Construction aspects of boat launching from beaches and ramps in South Africa

摘要

Small rowing-type boats have been launched from and landed on beaches since the beginning of boating, as they are generally small enough and light enough to be manhandled into the water and then back again up the beach clear of the water. The advent of the outboard engine has led to a new class of vessel - the powerboat. Generally, these are used for recreation and inshore fishing. In Natal, a type was developed with a flush, self-draining deck suited to open beach launching and landing through the surf, known as a "ski boat". The term has stuck and is in general use for powerboats used for inshore fishing on the South African coast. Most of these boats, however, particularly in the Cape, are not ski boats at all, but normal powerboats, not particularly well suited to beach launching. They are well suited, though, to being moved around from place to place on road trailers and stored out of water.