Inflatable Dock

A forum for discussing topics relating to MacGregor Powersailor Sailboats
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LordElsinore
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Re: Inflatable Dock

Post by LordElsinore »

Russ wrote: Tue Jul 09, 2024 6:39 pm Love it.

I'm thinking I need a decal for Luna Azul.

Where did you get it?
I ended up getting it from this guy's store on Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/str/vintagetoycenter . He has some odd stuff in there though :)
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LordElsinore
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Re: Inflatable Dock

Post by LordElsinore »

OverEasy wrote: Tue Jul 02, 2024 9:32 pm The second thought is rigging a tram line ….
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.
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It’s simpler to do than to describe.
This video popped up in my feed that I think does a good job of showing something similar to what OverEasy was describing...

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LordElsinore
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Re: Inflatable Dock

Post by LordElsinore »

LordElsinore wrote: Tue Jul 09, 2024 6:25 pm Russ, look at what you made me do!

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New decals are on! I like them. Thanks for the inspiration, Russ! Going back on the water tomorrow

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Russ
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Re: Inflatable Dock

Post by Russ »

Image
--Russ
OverEasy
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Re: Inflatable Dock

Post by OverEasy »

Hi LordElsinore!

Yeah that’s the general idea/concept.
I was thinking more along the lines that this would be a location you would be repeatably using over multiple seasons, hence the concrete aspect rather than an anchor (which might have holding issues and higher expense).

The other aspect was to provide a directionality of retrieving and sending the boat (to have the stern toward shore… unless you’re into figuring out some other way how to get the engine end into deep enough water to lower it and power on out.

The video is fine for a skiff or inflatable where you’re planning on something light weight. It’s a bit different when considering a Mac26X or M or D with a high windage factor. Without solid set of fixed pull lines to work with the single continuous loop will be challenging at best with even a light breeze…

Best Regards,
Over Easy 8) 8)
45Plus+
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Re: Inflatable Dock

Post by 45Plus+ »

Late in on this discussion but I thought it might interest you to know that my neighbour recently used the screw-type "Techno" posts to drive into the river bed to anchor is new-to-him 75 foot pontoon dock. He runs chains from the end of the posts where they stick up out of the bed. I don't know how far he was able to drive them in. Interesting alternative to anchors or simply pounding posts into the bed. So far his dock has held firm despite some pretty intense down river wind, waves and wakes. No telling how it will do over time though. All that said, I am not sure how comfortable I would be permanently mooring a 26 foot, 3000 Ib Mac to it. We will see how he fairs after this upcoming (gulp) winter.
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LordElsinore
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Re: Inflatable Dock

Post by LordElsinore »

OverEasy wrote: Fri Jul 26, 2024 10:35 am I was thinking more along the lines that this would be a location you would be repeatably using over multiple seasons, hence the concrete aspect rather than an anchor
Understood. Where I sail is a reservoir used actively for farmers' irrigation during the year, so the water level varies quite a bit where I want to be (i.e. boat viewable from my cabin). I don't think I could pull off lobbing a big mass of concrete in there especially since during the winter it would be fully exposed.

Love the idea though and plan to do some more experimentation with things along this line
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Russ
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Re: Inflatable Dock

Post by Russ »

LordElsinore wrote: Tue Jul 30, 2024 10:05 am I don't think I could pull off lobbing a big mass of concrete in there especially since during the winter it would be fully exposed.

Love the idea though and plan to do some more experimentation with things along this line
Probably many hurtles on this. The "land" that is under the reservoir might be a legal issue.

Our marina is on a reservoir and water levels also drop in Winter to totally expose the marina dry. I believe this is when the operators install/maintain the floating dock attachments.

If you have access and permission, Winter might be the time to install a proper dock or anchoring system. What I think they use at our marina is 4" pipes driven into the mud with sledgehammers or such.
I've never had much confidence in this system of cables attached to pipes in the ground. However in 14 years and many T-storms it has held and the boat is insured.

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With all that said, it ain't cheap to build a dock. However, it might increase the value of your cabin.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/PlayStar-Stain ... MxA9hWAELQ
--Russ
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