the accumulation of saltwater compromising their effectiveness.
Disc brakes, on the other hand, offer a more accessible and easy-to-maintain alternative, often preferable for sea navigation.
Whatever your choice, the brakes will be exposed to saltwater during launches and exits. A thorough rinse with fresh water after each use is therefore essential to prolong the life of your braking system.
Anodes
In a marine environment, corrosion threatens your boat. That's where anodes come into play.
Anodes are metal pieces strategically placed on your boat, mainly aluminum to face saltwater. Their essential job: attract corrosion to themselves, thus protecting the crucial parts of your vessel.
How does it work? The metals of the anodes, like aluminum, take on the corrosion, preserving the hull, propeller, and other metal parts. They sacrifice themselves to prolong the life of your boat.
But beware, they have their limits. Over time, anodes wear out and must be replaced regularly. It's a small maintenance task that makes a big difference.
Regular monitoring and timely replacement of anodes are therefore simple, yet essential actions to ensure the longevity of your boat in saltwater.
The Engine
Regarding engines, outboards are well-suited for saltwater, but they require regular maintenance rituals.
After each outing, meticulously rinse the engine with fresh water.
Sterndrives (a type of marine propulsion where the inboard engine is paired with an outboard steering mechanism), on the other hand, demand even more attention. Comprised of an immersed part, they require more frequent replacement of components in saltwater. Unlike outboards, sterndrives generally do not tilt out of the water, which implies meticulous maintenance of the submerged components.
Learn more on the subject:
The tubes Inflatables
In freshwater, the tubes inflatables of a semi-rigid can generally remain in good condition longer, as freshwater is less corrosive. However, it is essential to clean them regularly to remove dirt, debris, and residues that can accumulate.
In saltwater, where corrosion is more likely, more frequent rinsing of the tubes with fresh water after each outing is crucial. This helps prevent the accumulation of salt, which can damage the material of the tube in the long term.
The occasional application of a protective product recommended by the manufacturer can also help extend the lifespan of the tubes, providing an additional barrier against the corrosive effects of saltwater.
Learn more on the subject:
The Paint
After a few weeks in freshwater, the boat's hull may already start to accumulate deposits, even though they are generally less significant than in saltwater.
At sea, exposure to marine elements can lead to rapid growth of organisms such as algae, shells, and other forms of marine life.
Antifouling paint is specially designed to prevent these marine organisms from adhering to the boat's hull.
It creates a smooth and difficult surface for marine deposits to attach to, thus facilitating their removal during cleaning. Investing in quality antifouling paint can significantly reduce the time and effort required to keep your RIB's hull in perfect condition.
Be aware that some types of paint are specifically formulated for aluminum hulls, while others are better suited for fiberglass hulls.
Consulting the paint manufacturer's recommendations and your boat manufacturer's recommendations is essential for ensuring proper application and lasting results. It is also wise 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 freshwater and the sea.
In general, regulations for sea navigation are often stricter due to potentially more challenging conditions.
It is crucial to comply with local and national rules to ensure safety on board, whether in freshwater or at sea.
Some basic items, such as life jackets, signaling devices, and fire extinguishers, are generally required in both environments, but specifics may exist depending on local authorities.
It is recommended to check the regulations in force in the region where you are sailing.
Learn more on the subject:
Navigation: Differences between Freshwater and Sea
The License
Navigation in freshwater, such as on lakes and rivers, often requires obtaining the "inland waters" pleasure license in France. This license assesses knowledge of river navigation, specific rules for inland waterways, and safety in inland waters.
For sea navigation, the "coastal" pleasure license is generally required. This license covers aspects of coastal navigation, including tide management, knowledge of lights and buoys, as well as safety rules specific to coastal areas and small islands.
Learn more on the subject:
Visibility
Fresh waters, whether from lakes or rivers, generally offer clearer visibility. The clarity of the water makes it easier to observe the bottom and detect obstacles.
At sea, however, visibility can vary due to the presence of salt and other elements. Captains must deal with conditions that are sometimes less transparent, requiring increased vigilance.
Bottoms and maneuvers
In fresh water, the bottoms are often composed of softer soils, such as muds or sands. These conditions can make maneuvers smoother, facilitating docking and movement.
However, in salt water, the seabeds are more diverse, ranging from sand to rocks and reefs. This variety requires increased caution from captains during maneuvers to avoid damaging the boat.
A thorough knowledge of local marine charts is essential to anticipate variations in the seabed and ensure safe navigation, especially in less familiar areas.
Learn more on the subject:
Signage
Lakes and rivers are generally equipped with clear signaling systems, notably for swimming areas, ports, and routes to follow.
At sea, signage can be more numerous and complex, marking fishing areas, navigation lanes, and indicating the presence of islands or sandbanks.
Learn more on the subject:
Meteorological conditions
Meteorological conditions in fresh water can be more stable, with less influence from tides. However, heavy rains can affect the level of rivers.
At sea, captains must deal with tides, waves and the marine currents. Weather conditions can change rapidly, requiring constant adaptation.
Conclusion
Equipping your semi-rigid boat for freshwater or sea navigation requires a deep understanding of the specific nuances of each environment.
The choice of equipment and maintenance practices become invaluable allies for hassle-free marine journeys.
Happy sailing, whether the waters are fresh or salty!
Discover our products!
Read more about the world of semi-rigid boats:
