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Author Topic:   EZ-Dock or JetDock anyone

skategoat posted 04-14-2004 05:00 PM ET (US)
Is anyone using one of these roll-on, drive-on floating dock systems? What are your impressions? I like the simplicity and not having to worry about bottom conditions. However, I heard the JetDock can wear the bottom of your boat. True/false?
There's also BoatLift (http://www.boatfloatllc.com/index.html) but it looks pricey.
Moe posted 04-14-2004 05:56 PM ET (US)

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/001845.html
where2 posted 04-14-2004 06:04 PM ET (US)
Here's the previous thread on Jetdocks...
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/001845.html
Thanks for the search functions JimH...
skategoat posted 04-14-2004 08:24 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the reference. I had tried a search on EZ Dock but not JetDock.
devildog posted 04-14-2004 08:41 PM ET (US)
I use ez dock for my Waverunner which weighs damn near as much as my Katama. I'm going to try the Katama on the ez dock in a few weeks. I'll post my results. If it works out I may be getting another ez dock.
Jeff
JohnJ80 posted 04-14-2004 09:05 PM ET (US)
I have a Jetdock for my Dauntless 15. Excellent Product! The drive on/drive off feature is way, way cool.
I spent a lot of time talking with them before I bought this since I keep my boat on a large body of water with large boat wakes (busy area). I was concerned that the thing would break up or something.
After two full years, not a single problem. There is no apparent wear on anything - I think its damn near indestructible. The thing keeps my boat high and dry, it is very easy to launch and it can take a beating in boat wakes and storms. They recommend that it be used in areas where wave height is less than 2' 95% of the time. 2' waves continuous is a pretty unsheltered area. They have a lot of installations on the Intercoastal - another place with lots with traffic - with no problem.
I looked at the EZ dock and the differnce for me was that I think the Jet Dock is more durable since it comes in smaller pieces (20" cubes) instead of the big pieces that EZ dock comes with. I think this really lets it ride waves better and causes a smoother cradle for the boat. Its kinda like a water bed for your boat (sounds stupid, but that is what it is).
The real reason that I like it better is that you can drive up and off of it. If you had to crank your boat up with a winch every time, you wouldn't do it. It would be really tough keeping it aligned enough to crank it up without a problem. I don't think that it would be very practical if you wanted to do it yourself.
The Jet Dock is really easy to drive up on, you just need to practice a bit until you get the hang of it. Once you do - piece of cake. I also really like the ability to load up the boat and then push it off the dock.
All in all, an excellent produt that exceeds my expectations big time.
J.
skategoat posted 04-15-2004 09:12 AM ET (US)
I like the EZ-Dock because of the rollers. I thought that would easier on the boat than the plastic runners on the JetDock. I also like the beige colour over the black.
With both, I don't like the price. We're talking $6,000 - $9,000 here. For that kind of money, I can buy a top of the line, powered aluminum lift and have money left over.
One thing I don't like about an aluminum cradle lift is the fact that you have to crawl around the superstructure to get in and out of the boat. The floating lifts seem a lot friendlier.
Then finally, there's the option of building one myself. Since I'm a reasonably competent carpenter, I think I could build something like where2's. The problem then is parts sourcing. Being in Canada, shipping of large items like the air chamber is a hassle. I'd have to try to find them locally.
I don't know. I'm torn. I think I'll drive around my lake this summer looking for EZ-Docks and JetDocks and barge in on the owner for his/her opinions.
Henry
skategoat posted 04-15-2004 09:22 AM ET (US)
I like the EZ-Dock because of the rollers. I thought that would easier on the boat than the plastic runners on the JetDock. I also like the beige colour over the black.
With both, I don't like the price. We're talking $6,000 - $9,000 here. For that kind of money, I can buy a top of the line, powered aluminum lift and have money left over.
One thing I don't like about an aluminum cradle lift is the fact that you have to crawl around the superstructure to get in and out of the boat. The floating lifts seem a lot friendlier.
Then finally, there's the option of building one myself. Since I'm a reasonably competent carpenter, I think I could build something like where2's. The problem then is parts sourcing. Being in Canada, shipping of large items like the air chamber is a hassle. I'd have to try to find them locally.
I don't know. I'm torn. I think I'll drive around my lake this summer looking for EZ-Docks and JetDocks and barge in on the owner for his/her opinions.
