The Most NB Info You Need to Know About Boating

WATCH: From the meaning of boating to accessories online and where to get your boating license, to reasons to start boating, dams and lakes and how safe or dangerous it is. Here’s what you need to know about boating

Super-important for boating safety and navigation. Where to get your boating license. And a list of 34+ lakes and boating dams in South Africa. Here’s everything you need to know about boating.

Note: We’re constantly adding new bits of info to this post. So, if you have an idea for what to include or want us to add any bit of info in here, let us know at hello@nautitechsuzuki.com and sign up for our newsletter.

7 AWESOME REASONS TO START BOATING

An awesome new lifestyle. Easy entry for any budget. And fun and activities for everyone. We look at all the cool sports boating unlocks: From waterskiing and diving to bird watching. And, of course, one of the biggest reasons to start boating is angling. Did you know you can now go fishing in lockdown? Plus: check out these pro fishing tips.

Plus: Boating is fun for everyone, at every age. There are so many places to go boating – not just the ocean, but rivers, lakes, dams and estuaries too. And safety is an important part of boating, which is why you have a whole network of supporting organisations and loads of official training and safety requirements. Discover all the reasons to start boating.

8 THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A BOAT

8 Steps. The ultimate used-boat checklist. And the best boat for a beginner. If you’re looking to get your first boat, or just need some expert advice on buying a boat, see the ultimate 8-step checklist for buying a boat.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN OUTBOARD FOR YOUR BOAT

4 Steps. A bonus 5th one. And everything you need to not only choose an outboard for your boat but to select the perfect motor for your boat size too! Whether you’re buying for the first time or repowering your old boat, check out our handy guide to help you choose an outboard for your boat.

11 REASONS TO CHOOSE A SUZUKI OUTBOARD

Better engineering. More power. Less fuel. And more boating pleasure. Warren Rachman is probably one of the most renowned outboard technicians in Africa (if not the world!). And in this video, he shared his insights around what’s inside a Suzuki that makes it special. See more on why choose Suzuki outboards.

HOW TO FLUSH YOUR OUTBOARD IN 5 MINUTES

Replace the plug with the flush fitting. Connect the hose for 5 minutes. And you’re done! WATCH: African commercial marine and private boating pro, Gary Bluett, shows the fastest and most effective way to flush an outboard motor. 

PLUS: Find the right repair shop to help you navigate your boat repairs.

DAMS AND LAKES YOU CAN GO BOATING IN SA

One of the most important things about boating is that it’s not just for those who live on the coast. There are loads of freshwater rivers, dams, lakes and estuaries where you can go boating. And that probably means that you’re only a few hours’ drive away, and can unlock the ultimate boating lifestyle for your family, no matter where you are.

Now, there are so many that we’ll have to do a separate post on this. But here are a few to give you an idea:

Boating dams in the Western Cape: Langebaan Lagoon, Verlorenvlei Lagoon, Berg River Dam, Theewaterskloof, the Breede River, Poortjieskloof Dam, Kwaggaskloof Dam and loads of spots near Franschhoek and Cape Town. In Gauteng, you can go boating at: Benoni Dam, Bon Accord Dam, Bronkhorstspruit Dam, Hartbeespoort Dam, Rietvlei Dam, Roodeplaat Dam and so many more. Not to mention Hartbeespoort Dam in North-West on the way to Sun City. 

In KZN, go boating at: Albert Falls Dam, Dudley Pringle Dam, Hattingspruit, Hazelmere Dam, Inanda Dam, Midmar Dam, Pongolapoort – of the very best in SA at Jozini Dam. In the Free State, there’s: Gariep Dam, Vrede Dam, Vaal Dam, Vaal River, Erfenis Dam and boating dams in the Mpumalanga are: Bronkhorstspruit Dam, Driekoppies Dam, Grootdraai Dam,  Loskop Dam, Vygeboom Dam and this list could just go on for hours and hours – we’ll do a separate post on it soon!

WHERE TO GET YOUR BOATING LICENSE IN SA

A huge part of boating safety is ensuring that both your boat and you (the skipper) are fully licensed to go boating – whether freshwater or in the ocean. What’s cool here is that there’s a huge support system. 

When it comes to boating licenses there are regulators, such as the South African Maritime Safety Authority, which sets the rules for your basic boat safety certificates and skipper’s boating license. But, you have a nationwide network of ski-boat clubs and boating clubs that will help you get your boating license sorted. Just find your nearest and connect with them.

WHERE TO BUY BOATING ACCESSORIES ONLINE

New and used boats and outboards. Parts, tech and accessories. You can now buy all your boat gear online from us at Nauti-Tech Suzuki. You’ll see we specialise in new boats and Suzuki outboards, as well as second-hand boats and outboards. But we also have a full boating and marine workshop that handles boat repairs, maintenance and boat repowers.

Did you know we are the new dealer for Garmin Marine in Port Elizabeth.

But our connections in the industry mean we can get you the best in boating tech (featuring all the best boating brands and products) at a much better price. So, even if you like servicing your motor yourself, you can still get a better price when you buy all your boating accessories from us. Here’s how to buy boat gear online.

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BONUS: Some Common Boating Questions

WHAT’S THE MEANING OF BOATING ANYWAY?

Simply put, boating means travelling/moving by boat for sport, leisure or recreation. So, it’s anything where you’re in a boat for fun. And that can mean you’re in a powered boat, with an outboard motor driving you along, or even when you’re rowing or sailing.

IS BOATING DANGEROUS?

Short answer: No, it’s about as safe as it’s going to be. Long answer: Like any adventurous recreational activity, boating comes with its own sets of risks and rewards. Remember, you’re on a craft on a body of water, so there’s always the risk of capsizing, encountering wildlife, getting lost, mechanical failure, falling overboard, drowning etc.

The thing is that there are special authorities and support structures in place to make boating as safe as possible. Certification and licences are a must, life jackets and emergency training is common, and we have voluntary rescue services all around the country. So, like many other activities, yes boating has risks, but our society has done everything reasonable to make it as safe as it can be with our current technology.

IS THERE A GOOGLE MAPS FOR BOATING?

Not really. Although some individuals and companies have marked certain boating routes on Google Maps, you should know that Google itself has put out a notice to boaters that says: “Google Maps does not have the data to assist nor the ability to be used for nautical navigation. Please ensure you obtain proper nautical charts to assist your journey.”

That means that Google doesn’t want you to use Google Maps for boating, because they can’t guarantee your safety. Plus: If you’re far away from WiFi or mobile reception, any device-based navigation apps (like Google Maps) might not get signal and won’t work.

That’s why, in boating, you invest in proper onboard boating navigation. It’s usually satellite-based, like Lowrance or Garmin, so that it can work basically anywhere on the planet. Find out more under boating tech.

WHAT IS BOAT RIDING OR DRIVING CALLED?

Just for fun: Boating is using a boat for recreation or leisure. But, if you drive a car and ride a bicycle, what do you call operating a boat? Well, you pilot a ship. That’s right, the proper word for “driving” a bigger boat is pilot. It comes from the old French word for “to guide” or “steer”, and you actually refer to the pilot’s wheel inside the pilothouse on a bigger boat.

Although on smaller craft, we tend to say skipper instead.

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THE PURSUIT OF AWESOME

Legend also has it that most boats run better under Suzuki power. Discover it for yourself among these Suzuki outboards.

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Discover the all-new leisure-or-business CarryCat Explorer 560 Pontoon Boat.

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Plus: Deep sea, ski-boat, river or cabin cruisers: See all our custom-built new boats. And discover everything we’ve repowered, refitted, refurbed and all new launches + their motors, all under our collective of boats.

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