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JetDock
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Q. How do you get the boat on and
off the dock?
A. The JetDock is a safe,
convenient drive-on docking system. The process is similar
to driving on to your boat trailer. To get your craft on
top of our dock, you simply approach the dock at idle
speed and allow your momentum to slowly begin the drive-on
process. At this point, the dock is "cradling" the craft.
From here, gently apply the throttle to hold your boat in
the "safety pause" position, about 1/3rd of the way on the
dock. When ready, firmly throttle on the rest of the way.
After a few tries, you will know exactly how much thrust
you need to get the craft on the top of the dock. Inboard
engine boats require nearly the same approach with the
only difference being you have to winch the craft forward
for less than two feet at the conclusion of the drive-on.
Take your time when driving on the dock. Its tracking
system will help control your boat, even in wind, wakes or
water currents. The winch systems found on all of our
universal docks can assist you at any point to help get
the craft forward if necessary. Remember that practice
makes perfect and after a few tries, "parking" your boat
on our waterfront driveway will be as easy as parking your
car in the driveway of your house.
To get the craft off the dock:
1) For personal watercraft (PWC) you simply stand in the
stern (backside) of the dock and lightly tug at the craft,
lifting up as you are pulling back at the same time. As
you are doing this your body weight will cause the dock to
begin "flexing" down in the stern; therefore, it will only
take a slight amount of pressure when you begin to lift
the PWC and pull it back for it to begin sliding off the
dock. From here, you can step on anytime as the PWC
launches in a slow, controlled manner.
2) For boats (outboard, sterndrive-I/O, inboard) 12' -
30', simply lower your drive unit, shift into reverse and
drive-off the dock. For boats that are too far on the dock
to drive off (and also for inboard ski boats), a
convenient winch-assisted launch system located at the
front of the dock allows you to move the craft off the
dock. This "Z-pulley" design on the winch system works in
reverse and puts pressure on the bow eye of your craft to
bring it back to a teetering point, at which you can hand
launch your craft or start your engine, shift into reverse
and drive off the dock.
Q. Does the dock come in any color other than
black? Because your cubes are black, doesn't the dock get
hot being in the sun all day?
A. Black is the only color our
drive-on docks come in. We have chosen to keep the cube
its natural color as other colors historically exhibit
less outdoor durability. Technically speaking, the carbon
pigment in the polymer yields a black color. It provides
the highest level of durability, strength, and
flexibility. It is naturally UV stable and requires no
"additives" or inhibitors. By keeping with the proven
performance of black high-density polyethylene (hdpe),
JetDock is able to give the lifetime warranty on the cube,
something not found with other products. Also, consider
these aesthetic advantages:
-
Our black cube makes the stains from
dirt, grime and marine growth less conspicuous than on
white or light colored floats
-
The low-angle reflection of water is
"dark" or "black"; therefore, the JetDock blends in
attractively with the "seascape"
-
The black color of the cube is
"classic" and will not clash with your boat or
surroundings; old modules will not appear "faded" next
to new modules.
While the dock can get hot being in the
sun all day, keep in mind the majority of it is covered by
the shadow of your boat, making much of the dock cool to
the touch. Besides, a white sand beach or a traditional
wood deck will burn your feet on a hot day. Ask yourself
the following questions in regards to how hot the JetDock
potentially gets: a) "Am I using the dock for sunbathing
purposes or am I using it to preserve my watercraft
investment? After all, isn't my drive-on dry docking
system a boat lift? b) "When I'm boating, shouldn't I be
wearing proper foot gear?" and lastly, c) "Couldn't I just
throw some outdoor carpet on the dock if it were really
that big an issue?". FYI-regarding the latter, JetDock
does offer new light-colored beige modules for use as a
floating walkway, boat dock, swim platform or sundeck (click
here for more info).
Q. Can I leave it in all year (warm weather
sites)?
A. The dock can be left in all
year (yes, even in salt water; we have systems that have
been in place for nearly ten years and have never been put
on land for dry storage). In some warm weather sites,
where the water is completely drained (typically inland
lakes or reservoirs at the end of the boating season), you
may need to contact a JetDock customer support
representative for assistance in getting your system up
and running the next season.
Q. Can I leave it in all year (cold weather
sites)?