Henry
divefan posted 04-15-2004 10:32 AM ET (US)
Hey, funny you should ask. I have a very long answer to this question but unfortunately I am out the door in a few. I will give further details later tonight but for now I can tell you that I just returned a brand new jetdock to the company in Ohio after much wrangling back and forth. In addition, two of my neighbors have had their BW's chewed up by these monsters. There may be litigation if measures are not taken to rectify their problems.
Stand by for the details later.
where2 posted 04-15-2004 12:42 PM ET (US)
"If you had to crank your boat up with a winch every time, you wouldn't do it."
Actually, if I had to bottom paint it, I wouldn't. But cranking my 15' Sport up on my lift is a piece of cake. With 3 Stoltz rollers under it, it actually goes on and off quite smoothly... The beauty of sinking the rear portion of my lift is that I'm winching up a gentle incline. My wife and my dad can do it, and dad's well into retirement age...
I've been looking at EZ-Dock for their floating dock pieces. I could use a zero maintenance dock... The lift only needs painting once every 5 years or so...
JohnJ80 posted 04-15-2004 12:53 PM ET (US)
A traditional lift is very easy to crank up. I was referring to the fact that on the EZ Dock you need to winch it up - it would be like winching it up on your trailer with a minimum of the trailer in the water. Just like it would be tough winching it up on the jet dock.
The jet dock allows you to drive your boat up completely ONTO the dock without winching. Very much like power loading your trailer. You then just secure the boat to the dock and you are done. If you use the winch, it is most likely for launch. Your lower unit is still in the water and the motor should then be properly cooled.
So, winching a boat up onto a jet dock or ez dock, in either case, would be a pain and much more difficult that a traditional lift. Driving up onto the dock is much easier than either case and a feature of Jet Dock and not EZ Dock. In most cases for whaler size boats, I would think you don't even need the winch to launch the boat, you just give her a good push (engine is already running) and hop in.
If you have water levels that vary significantly then a lift is not really an option.
I didn't phrase that well. Sorry.
J
JohnJ80 posted 04-16-2004 03:26 PM ET (US)
Just rereading this, I am very interested to here what divefan has to say about the problems.
Just as a note I have had absolutely no wear on either the whaler or the jet dock in the 2 years I have had it. Jet Dock does warn you to keep the dock clean of sand and other abrasives (would seem to be common sense, i would think).
You also do have to follow the directions for attaching the boat to the dock - there is a bridle that you need to connect your bow tie down to (part of the dock). You should not rely on the winch to hold it. That again is common sense when you look at it.
Since my dock is on a busy waterway, it gets a lot of boat waves that heave it around quite a bit. So, I would think that if wear were an issue, it would be mine that would suffer from it.
Anyhow, that;s what I know.
What boat are you planning on putting on the dock?
J
kbshoaps posted 04-18-2004 04:37 PM ET (US)
If the boat is elevated above the water, how do you start the engine to back off without frying the impellor or is the lower end still in the water deep enough to accomodate the coolant water intakes?
JohnJ80 posted 04-18-2004 05:16 PM ET (US)
When the boat is properly positioned on the dock for storage, you have moved the boat so it is more centered on the dock for and aft. If you try to tilt the motor down it will not be able to do all the way down without moving the boat aft. Actually this is pretty easy and I just do it with the trim and tilt.
As the boat scoots aft, the weight of the boat is now more aft on the dock causing the rear most floats to sit lower in the water. The lower unit is deep enough (way more than enough) in the water to run it and get sufficient cooling water. This was not the case with my older Johnson 2 stroke though so I think there is some dependency on the actual motor. From what i can tell though, the vast majority of motors work this way.
With the Johnson, I would just leave a rope tied to the dock so if the motor didn't start when I slid off, i would be good for recovery. With my new motor, its not an issue. I just start it up get everyone sitting down and away we go.
Think 'waterbed'. Where you put the weight, you get more depression. It is pretty much the same with this dock.
You do need to scoot the boat back far enough so you are just on the edge of it sliding off - which it does easily since the plastic is a self lubricating type. Then a small goose on the throttle and it slides off.
Jet Dock has made an arrangement with the winch so you can winch it back as well as forwards. While I don't need to winch it backwards with my Dauntless 15 - I can just push it, I do need to winch it the last 18 inches to the storage position when we drive it back on.
sosmerc posted 10-19-2006 11:28 PM ET (US)
Has anyone using a jetdock with their whaler had any issues with scratches or other damage to their hulls?
kamie posted 10-20-2006 12:25 AM ET (US)
I did not have any issues with mine this year but it was a short season for me. I will say that you need to clean off your bottom paint if you plan to have one, at least where the boat contacts the jet dock.
