Airdock...info or opinions...
 

hey all....i am looking at this lift system made by airdock...its an airbag system for lifting the boat instead of an elevator, Davit or hydrihoist....i dont have the room for a davit, dont have the depth for a hydro hoist and will never get permits for a lift....

no need for a permit with this...i can take it with me when i go...no metal parts to fail....i kinda like it....

let me know .....

http://www.airdock.com/

I don't have any first-hand experience with an airdock or similar airbag system, but this small Donzi caught my eye when cruising around last weekend...

When I bought my first boat a couple years ago, I didn't want to drop the coin on a Hydrohoist (10k), so I went looking and found the Airdock (3k). Simple choice, right? Plus, like you said, I could pull it out every year and clean it and not worry about damage over the winter. All I needed was permission from the harbor, and that's where I was stonewalled. The harbor master said he didn't know if that would be acceptable, and deferred to the harbor director. This "gentleman" told me flat-out "NO," stating that it would put too much stress on the floating docks, it would grow a nasty "beard" of weeds and stink, and that the harbor wouldn't accept the responsibilty if someone were to run the thing over (in MY slip??) and tear it up. I calmed diffused all of his arguments, but he wouldn't budge. Soooo, because I really wanted to save 7k, I called the owner of Airdock (he's in Indianapolis), spoke with him, and had him call the harbor director...who refused to speak with him. I tried again, stating I had the owner of the company ready to refute his arguements, and the guy literally went off on me. If it weren't a telephonic conversation, it would have ended with my fist down his throat he was so freakin' rude (he is/was a fatassed blow-boater). I wrote Powerboat magazine and was published in the "Letters" section pleading for help (I sent a highlighted copy to Mr. Director), but got nothing. Ended up buying a Hydrohoist, but not by choice. The Airdock is still something I'd look into if I had the option. Funny thing is, there are a couple sets of those modular air-cushions that you pull jet skis up onto in the harbor now...don't see how that's any different! Good luck...the dude at Airdock is a good guy, wish I couldv'e given him my business.

i have been hearing nothing bt god things about the air dock...there are a couple of small draw backs but i think i can deal with them....

gonna call today for info from them and a price...if this works i see a larger boat in my future....

George, email sent.
Ur pm box is full.

I got an Airdock, and am very disappointed with it and the service:

http://orrenmedia.com/2010/09/30/pro...oat-your-boat/

I have had 2 different size air docks and have had good luck with both . Never had a problem when I needed service.

Did you tell the jacka## to tie his halyard up tight so they don't clang in the wind EVERY TIME THE WIND BLOWS........................I feel your paine it sucks when the people running the the boat place don't like boaters.

There are several in the Harbor I am in and they look nasty. They do not seem to lift the boats evenly or completely out of the water. Beyond that observation I have no experience with their operation.

I had two friends with them. Neither one still use them today and they both had boats under 32ft. Did not like.

i Bought one right after i posted this and installed it in my yard and used it for two seasons without a single issue.....as a matter of fact when i sold my boat the guy that bought the boat ordered one and loves it.....

i would buy one again in a heartbeat.....

all i can say to the guy that has 3 posts all negative about airdock GO AWAY.....just because you are not capable of replacing a simple PVC cap and your local dealer is a jackass doesnt mean the product is bad....i have dealt with the folks at airdock on sevral occasions prior to and during the purchase of my dockas well as the guy that bought my boats dock and they were always helpful.....i also got parts from them after the fact as well to change the configuration of my airdock when i sold it....

there are several in our local marina (the only lift the marina would approve).....they have their quirks but a great alternative to leaving the boat in the water....if they are installed exactly as the manufacturer reccommends you will get pretty good service from it

great lifts have my 38 cigarette on for 3 years .

How are these at keeping the boat clean? Work just as well as a hydrohoist? I have only seen a few from a distance and have no experience with them.

I had one for 3 years, then sold it when i moved to Fl.

Kept the boat clean, only issue I had was too many cocktails and left a valve open, so boat tilted over, but no biggie, just re-inflated that side.

Bought for 2500 sold it for 1500 3 years later.

Have had one under my 32' for a couple seasons now. End up chasing a hole or two every year (friggin zebra mussles) but it beats bottom painting. Keeps the boat very clean. We've had a small leak all season and could not be bothered to haul it out to fix. Found just the right spot that the hull hugs the Airdock enough to seal the leak while still keeping the whole bottom outta the water.....drives need a serious de-funking though. Normally it keeps hull and drives perfectly dry. Even the leaks are easy to fix. Order a patch kit from the company and it repairs just like an inflatable raft. Like someone earlier said...they have their quirks but overall it works well.