A. In cold weather sites (where
the water freezes regularly during winter), the dock can
be left in all year. When the water freezes, the JetDock
rises up above the ice and rests on top. Protocol for
winterizing the JetDock is simple: 1) move the craft to
its dry storage location during the off-season, 2) remove
the mooring poles. By leaving the dock in all year, ice
and cold water will act as a natural "sanitizer" by
helping to keep the dock clean.
Q. What about marine growth (barnacles, algae,
etc.)?
A. Marine growth will occur on
the underside and other parts of the dock that is
constantly submerged in water. However, this will not
impact the overall buoyancy of the dock in any way, shape
or form. Remember that the reason you buy the JetDock is
that it is virtually maintenance free. Therefore, cleaning
the dock's underside is simply an extra chore that you do
not have to worry about.
Q. How does ice impact the JetDock?
A. The central issue when it
comes to ice and its impact on the JetDock is water flow.
If there is a heavy current or moving water/ice, the key
question to ask yourself is, "When the ice thaws out, does
it just dissipate back into the water level or are there
large blocks of heavy flow ice moving around that would
severely damage stationary docks?" If you answer "yes" to
the first part of the question, you can leave our dock in
all year. We have a number of customers who can attest to
this. If you answer "yes" to the second part of the
question, then your next move is as obvious as the ice
will tear out and wash away any structure. For boat docks,
if the water does freeze and you leave it in, you will
have to remove one section of cubes that resides on the
underside of the dock. Contact a JetDock customer support
representative with any additional questions.
Q. What about high winds, wakes/waves and water
surges?
A. When it comes to high winds,
again, we have a number of testimonials from customers who
can tell their tale about how the JetDock was the only
item that survived the latest hurricane or 100 mph winds.
Because the dock is modular, it rolls with waves/water as
Mother Nature imparts her wrath on the dock. Water surges
can be handled with our tide manager system. Should the
water rise above normal levels, simply let out enough of
the line that is being used to secure the JetDock and
allow it to be less restricted to its mooring location. In
regards to wave action, the optimal situation is for the
dock to be in a protected area with little or no wave
action. If this is not possible, then we suggest the dock
at the very least be in an area where the waves are 2' or
less. Common sense suggests that if you are currently
keeping the watercraft in the water, the JetDock can be
located there as well. The JetDock is ideally suited where
normal dock or dry-docking procedures are difficult or
unsafe. Where water currents might cause the watercraft to
bump up against the seawall or existing dock or mechanical
lift, the JetDock drive-on docking system allows a safe,
protected approach, contact and dry-docking procedure.
Q. How does the sun impact the JetDock?
A. Because we keep the cube
black, the sun will not destroy or alter the cube in any
way, shape or form. Please refer to question #3 regarding
UV issues and their impact on the JetDock cube.
Q. Doesn't the dock mark up the hull of my
watercraft?
A. No, the cube itself is made
up of materials (hdpe) softer than the hull on your boat.
If you keep the dock clean, you will experience no damage.
This can be accomplished by simply hosing down the dock
when you are done using the craft for the day. Should you
allow debris (sand, mud, etc.) to accumulate on the
surface of the dock, those elements will form an abrasive,
which could potentially scratch or mark your hull.
Interestingly enough, this is also true for your boat
trailer, rack storage surfaces and bunks on a boatlift.
Boat hulls of normal integrity will not incur damage by
interacting with the JetDock surface.
Q. Does the propeller hit the dock when you
pulling on top of the dock?
A. No, for outboard and
inboard/outboard boats, the propeller is facing aft and
cannot impact the dock. For inboard engines, the dock is
configured with a wider opening in the stern of the dock
directly in the center and remains open approximately a
third of the way up towards the bow of the dock.
Q. Do I need a consent or a
permit for this?
A. The JetDock is a floating
device that need not be installed as a permanent structure
and is simply an extension of your boat. If you currently
have your boat in the water, the JetDock resides in the
footprint of the boat. Typically, regulatory authorities
have approached the subject reasonably and logically. In
many instances, these authorities feel a net environmental
gain since watercraft docked with our system do not need
anti-fouling, bottom paint. If necessary, check your
local regulations regarding the use of JetDock in your area.