Plotman posted 10-20-2006 11:04 AM ET (US)
There is a used jet-dock for sale on ebay right now from Ohio.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ Floating-Jet-Dock_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ200038356358
myakka posted 10-20-2006 05:28 PM ET (US)
plotman
That is a good price, but it may not be enough pieces to hold a 17' boat. Also, reconfiguring those block can be a PITA. And you'll need a $100 tool kit from Jetdock, if it isn't included.
Kamie
Do you have any pictures of your jetdock all set up? I bought a used one(23') and I'm setting it up for my 18 Outrage.
kamie posted 10-21-2006 08:09 PM ET (US)
mike,
Here are a couple of shots of the Jet Dock
kamie.homelinux.org/kamie/html/spring_2006.html
I though I had shots with the boat actually on the Jet Dock but they weren't on the digital camera so I might have to look on the last roll of film. I got the 18 foot wide body one, so I could walk around it when the boat is on top the dock. I am going down this weekend, if you need me to take more shots or take measurements, just let me know.
myakka posted 10-22-2006 08:14 AM ET (US)
Kamie
Thanks for those shots! Looks like I made a few small setup mistakes(whats new).Could you tell me where you put the T beams?
Thanks
Mike
kamie posted 10-22-2006 01:50 PM ET (US)
Mike,
I will count cubes for you and let you know. I also know the guides were smaller than the original ones they sent me. For some reason my 18 wants to slide to the left once it gets onto the dock. I also have to run mine up pretty high or she will slide off on her own.
kamie posted 10-24-2006 09:13 AM ET (US)
Mike,
Beam is between the 3rd and 4th cubes from the back. Mine is a single beam that goes across the whole dock. Let me know if you need anything else.
myakka posted 10-24-2006 06:32 PM ET (US)
Kamie
Thanks for the help.
Mike
fishrswim posted 02-13-2015 01:14 PM ET (US)
I have an EZ Dock model 5001 Boat Port for sale in Oak Harbor WA. This unit has the air lift chamber, side extensions and remote control lift unit. It's rated for 5000 pounds. Only about two years old. I have used it for a BW 190 Outrage. IMHO it's absolutely the way to go. I bottom painted it because it's in salt water and we have tremendous growth. I also added small tie down loops for my boat cover I'm asking $6500 which is just about 50% the cost of a new unit.

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Author	Topic: EZ-Dock or JetDock anyone
skategoat	posted 04-14-2004 05:00 PM ET (US) Is anyone using one of these roll-on, drive-on floating dock systems? What are your impressions? I like the simplicity and not having to worry about bottom conditions. However, I heard the JetDock can wear the bottom of your boat. True/false? There's also BoatLift (http://www.boatfloatllc.com/index.html) but it looks pricey.
Moe	posted 04-14-2004 05:56 PM ET (US) http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/001845.html
where2	posted 04-14-2004 06:04 PM ET (US) Here's the previous thread on Jetdocks... http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/001845.html Thanks for the search functions JimH...
skategoat	posted 04-14-2004 08:24 PM ET (US) Thanks for the reference. I had tried a search on EZ Dock but not JetDock.
devildog	posted 04-14-2004 08:41 PM ET (US) I use ez dock for my Waverunner which weighs damn near as much as my Katama. I'm going to try the Katama on the ez dock in a few weeks. I'll post my results. If it works out I may be getting another ez dock. Jeff
JohnJ80	posted 04-14-2004 09:05 PM ET (US) I have a Jetdock for my Dauntless 15. Excellent Product! The drive on/drive off feature is way, way cool. I spent a lot of time talking with them before I bought this since I keep my boat on a large body of water with large boat wakes (busy area). I was concerned that the thing would break up or something. After two full years, not a single problem. There is no apparent wear on anything - I think its damn near indestructible. The thing keeps my boat high and dry, it is very easy to launch and it can take a beating in boat wakes and storms. They recommend that it be used in areas where wave height is less than 2' 95% of the time. 2' waves continuous is a pretty unsheltered area. They have a lot of installations on the Intercoastal - another place with lots with traffic - with no problem. I looked at the EZ dock and the differnce for me was that I think the Jet Dock is more durable since it comes in smaller pieces (20" cubes) instead of the big pieces that EZ dock comes with. I think this really lets it ride waves better and causes a smoother cradle for the boat. Its kinda like a water bed for your boat (sounds stupid, but that is what it is). The real reason that I like it better is that you can drive up and off of it. If you had to crank your boat up with a winch every time, you wouldn't do it. It would be really tough keeping it aligned enough to crank it up without a problem. I don't think that it would be very practical if you wanted to do it yourself. The Jet Dock is really easy to drive up on, you just need to practice a bit until you get the hang of it. Once you do - piece of cake. I also really like the ability to load up the boat and then push it off the dock. All in all, an excellent produt that exceeds my expectations big time. J.
