Kayak Dock - Kayak Accessories

Q. How do I launch my Kayak?
 
A.  Place the Kayak on the Kayak Dock in the center launch groove.  Sit in the Kayak and secure the paddle.  Pick up the launch assist ropes,  that are integrated into the Kayak Dock, and pull yourself forward a few inches.  As you move forward your weight submerges the stern of the Kayak Dock, allowing your Kayak to slide gently into the water.
 
Q. How do I get back onto the Kayak Dock?
 

A.  Aim the bow of your Kayak at the center launch groove of the Kayak Dock. A couple of power strokes forward lands most of the Kayak on to the Kayak Dock.  Secure the paddle and lower your arms to grab the launch assist ropes that are integrated into the Kayak Dock.  Gently pull yourself forward a few inches if needed.  You are now secure and on dry dock.  Stand up in the Kayak and exit. You are on dry dock.  Optional handrails are also available     >

Q. Can I store my Kayak on the Kayak Dock?       >
 
A.  Yes, simply flip over the Kayak in the Kayak Dock launch groove and tie it down.   Kayak Dock can be expanded with additional lanes to make more space for additional kayak storage.

Q. How can I secure and lock my Kayak to the Kayak Dock?    >

A.  A heavy duty marine grade security chain can be purchased from Kayak Dock.    >
    

Q. How Do I attach the Kayak Dock to my existing dock or bulkhead ?

A.  We utilize a Tide Manager system.  This is used for tidal and non-tidal water.  There are also stand alone systems available. Our mooring systems are designed to work in fluctuating water levels.  When connecting to stationary structures, use our Tide Manager or Tide Minder systems. When connecting to existing floating structures use our Fender Mooring System.
 
Tide Manager - for docks with piling obstructions    >

Tide Minder - rope or chain can be used for quick "E-Z mooring"   >

Tide Minder (commercial Mooring with cable and stainless steel hardware illustrated) Tide Minder allows existing pilings to be utilized for mooring - This Tide Minder technique mirrors a commercial piling hoop, for secure mooring.    >

Q. Because your  modules are black, doesn't the dock get hot being in the sun all day?   Why are the modules black?
 
A. Beige is available for walkways and swim platforms. Beige could be used for a Kayak Dock, but the warranty for Beige components is limited to five seasons only. Black is the only color our kayak "paddle-on/ slide-off"TMdocks and Kayak Docks come in for commercial applications.  Black is more durable.  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), Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock 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, Kayak Dock does offer new light-colored beige modules for use as a floating walkway, boat dock, swim platform or sundeck.
 
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 Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock rises up above the ice and rests on top. Protocol for winterizing the Kayak Dock 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  Dock 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 Kayak Dock ?
 
A. The central issue when it comes to ice and its impact on the Dock 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 Jet Dock 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 Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock can be located there as well. The Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock drive-on docking system allows a safe, protected approach, contact and dry-docking procedure.
 
Q. How does the sun impact the Kayak Dock?
 
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 Kayak Dock cube.
 
Q. Doesn't the dock mark up the hull of my Kayak?
 
A. No, the cube itself is made up of materials (hdpe) softer than the hull on your Kayak. 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 boat lift. Kayak hulls of normal integrity will not incur damage by interacting with the Kayak Dock surface.
 
Q. Do I need a consent or a permit for this? 

A. The Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock resides in the footprint of the Kayak. 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 regulations regarding the use of Kayak Dock in your area, or contact us for advice.
 
 Q. How long is the guarantee on the product? Does my warranty transfer should I sell the dock?
 
A. Each Kayak Dock comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty virtually unheard of in the marine environment. The Lifetime Limited Warranty means that as long as you own the dock, we guarantee the Kayak Dock module. We will gladly assist you with any issues that may arise. Should you sell the dock or buy used Dock material, be advised that the warranty is non-transferable. The Dock'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. 
 
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 ship 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 Kayak 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 Kayak Dock by him or herself, having another person to assist you with assembly and installation is optimal.  The Kayak Dock is moored in several ways, depending on your current dock situation:

 * Floating dock-hard tie the Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock sales associate for assistance regarding the type of mooring for your specific installation. One of the true beauties of the Kayak Dock is that it can be reconfigured at a moment's notice. A Kayak Dock can become a  Jet Ski Dock or 16' boat dock which can become a 26' boat dock in an afternoon's work.
 
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.
 
Q. Physical characteristics of the Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock 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 Kayak off it. The minimum functional water depth is measured at the back of the dock where the drive-on takes place.  This is typically not an issue with Kayaks.
 
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 Kayak Dock is 5' wide. 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 Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock?
 
A. The Kayak Dock 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.
 
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 Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock 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 Kayak Dock is missing," please check with your insurance company regarding theft coverage.
 
Q. Is electricity needed to use the dock?
 
A.  No

Q. If I live in a remote location, do you have a dealership network that would service me if necessary?
 
A. We deal consumer direct and all parts can be shipped Federal Express.

Q. What makes your product different from other kayak docking alternatives?

 A. Innovation. Kayak Dock patented design provides the only modular, changeable, expandable dock system with built in flex motion (Sequential Flex Technology™). During paddle-on, the dock flexes down and allows the kayaker to safely gain access to the Kayak Dock surface. This is the Kayak docking and launching system that has changed the face of the kayak industry. 
 
Q. There are a variety of different kayaks. Does Kayak Dock work for all these alternatives ? What Kayak and Kayak Dock is best for me ?

A. There are a variety of different kayaks for sale.  Various kayaking publications provide Kayak reviews on specialty Kayaks.  Which kayak is best for you ?   Well it depends on your goals of kayaking.  Is the kayak for recreation, occasional use, fishing, sailing, competition, white water or overnight river side camping ? The kayak designs and types include: sit-on-the–top Kayak, (2) person kayak or tandem kayak, inflatable Kayak, folding kayak, light touring kayak, sea touring kayak or ocean kayak, fishing kayak, pedal kayak and kayaks for children.  

If you plan on fishing from a kayak you need to consider the kayak fishing gear and the kayak fishing accessories required. Your Kayak Dealer will review the options and paddle types recommended to meet you kayaking needs.

The sport of Kayaking has been expanded to include kayak sails. There are three main configurations, or types, of kayak sails. These different configurations are known as full sailing rigs, free-standing sails, and compact downwind spinnakers. Kayaking is altered by utilizing sails ... speed. Kayaking speed is now found in white-water and flat water.

The type of kayak sail known as full sailing rigs are bolted through drilled holes in the body of the kayak or attached through to provide rigidity. Kayak sails are a sturdy, capable of withstanding high sea winds. Full sailing rigs are typically a permanent addition to the kayak.

Kayak Dock designs “paddle-on and slide-off” docking for every type of kayak.  In addition, the launch channels can be designed for wide body kayaks, canoes, dingys and sail boats.  Even kayaks with outriggers or amas can utilize the Kayak Dock for launching and docking. 

If you have a  Kayak with very narrow dimensions then an additional launch channel accessory is required for paddle-on docking.  Please have your kayak dimensions available when ordering.  For example:  Kestrels by Current Design and Wilderness models with these specifications (length 14' width 24" depth 13" weight 43 lbs.) may require additional launch channel accessories.