Air-Dock updates

Sneaks · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 4:20 pm Post subject: Air-Dock updates

I know at least one brat and one near geriatric brat are or were going to use Air-Docks for their C-22's and the last message concerning them didn't give much of a practical review.

OK, Dusty et al, how about it?

1) Is the boat high enough to not worry about getting bottom paint?
2) How easy has it been to launch and recover?
3) Any "static" from the marina operators?
4) Any serious caveats?
5) What model seems to work best?

Byrdman · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 4:36 pm Post subject:

Hey Sneaks! My brother in law lives on the Cubmerland River/Old Hickory lake and loves his air dock. Not sure of the brand, but I could find out. Always secure some type of at least bow line to the boat...as to prevent it from just floating away due to a pressure loss in the air tanks.....like someone helping dock the boat after a few beverages and they think that little handle should be pushed another way just a bit...or inadvertent strike of that handle while getting them self or junk off the boat...and, I would go ahead and mount some fenders on the insides of the docking area as to keep the boat off the sides of the dock if inadvertently lowered. Yes, his rest about 8-12" above the tanks, which are heavy plastic, and kind of a "cradle frame" that is adjusted to fit "his boat"....sort of like the little custom adjustments made on trailer bunks for each boat... and he has zero bottom paint.. If you were to bottom paint as to be able to allow you to leave your boat in other dockages, or simply long trips in water, watch for the type that "dry out" when left out of water too long. Been too long since I have researched them, but some bottom paints can stay out a day, week, month, or longer...(general time frames as to give you an idea...) and each are a bit of a different type. He is at his personal dock and does not have the issue of marina dockage policies. I feel sure he would do it again in a heartbeat.

Sawdust · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 4:55 pm Post subject:

Works great!

No problems so far - easy on and off, boat is WAY up thar, can't think of any bad things to say. I have one, and son-in-law has one - both under 22 C Dory -- what else, eh? Neither harbor master has complained.

Dusty

Captains Cat · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 5:01 pm Post subject:

Dusty, what is the model # of your unit. Would you get a bigger/heavier one or is it OK as is?

Charlie

Sawdust · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 6:48 pm Post subject:

I can ask lots of questions, but answering is tough! Don't know the model number. Called AirDoc (317 845 8169) and told them I wanted one for 22 CD. Sent 'em a check. Voila!

Checked with Larry (son-in-law) and he doesn't know either Rolling Eyes

. Shux, Larry knows everything.

Dusty

Sawdust · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 6:50 pm Post subject:

2nd half -- Charlie, this one works fine. They don't make a heavier one - just longer for bigger boats. I think. Now fer a question I can answer, okay??? Rolling Eyes

Dusty

Captains Cat · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:41 pm Post subject:

Thanks CAG. Will do some research, sounds like an alternative to a big expensive lift to me.

charlie

Sawdust · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 9:48 pm Post subject:

Charlie,

They have one CYA that might apply... "Do not leave Air-Dock in water during a hard freeze." Probably worth a phone call in your case. BTW they are cool folks to work with.

So far I really like this thing, and it makes a whole lot of sense. Getting bottom paint here is a real PITA -- expensive and long, long lines. EQ is State certified, but guess it will be 2006 or 7 before I might get my name on the list! Disgust

Factory bottom paint is expensive (lots of man hours). If the bottom is prepared properly the man hours go up pretty fast. BTDT many times, and hate the job.

Dusty -- single malt time...

Captains Cat · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:08 pm Post subject:

thanks dusty.... no problem with bottom paint here, you could cover it with liquid mercury and I don't think they'd care.... maybe they would at that. Anyway, anything that BoatUS or WestMarine sells is OK, I'm just tired of it. I think I'll try your system, could haul it out at the end of the season with my new backhoe!! Laughing

charlie

Sawdust · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:05 am Post subject:

Do you still ask permission to use the backhoe?

Dusty

Sneaks · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:24 am Post subject:

ROTFLMAO! Thank you Dusty, you made my day.

And thanks for the Air-Dock info too. Not too much more than the cost of an initial bottom paint job without the wait, the diver service, or the renewal fees.

Unfortunately the wait for a slip in Oceanside harbor is 2 years and the wait at the cheaper and more secure Camp Pendleton marina is 4+. I'm about to send a bottle of Sildenafil Citrate to each slip owner at Pendleton. Only way to move up the waiting list there is for someone to die, and I figure a retired marine would prefer to die happy....

Captains Cat · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 12:02 pm Post subject:

Dusty the backhoe is to be delivered any day now, it attaches to my Kubota tractor... and yes, I will ask permission to use it, as I do for everything. Even making head calls now....

Sildenafil Citrate ....Wow, had to google that one Shocked

! Don't think marines need it though, some of us sailors might but we'd never admit it! They say if the effects last over 4 hours you should seek medical attention Embarrased

. Heck, I'd need a defilibrator long before that Wink

!!

Charlie

ARBOMAN · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:16 pm Post subject: Air Docks

Just wondering how they are in rougher water. and shallow low tides.Some times the water blows out and it could be setting on the muddy bottom of the Potomac.
Thanks

Captains Cat · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:19 pm Post subject:

Brad & Pat, I don't have one (yet) but I would guess that, unless your river bottom were rocky and sharp, it'd be OK. Ours is kinda muddy/sandy in Cod Creek off the Potomac and I may try one. Sure cheaper than a lift.

Charlie

ARBOMAN · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:43 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the reply Charlie I will wait and see how yours dose