skategoat	posted 04-15-2004 09:12 AM ET (US) I like the EZ-Dock because of the rollers. I thought that would easier on the boat than the plastic runners on the JetDock. I also like the beige colour over the black. With both, I don't like the price. We're talking $6,000 - $9,000 here. For that kind of money, I can buy a top of the line, powered aluminum lift and have money left over. One thing I don't like about an aluminum cradle lift is the fact that you have to crawl around the superstructure to get in and out of the boat. The floating lifts seem a lot friendlier. Then finally, there's the option of building one myself. Since I'm a reasonably competent carpenter, I think I could build something like where2's. The problem then is parts sourcing. Being in Canada, shipping of large items like the air chamber is a hassle. I'd have to try to find them locally. I don't know. I'm torn. I think I'll drive around my lake this summer looking for EZ-Docks and JetDocks and barge in on the owner for his/her opinions. Henry
skategoat	posted 04-15-2004 09:22 AM ET (US) I like the EZ-Dock because of the rollers. I thought that would easier on the boat than the plastic runners on the JetDock. I also like the beige colour over the black. With both, I don't like the price. We're talking $6,000 - $9,000 here. For that kind of money, I can buy a top of the line, powered aluminum lift and have money left over. One thing I don't like about an aluminum cradle lift is the fact that you have to crawl around the superstructure to get in and out of the boat. The floating lifts seem a lot friendlier. Then finally, there's the option of building one myself. Since I'm a reasonably competent carpenter, I think I could build something like where2's. The problem then is parts sourcing. Being in Canada, shipping of large items like the air chamber is a hassle. I'd have to try to find them locally. I don't know. I'm torn. I think I'll drive around my lake this summer looking for EZ-Docks and JetDocks and barge in on the owner for his/her opinions. Henry
divefan	posted 04-15-2004 10:32 AM ET (US) Hey, funny you should ask. I have a very long answer to this question but unfortunately I am out the door in a few. I will give further details later tonight but for now I can tell you that I just returned a brand new jetdock to the company in Ohio after much wrangling back and forth. In addition, two of my neighbors have had their BW's chewed up by these monsters. There may be litigation if measures are not taken to rectify their problems. Stand by for the details later.
where2	posted 04-15-2004 12:42 PM ET (US) "If you had to crank your boat up with a winch every time, you wouldn't do it." Actually, if I had to bottom paint it, I wouldn't. But cranking my 15' Sport up on my lift is a piece of cake. With 3 Stoltz rollers under it, it actually goes on and off quite smoothly... The beauty of sinking the rear portion of my lift is that I'm winching up a gentle incline. My wife and my dad can do it, and dad's well into retirement age... I've been looking at EZ-Dock for their floating dock pieces. I could use a zero maintenance dock... The lift only needs painting once every 5 years or so...
JohnJ80	posted 04-15-2004 12:53 PM ET (US) A traditional lift is very easy to crank up. I was referring to the fact that on the EZ Dock you need to winch it up - it would be like winching it up on your trailer with a minimum of the trailer in the water. Just like it would be tough winching it up on the jet dock. The jet dock allows you to drive your boat up completely ONTO the dock without winching. Very much like power loading your trailer. You then just secure the boat to the dock and you are done. If you use the winch, it is most likely for launch. Your lower unit is still in the water and the motor should then be properly cooled. So, winching a boat up onto a jet dock or ez dock, in either case, would be a pain and much more difficult that a traditional lift. Driving up onto the dock is much easier than either case and a feature of Jet Dock and not EZ Dock. In most cases for whaler size boats, I would think you don't even need the winch to launch the boat, you just give her a good push (engine is already running) and hop in. If you have water levels that vary significantly then a lift is not really an option. I didn't phrase that well. Sorry. J
JohnJ80	posted 04-16-2004 03:26 PM ET (US) Just rereading this, I am very interested to here what divefan has to say about the problems. Just as a note I have had absolutely no wear on either the whaler or the jet dock in the 2 years I have had it. Jet Dock does warn you to keep the dock clean of sand and other abrasives (would seem to be common sense, i would think). You also do have to follow the directions for attaching the boat to the dock - there is a bridle that you need to connect your bow tie down to (part of the dock). You should not rely on the winch to hold it. That again is common sense when you look at it. Since my dock is on a busy waterway, it gets a lot of boat waves that heave it around quite a bit. So, I would think that if wear were an issue, it would be mine that would suffer from it. Anyhow, that;s what I know. What boat are you planning on putting on the dock? J
kbshoaps	posted 04-18-2004 04:37 PM ET (US) If the boat is elevated above the water, how do you start the engine to back off without frying the impellor or is the lower end still in the water deep enough to accomodate the coolant water intakes?
