6 replies to this topic

[jpressly]

I'm curious to see what kinds of boat lifts or drive-on docks you guys may be using. I purchased my Sportster SCIC a couple of weeks ago and I have been trying to do some research on docks. I have a floating dock that rides on two 8" pilings and I would like to (ideally) place a drive-on system on the opposite side of the pilings that hold my existing floating dock. In addition to finding out what docks you guys use, I'd like to know:

1. What options are out there?
2. What price range would I be looking at for some of those options?
3. Which options should I stay away from?
4. What solution is the best for the lowest cost? (I don't have much money left after purchasing the boat!!)

Really, any info at this point would be helpful.

Attn: Kevin Leclair: I noticed in some pictures in the gallery that you use an EZ-Dock? How do you like it? How much did it cost?

Thanks for all of your help!! Boat on!!

[thumper]

congratulations on the new baot - you wont be dissapointed - on a completely unconnected note from your post - you said you purchased your boat a few weeks ago and you have been around here since june last year - was this site helpful in your decision to purchase your new doo - or have you always been a doo person?

[BigRed]

I'm curious to see what kinds of boat lifts or drive-on docks you guys may be using.  I purchased my Sportster SCIC a couple of weeks ago and I have been trying to do some research on docks.  I have a floating dock that rides on two 8" pilings and I would like to (ideally) place a drive-on system on the opposite side of the pilings that hold my existing floating dock.  In addition to finding out what docks you guys use, I'd like to know:

1.  What options are out there?
2.  What price range would I be looking at for some of those options?
3.  Which options should I stay away from?
4.  What solution is the best for the lowest cost?  (I don't have much money left after purchasing the boat!!)

Really, any info at this point would be helpful. 

Attn:  Kevin Leclair: I noticed in some pictures in the gallery that you use an EZ-Dock?  How do you like it?  How much did it cost? 

Thanks for all of your help!!  Boat on!!

The EZ dock system is a great concept and one I was considering. The cost of it forced me to look at other alternatives. The drive up ramp alone was around $3,500. With the basic additional sections the cost was up over 10K.

I already have in place an "L" shaped cribbed dock so I looked at purchasing a boat lift to install beside the short side of the dock. Another great concept and eazy way of keeping the boat high and dry until I returned next weekend. At $3,200 is was affordable. One major problem I discovered, the lift cannot stay in the water if it freezes up over the winter. The lift then requires a shallow sloped entry/exit area like a beach to pull out and put in the water each season. Something my property does not have.

I then looked at the marine railroad system. The cost was around $1,800 and you can easily remove the sections in the water and store for the winter. I ended up purchasing it and installed it last year. It's a litle more involved installation as you have to insure the tracks are level to each other and the rate of decent isn't to extreme. Another slight disadvantage is that getting the boat out of the water with the railroad is more of a two person job. Mine is fabricated from an apoxy coated steel. I have since seen aluminum constructed systems......this would probably be the way to go. I am happy so far with my purchase.

[R-Doo]

I just bought a FloeVSD vertical lift for my Utopia 205. It's a 24v battery lift with a canopy. There is a solar panel on top to keep the batteries topped off. The two batteries by them selves should last the typical user a whole summer without recharging.
The canopy has a large enough overhang so that when the boat is lifted all the way up, it shouldn't need the mooring cover.
Most every dock and lift in this area has to be removed n the winter as there is too much ice movement. Plus I wouldn't want to be responsible for a snowmobiler hitting it in the winter.
Now I'm just waiting for "ice out" to start the fun.

[jpressly]

congratulations on the new baot - you wont be dissapointed - on a completely unconnected note from your post - you said you purchased your boat a few weeks ago and you have been around here since june last year - was this site helpful in your decision to purchase your new doo - or have you always been a doo  person?

Thanks! Yes, this site was very helpful in my decision to buy a Doo sport boat. I have owned a few PWC in the past (and still own a '97 GTI) so I was familiar with them to a certain extent. I also own a Sea Ray, but that is mostly for day crusing and lounging on the river. The Doo is mostly for water sports and all-out excitement. I've only had it on the water once, so I can't wait to find another warm day to see what else it can do.

[Kevin Leclair]

I don't actually have a EZ-dock, those were just some pictures that were passed along to me. It does look like it would be a very nice set-up though.

[carolinadocks]

for jet boats go with the drive on boat docks. is the way to go unless you are in very rough water. the drive on is MUCH CHEAPER then other boat lifts and you can install it yourself. check these two website at http://www.carolinafloats.com and floating http://www.floatingboatlifts.com great for jet boats. dont think it will crack or hurt your boat unless you drive on it too fast. The products come with a roller assembly kit that always you to push off your boat. video to see it at. http://www.youtube.c...h?v=oZlxsJcG8W0.

Attached Files

•  boatfloat (22).jpg   794.33KB   0 downloads