Transporting watercraft is essential when moving them between different locations such as ports, beaches or resorts. However, when transporting watercraft by road, the relevant standards and requirements must be followed to ensure safety on the road and to avoid damage and harm in transit.
Preparing a watercraft for transport on the road requires proper securing and compliance with the relevant standards and requirements. Here are some steps to follow to ensure that your watercraft is properly prepared for road transport.
Cleaning the watercraft: Prior to road transport, the watercraft must be thoroughly cleaned of debris. To do this, wash the water scooter with soap and water and dry it thoroughly.
Removal of attachments: Remove any swimming-related extras, such as lifebuoys, but do not forget to transport them.
Technical condition check: Before transporting the watercraft by road, check the technical condition of the watercraft thoroughly. Make sure the watercraft is in good working order and that all components are properly secured.
Securing the watercraft: The watercraft should be properly secured to prevent movement during transport. Use lashing straps which should be secured around the hull of the jet ski and to the floor of the trailer. Make sure that the straps are properly tightened so that the scooter does not move during travel.
Support: Special supports should be used to prevent the scooter from moving on the trailer. The supports can be placed under the bow and stern of the scooter.
Suitable trailer: A special trailer should be used to transport the watercraft. This trailer should be suitable for the size and weight of the watercraft and have a securing system and supports that allow the watercraft to be transported safely.
Compliance with standards and requirements: When transporting a watercraft by road, the relevant standards and requirements, such as the permissible dimensions and weight of the watercraft being transported, must be observed.
All of these must be done so that the watercraft is properly secured and prepared for road transport. This will ensure safety during transport and avoid damage to the watercraft.
Various options can be used when transporting watercraft by road. I have outlined some of these below:
Watercraft trailer: This is the most commonly used option. Watercraft trailers are specially designed for this purpose. They have fixing systems and special supports to ensure the safe transport of the scooter. These trailers are equipped with lashing straps that prevent the scooter from moving during the journey.
Platform truck: This is an option where the watercraft is transported on the platform of a truck. The jet skis are secured to the platform with special cables and lashing straps.
Special trailer: This is an option that allows more watercraft to be transported. These trailers are specially designed to carry jet skis and have securing systems that prevent the jet skis from moving during the journey.
Container: When transporting a larger number of watercraft, a container can be used. The jet skis are placed in the container and secured to the ground with special ropes and lashing straps. These containers are transported on trucks or railway wagons.
For each of the above transport options, it is important to respect the dimensions and weights of the watercraft being transported, as well as the standards and requirements set by legislation. For larger watercraft, it may be necessary to obtain a special permit to transport a vehicle of non-standard dimensions and weight.
Water scooters are vehicles that allow fast and dynamic movement on water. There are different types of watercraft available on the market, which differ in both appearance and use. Below are a few types of water scooters:
Sit-on-top jet skis: Sit-on-top jet skis are characterised by an open cockpit that allows users to move freely on the scooter. They are more stable and easier to handle than sit-in scooters.
Sit-in scooters: sit-on-top jet skis have an enclosed cockpit, which increases their aerodynamics and stability. This type of scooter is often used for riding on calm waters.
Sports scooters: Sports scooters are characterised by powerful engines and an aerodynamic shape that allows for high speeds. They are used to perform stunts on the water and to race against other scooters.
Touring scooters: touring water scooters are equipped with large fuel tanks, allowing users to travel long distances. They are also equipped with additional handles to carry luggage.
Diving water scooters: Scuba diving water scooters are equipped with special tanks for diving equipment and air launchers that allow diving to greater depths.
Water sports water scooters: Water scooters used for water sports, such as wakeboarding and water skiing, are equipped with special mounts to carry equipment.
The weight and dimensions of watercraft depend on their type and model. Below are the average weights and dimensions of a few popular types of watercraft:
Sit-on-top jet skis: The average weight of sit-on-top jet skis is around 250-350 kg and they are typically 2.5 to 4 metres long.
Sit-on-top jet skis: The average weight of sit-on-top jet skis is around 200-300 kg, and they are typically between 2.5 and 3.5 metres in length.
Sports scooters: The average weight of sports scooters is around 300-400 kg and they are typically between 2.5 and 3.5 metres in length.
Touring scooters: The average weight of touring scooters is around 350-450 kg and they are usually between 3 and 4 metres in length.
Dive scooters: The average weight of dive water scooters is around 150-250 kg and they are usually between 2.5 and 3.5 metres in length.
Water sports water scooters: The average weight of water sports jet skis is around 300-400 kg and they are usually between 2.5 and 3.5 metres in length.
However, it is worth bearing in mind that the weight and dimensions of a watercraft can vary depending on the manufacturer and the equipment the model has. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully check the technical specifications of a watercraft before purchasing it and match it to your needs and requirements.
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