JohnJ80	posted 04-18-2004 05:16 PM ET (US) When the boat is properly positioned on the dock for storage, you have moved the boat so it is more centered on the dock for and aft. If you try to tilt the motor down it will not be able to do all the way down without moving the boat aft. Actually this is pretty easy and I just do it with the trim and tilt. As the boat scoots aft, the weight of the boat is now more aft on the dock causing the rear most floats to sit lower in the water. The lower unit is deep enough (way more than enough) in the water to run it and get sufficient cooling water. This was not the case with my older Johnson 2 stroke though so I think there is some dependency on the actual motor. From what i can tell though, the vast majority of motors work this way. With the Johnson, I would just leave a rope tied to the dock so if the motor didn't start when I slid off, i would be good for recovery. With my new motor, its not an issue. I just start it up get everyone sitting down and away we go. Think 'waterbed'. Where you put the weight, you get more depression. It is pretty much the same with this dock. You do need to scoot the boat back far enough so you are just on the edge of it sliding off - which it does easily since the plastic is a self lubricating type. Then a small goose on the throttle and it slides off. Jet Dock has made an arrangement with the winch so you can winch it back as well as forwards. While I don't need to winch it backwards with my Dauntless 15 - I can just push it, I do need to winch it the last 18 inches to the storage position when we drive it back on.
sosmerc	posted 10-19-2006 11:28 PM ET (US) Has anyone using a jetdock with their whaler had any issues with scratches or other damage to their hulls?
kamie	posted 10-20-2006 12:25 AM ET (US) I did not have any issues with mine this year but it was a short season for me. I will say that you need to clean off your bottom paint if you plan to have one, at least where the boat contacts the jet dock.
Plotman	posted 10-20-2006 11:04 AM ET (US) There is a used jet-dock for sale on ebay right now from Ohio. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ Floating-Jet-Dock_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ200038356358
myakka	posted 10-20-2006 05:28 PM ET (US) plotman That is a good price, but it may not be enough pieces to hold a 17' boat. Also, reconfiguring those block can be a PITA. And you'll need a $100 tool kit from Jetdock, if it isn't included. Kamie Do you have any pictures of your jetdock all set up? I bought a used one(23') and I'm setting it up for my 18 Outrage.
kamie	posted 10-21-2006 08:09 PM ET (US) mike, Here are a couple of shots of the Jet Dock kamie.homelinux.org/kamie/html/spring_2006.html I though I had shots with the boat actually on the Jet Dock but they weren't on the digital camera so I might have to look on the last roll of film. I got the 18 foot wide body one, so I could walk around it when the boat is on top the dock. I am going down this weekend, if you need me to take more shots or take measurements, just let me know.
myakka	posted 10-22-2006 08:14 AM ET (US) Kamie Thanks for those shots! Looks like I made a few small setup mistakes(whats new).Could you tell me where you put the T beams? Thanks Mike
kamie	posted 10-22-2006 01:50 PM ET (US) Mike, I will count cubes for you and let you know. I also know the guides were smaller than the original ones they sent me. For some reason my 18 wants to slide to the left once it gets onto the dock. I also have to run mine up pretty high or she will slide off on her own.
kamie	posted 10-24-2006 09:13 AM ET (US) Mike, Beam is between the 3rd and 4th cubes from the back. Mine is a single beam that goes across the whole dock. Let me know if you need anything else.
myakka	posted 10-24-2006 06:32 PM ET (US) Kamie Thanks for the help. Mike
fishrswim	posted 02-13-2015 01:14 PM ET (US) I have an EZ Dock model 5001 Boat Port for sale in Oak Harbor WA. This unit has the air lift chamber, side extensions and remote control lift unit. It's rated for 5000 pounds. Only about two years old. I have used it for a BW 190 Outrage. IMHO it's absolutely the way to go. I bottom painted it because it's in salt water and we have tremendous growth. I also added small tie down loops for my boat cover I'm asking $6500 which is just about 50% the cost of a new unit.