Floating Dock Experience?

[CharlestonFreedom]

Any experience with a floating/drive-on dock for a Freedom 215? Received a quote for Wave Armor "Extreme 24" for 15.5K. Dock Blocks told me their solution would not work with my bottom paint. Sea Pen quoted 28K.

Thanks!

 

[seasick]

Where will the boat be docked in the off season if there is one and if so, do you get freezing temps?
Do you have any electric service available at the dock. If so, something like Hydrohoist might work. https://www.boatlift.com/boat-lifts/

 

[CharlestonFreedom]

Thanks, here in Charleston SC no ice and the boat will be in the water year-round. Yes there is electrical service.

 

[DennisG01]

Side question... did Dock Blocks say what they said because it will wear the bottom paint off? If that's the reason, then that's probably a moot point for you since you don't need the bottom paint anymore?

 

[CharlestonFreedom]

No, Dock Blocks said the bottom pain would cause the boat to get stuck on the dock-- would be too difficult to pull back off even with their winching device. Agree that any of these devices would likely abrade off the bottom pain but that is not a concern if the boat is out of the water.

 

[DennisG01]

No, Dock Blocks said the bottom pain would cause the boat to get stuck on the dock-- would be too difficult to pull back off even with their winching device. Agree that any of these devices would likely abrade off the bottom pain but that is not a concern if the boat is out of the water.

Hmmm. Seems odd that plastic would grip onto bottom paint that hard? I suppose the bottom paint would wear away rather quickly in the spots it touches the blocks, though. Oh well - sorry for the slight off topic there

 

[CharlestonFreedom]

I agree. The reluctance to sell me their product once they heard I have bottom paint was interesting. I am assuming they have experienced issues. This is one of the reasons I am being more cautious with the drive-on plastic products and seeing if anyone has experience!

 

[DennisG01]

I agree. The reluctance to sell me their product once they heard I have bottom paint was interesting. I am assuming they have experienced issues. This is one of the reasons I am being more cautious with the drive-on plastic products and seeing if anyone has experience!

My "guess" is they had a complaint or two from customers (maybe overly picky customers?) and they made a blanket decision to just recommend against it. But that's only a guess. Hopefully someone with personal experience will jump in.

You might look to more general boating forums for this question, as well - since, in this case, the brand of boat doesn't really matter.

Was there a reason you didn't want to use a lift? Those seem to be more popular for boats larger than jet skis - I don't own one, but have used them plenty of times and they work well.

 

[Gulffisher]

While not exactly related, I wanted to remind you. In salt water environments, do not use steel, including stainless steel, fasteners with aluminum framing/hardware unless you can find appropriate coating or isolators. The aluminum in contact with SS will quickly corrode and the connections will fail during the next bad storm.

 

[Ekea]

if it will rub off bottom paint, will it wear through gel coat?

 

[DennisG01]

if it will rub off bottom paint, will it wear through gel coat?

No. The gelcoat is harder than plastic. Just like plastic bunks on a trailer. Worst case, it might slightly dull the surface.

 

[Oceantroller]

I would go with a boat lift. That way you don't have to worry about boat wake storms and wind.I have had several different boats on lifts and really like them.

 

[DDst]

Any experience with a floating/drive-on dock for a Freedom 215? Received a quote for Wave Armor "Extreme 24" for 15.5K. Dock Blocks told me their solution would not work with my bottom paint. Sea Pen quoted 28K.

Thanks!

Hello , I have the Wave Armor X24 , love it . I have a 2006 228 no problem on and off , just a little learning curve . Could not put a lift in were the boat is located , this was the best solution . I have had lifts before like this better .
Doug