Q. How long is the guarantee on the product? Does
my warranty transfer should I sell the dock?
A. Each dock comes with a
Manufacturer's Lifetime Limited Warranty, virtually
unheard of in the marine environment. The Lifetime Limited
Warranty means that as long as you own the dock, they
guarantee the JetDock module. We will gladly assist you
with any issues that may arise. Should you sell the dock
or buy used JetDock material, be advised that the warranty
is non-transferable. Why? The JetDock's
warranty is specific to the configuration required by the
original craft it was intended for. Using the dock
for a craft other than that specified during the original
purchase could void the warranty. Consult with us
should your craft or dry-docking needs change.
Q. Installation of the dock. Do I have to put all
the parts together if it is shipped to me? Is it hard to
assemble by myself? How is the dock moored and secured on
site? Can the dock be reconfigured should I decide to
change the type of watercraft I have? How easy is it to
change the dock as my boating needs change? Who do I
contact in the event I wanted to reconfigure my existing
dock?
A. Depending on the location of
your dock site, we are happy to install your dock for you
(there is an installation charge). Alternatively, we can
deliver your dock to you pre-assembled, which you connect
together and install in-water. For example, it takes less
than thirty minutes to "seam" two PWC docks together.
The assembly process is fast and
straightforward in addition to being well documented in
the Owner's Manual, instruction sheets and our
instructional video. While it is not impossible for a
person to assemble a JetDock by him or herself, having
another person to assist you with assembly and
installation is optimal.
The JetDock is moored in several ways,
depending on your current dock situation:
-
Floating dock-hard tie the JetDock
right to your dock in the same manner you would tie your
watercraft up; both structures will float up and down
together.
-
Stationary dock (with regularly
fluctuating water levels)-our tide manager rigid mooring
system, which consists of vertically placed, galvanized
steel poles encapsulated in PVC sleeves and mounting
brackets at the top of those poles, is mounted to your
existing dock and the JetDock is then tethered to the
poles; this system allows the dock to move uninhibited
and right along with the up and down with your water
levels.
-
Stationary dock (with constant water
levels)-hard tie (same approach as if it were a floating
dock)
-
No existing dock-we have standalone
mooring modules whereby we insert a sleeve/shaft into
the JetDock cube and place our tide manager pole through
the opening. Our mooring poles are then driven directly
into the sea floor. These installations require calm,
shallow waters (less than 6') with a minimal amount of
change in the water level (less than 2-3' fluctuation).
Consult with a JetDock sales associate
for assistance regarding the type of mooring for your
specific installation.
One of the true beauties of the JetDock
is that it can be reconfigured at a moment's notice. A PWC
dock can become a 16' boat dock which can become a 26'
boat dock in an afternoon's work. Add-ons to your existing
PWC dock can be done by yourself. In general, boat dock
reconfigurations will take longer than PWC dock
reconfigurations. A good rule of thumb is to simply
contact our corporate office or the local dealer that
assisted you regarding reconfiguration matters.
Q. How long does it take for the dock to be
shipped/installed once the order is placed?
A. We deliver and install docks
promptly, but exact timing depends on the location of your
dock site, the type of dock and will be agreed with you at
the time you place your order. To save on shipping
costs we ship several units at one time with our own
trucks into the Long Island area but if you want a system
right away we can arrange standard shipping almost
immediately.
Q. Physical characteristics of the JetDock cube.
Weight? Size? Buoyancy? Foam-filled? Puncture proof?
A. Each cube weighs
approximately 14 pounds (6.4 kgs), has a surface area of
20" x 20" (500mm x 500mm) and has over 200 pounds (90 kgs)
of buoyancy. The cube is air filled (basically a rigid,
hollow compartment) with a wall thickness of approximately
¼" (6mm). While the likelihood of a cube being punctured
or damaged is virtually non-existent, should this happen
and fall within the guidelines of our warranty, we will
replace the cube at no cost.
Q. Does the JetDock work in shallow water? How
much does the dock draft with and without the watercraft
on top?
