How to maintain your water sports equipment
Sailing offers an unrivalled experience of relaxation and pleasure. Whether you're an avid fisherman, scuba diver, water sports enthusiast or simply a lover of the sea, meticulous maintenance of your nautical equipment is essential for your safety and the longevity of your possessions. In this article, we'll explore some practical tips for looking after your fishing, diving, watersports and marine accessories equipment.
The maintenance of fishing equipment
Fishing rods
Fishing rods are one of the most important items in your fishing arsenal. After each use, be sure to clean them thoroughly in fresh water to remove salt and fish residue. Reels should also be carefully inspected for corrosion, which can be caused by seawater. Periodic application of a suitable reel lubricant will help maintain reel efficiency.
Baits and lures
To preserve the freshness of your baits and the durability of your lures, proper storage is essential. Use watertight containers to prevent moisture and sea water from damaging your bait. Lures should be rinsed after each use and dried thoroughly to prevent corrosion of the hooks.
The maintenance of diving equipment
Diving suits
Diving suits require careful maintenance to ensure their longevity. After each dive, rinse your wetsuit in fresh water to remove salt and marine residue. Avoid using chemicals or detergents. Hang it in the shade to dry naturally. Check the seams regularly for tears and repair them immediately with suitable materials to prevent further wear.
Oxygen regulators and cylinders
Regular maintenance of regulators is essential to ensure reliable operation during your dives. After each use, rinse thoroughly in fresh water to remove salt and deposits.
Oxygen cylinders must also be inspected periodically to check their condition and ensure your safety when diving. When inspecting cylinders, make sure to:
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Visually inspect the cylinder for cracks, dents or signs of corrosion.
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Check the date of the last inspection and the bottle's expiry date. Oxygen cylinders must be inspected regularly by a qualified professional and requalified in accordance with current regulations.
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Make sure the cylinder valve is working properly, with no leaks or malfunctions.
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Please ensure that the bottle is stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
The maintenance of water sports equipment
Towed buoys
If you're a keen water sports enthusiast such as towed buoys, it's essential to look after your equipment. After each use, rinse the buoy thoroughly in fresh water to remove salt and marine residue. You can use a mild cleaner specially designed for marine equipment if necessary, but avoid aggressive chemicals that could damage the buoy material.
Focus particularly on metal fasteners, as they are susceptible to corrosion. To prevent corrosion, you can apply a thin layer of marine grease or specific lubricant to the metal parts after rinsing and drying the buoy. Make sure you wipe off any excess grease to avoid any build-up of dirt.
After rinsing, dry the buoy thoroughly to prevent mould or mildew forming inside.
As well as rinsing and treating metal fasteners, regularly check seams and valves to ensure they are in good working order.
Water skiing and Wakeboarding
Before each outing, thoroughly inspect the bindings to ensure they are tight and in good condition. Also make sure the bindings are correctly adjusted to your size to ensure a comfortable riding experience.
To prevent corrosion and facilitate movement, we recommend regularly applying a specific lubricant to the spreaders, fasteners and metal parts.
When it comes to the maintenance of boards and water skis, waxing and waxing are essential. Apply a layer of wax adapted to the water temperature to the sole of your board or water skis to improve glide. Use wax to protect the surface of your board or skis from salt water and the sun after each outing. In addition, rinse the board or skis thoroughly in fresh water to remove salt and marine residue, then store them out of direct sunlight to prevent the coating from fading.
The maintenance of nautical accessories
Lifejackets
Lifejackets should not generally be machine washed, as this can damage the buoyancy material. Instead, wipe them regularly with a damp cloth to remove dirt and salt. If the waistcoat is very dirty, use a soft brush and mild soapy water to clean it, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Make sure it is completely dry before storing.
Anchors and mooring lines
Maintenance of anchors and mooring lines mainly involves rinsing them thoroughly with fresh water after each use to remove salt and residue. Store them in a dry place to avoid corrosion.
Navigation equipment
Similarly, maintaining navigation equipment involves keeping it clean and free from moisture. Wipe compasses and charts regularly to keep them in good condition.
Lighting and signalling
Navigation lights and signalling devices must be kept in a cool, dry place. Replace defective batteries or bulbs as soon as they show signs of weakness.
Communication equipment
If you have specific at-sea communication equipment on your boat, make sure you store it in a dry place and follow the manufacturer's instructions for its care.
Conclusion
Taking care of your marine equipment is essential to ensure your safety at sea and prolong its life. Whether you're a fisherman, diver, water sports enthusiast or simply passionate about the sea, this practical advice will help you make the most of your experience by using your equipment with complete peace of mind. Regular maintenance means worry-free days at sea and equipment that lasts longer.
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