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Feedback on inflatable jet ski docks

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Danvilletim, Mar 21, 2015.

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  1. Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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  2. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    I noticed that these are referred to as fenders, and in fact found this under Fender Questions. It said to consider: "7. The currents and tidal action where the boat will be docked." That tells me that this is something that you will carry along as you tow or carry your jet skis, and then set up for the jet skis to dock on while at anchor. It does NOT look like something you'd tow. Is that what you're looking for? I also notice that it's about $5,000 and has a 3 year warranty.

    If you're looking for a way to carry the jet skis I think you'd be best off with a davit dropping them on the bow.
  3. Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    We will tow the jet skis. Usually less than 2-3 mi. This is just to play. We were contemplating a swim platform and this seems like a much cheaper alternative.
  4. Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

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    I was thinking of this as a solution for diving off our boat, which has no swim platform. So a diving platform rather than a dock. Seems a good solution.
    However, at this price and with only 3 years warranty it has lost appeal.
  5. RER

    RER Senior Member

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    I don't see the point to the floating dock contraption. Looks to me like it would be a PITA to mess with.

    Why not just tie up fore/aft on each side of the cockpit and climb on/off?
  6. Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

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    Waves, tides and currents, plus stability. Try getting your dive gear from the water up the stern without banging the paintwork with tanks, dive belts etc. As for the jet ski, you might think a large fender between the boat and ski would do the trick but I have experience that it can be a problem when you get hit by the wake from passing boats and a worry overnighting. Even when leaving substantial line out between boat and ski or tender, the tides and wind can mean the tender can turn and hit the boat, loosen the fender and the outboard strikes the transom.
    This product sounds promising, using water filled compartments in the corners etc. However not sure how stable until it's used in the field.
    Cheers,
    Kafue
  7. RER

    RER Senior Member

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    On every boat I've been on anywhere I've ever been at anchor, every watercraft we've had if we're not going to put them away we tie them fore & aft to the side of the boat. I've never had a problem.
  8. Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

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    If it were not for an incident in December there would be no argument from me.
    There is a terrific spot in my region called Tangalooma. It is on Moreton Island and the anchorage is behind a string of semi submerged wrecks, running North to South in Moreton Bay. A short distance from here is the opening to the ocean. All the marine traffic headed for Brisbane port go past within 15 N.M.
    The diving and fishing are very good, dolphins and turtles come up to the boat and the water is very clear.
    However in anything other than a NNE, NE or SE, the anchorage can get nasty if the wind builds up over the Bay from the West.
    After over 20 years of going there, I know the risks and times to get out or stay. You know what is coming next. You can never count on combinations of errors. One evening, I had the Boston Whaler tied fore and aft. Large fender between the tender/boat. Overnight with passing cargo ships plus a build-up of medium winds, the fender bounced into the Boston and the tender smashed into the side of the newly painted boat. No damage, but I was concerned enough to try something different the next evening.
    Next night, in reasonable conditions, I decided to let the Boston Whaler tender out on enough line to give a safe distance between it and the boat. Fenders on both sides of the tender and aft of the outboard. During the night I heard some crashing. Assume a very large cargo ship had passed by and left a big wake. I came out and found that the fender at the back of the Boston’s outboard engine had travelled up the rope to one side of the outboard from wave action and the tender had turned at a different time to the boat. This resulted in the outboard and it’s prop making a few gouges into the Port side aft and transom.
    If I had a swim platform this would not have occurred.
    I await many responses telling me what I should have done, however I know a swim platform would have lessened the chance of this. As for securing the tender Bow to Stern, it would have been a better option, but no guarantee.
  9. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    When at anchor your jet skis should float behind your boat. If you bring them up to the boat I'd think that just laying fenders in between the skis and your boat would do as well as this and maybe better, be a whole lot more convenient, and save you 5K.

    Kafue, the OP said nothing about diving. This is for jet skis. As for the skis banging, if you read the cautions with this it sounds like you'd have a least the same problems. Just looks like a waste of money and a big inconvenience to me.
  10. Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    I think the value it offers is a fun platform to swim and dive off, as well as making it easier to board the jet skis. I'm not worried about tying off one way or another. It appears to be same construction as inflatable Stand up Paddle boards. Those are remarkably stiff and stable. $5k is a fair amount, but a lot less than the $35k quoted for a swim platform.
  11. Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    We have a similar piece of equipment, which is an inflatable work float. It's very stable and durable, and we've been happy with it.
    It's not made by Aere, but looks similar to the one pictured. Perhaps Aere is reselling them under license?
    I would shy away if it were made by Aere. I've had fender failure with their equipment over the years.
  12. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Who is your work float from?
  13. Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    VersilFloat

    I should follow-up on my last comment. Aere is great at honoring their warranty, and will fix anything you send them. I just don't want to need to do so.
  14. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    If it does what you need that's all that matters. From what you said in your last post have you considered one of those rafts that you could also tow behind your ski to give rides? Might give more fun.
  15. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Versifloat also has a double jet ski model. I've seen them used those beside the boat between the boat and the jet ski or tender. The gazebos are interesting too. Just the float with a canopy. On the floating platforms they also have a modular set of boards that can be used on top for a more stable working platform.
  16. Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

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    Not wishing to cause argument here, however, in comparison to tying a jet ski or tender off against the hull of your boat, this Floating Dock system is far better.
    Whether for diving or getting onto your jet ski it's even better than directly off a swim platform.
  17. Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    There is no argument, really. It's just a matter of how much space you have to stow it when not in use.
  18. RER

    RER Senior Member

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    Agreed. That was my perspective exactly. It's one thing to have it onboard a 164' motor yacht versus having to stow it on a 62' sport fisher.