A. The dock only "draws" about 2
to 4 inches of water with the craft off it. The minimum
functional water depth is measured at the back of the dock
where the drive-on takes place. The dock needs to be able
to flex in order to drive on top of it. With this in mind,
anticipate needing about 20-25 inches for a PWC and 30-60
inches of depth for a boat. The mid and forward sections
of the JetDock can sit on the ground during low water
levels! -an extraordinary feature of the JetDock system.
The PWC dock will draft about 3-6" with
the craft on top of it. The static boat docks draft
20"-25" due to the buoyancy beams. The airlift docks draft
30"-40" due to the performance pontoons. Our standard
response to people who ask if they can put our dock in
their shallow water site is, "If your watercraft is
already sitting in the water at the location our dock
would go, then the JetDock can be installed there safely,
but slightly deeper water will be needed for the lift to
raise and lower during dry-docking or launch."
Q. Can it be towed to another location? Are they
easy to take out of the water if I need to?
A. The dock can easily be moved
to another location, either by towing it with your PWC or
boat, loading it up on your boat trailer, or by
disassembling it and having it moved to its new location.
The dock can be removed from the water
in the same manner your boat is removed (tow it to a boat
ramp and pull it on top of your trailer) or by
disassembling it either in water or land and moving it to
its storage location. The dock can be left outside if
needed.
Q. Walk-around issues. How many cubes wide for a
stable walking platform? How stable is it when I walk on
the dock? Is the dock slippery when you walk on it?
A. The cubes can be used as a
floating platform, gangway, finger pier or any other type
of customized configuration you so desire. A stable,
walking platform must be at least three cubes wide or 5'.
The dock is extremely stable to walk on and will support
your body weight due to the buoyancy contained within each
cube (which is 200 pounds). Therefore, every square inch
of "walkable" space will support your body weight. Also,
the dock's flexibility dampens movement on one end from
reaching other areas of the dock. Lastly, the non-skid
surface makes the dock very safe to walk on even when it
is wet.
Q. How much maintenance is required to keep the
JetDock clean and functional?
A. The only maintenance you will
ever have on the dock is threefold: a) make sure the
surface remains free from debris by hosing it down after
using your craft, b) periodic check-ups of the dock and
mooring lines just as you do for your watercraft when it
is tied up to an existing dock and c) spraying our PWC or
boat winches with an anti-corrosion treatment.
Q. Do I still need to anti-foul (bottom) paint my
watercraft or the JetDock? If my boat is already anti-foul
painted, how hard is it to drive on top of the dock?
A. One of the main reasons you
buy our product is for this very reason: you will never
have to anti foul paint your craft again. The same holds
true for the JetDock, as the underside does not need to be
anti foul painted. Keep in mind that our goal is for you
to be able to put the dock in and have to do as little
work to it as possible.
If your watercraft has already been
treated with a anti-foul paint, we require that it be
removed prior to using the JetDock. The drive-on procedure
for boats will be "slowed" down if the anti-foul paint is
left on, and damage may occur.
Q. Security issues. How do I secure my watercraft
to the dock? Isn't it easy for someone to steal the entire
dock?
A. You have several options when
it comes to securing your craft to the dock and securing
the JetDock to your existing dock. First, we can
pre-install a heavy-duty cromalloy steel chain into an
actual cube thereby giving you the option of locking your
craft to the dock. Second, you can actually lock the
JetDock to your existing dock with the same type of chain
we would use to lock your craft to the dock. We also have
after-market security systems should you decide to add
that at a later date.
Although we have never had a customer
call us and say, "My JetDock is missing," please check
with your insurance company regarding theft coverage.
Q. Is electricity needed to use the dock?
A. Most of our docks are electricity free. Craft
are simply docked and launched under their own power. For
longer and/or heavier craft, we have JetDock "Air Lift
Aqua Pad" and "Performance Series Aqua Pad" docks which
have electrically driven, partially submersible sterns to
make docking and launching a breeze.
Q. What makes your product different from other
dry-docking alternatives?
A. Innovation.
JetDock's patented design provides the only modular,
changeable, expandable dock system with built in flex
motion (Sequential Flex Technology™). During drive-on, the
dock flexes down and allows the watercraft (even boats up
to 50' in length) to safely gain access to the Dock
surface. Ask yourself if you are ready to usher in the new
millennium with the docking system that will change the
face of the boating industry. Well, are you? |
