Finally in the water
 

Just launched for the 1st time yesterday... uneventful, thank god...
Got it up on the Air Dock too!
Very exciting.
Now I just wish I didn't have to work! ;)

Hey Stormrider...

Beat me to it!! How does the air dock work? Are you pleased? I'd really like to know your experience.

Ron, it was a bit of a hassle to put together, but now that I've done it... it would be no big deal to do it again.
When the time comes, I can give you some tips.

The boat came on nicely the 1st time, so I can just tune up as time goes on.
It came right up out of the water. I'll take some pics and post after lunch. I'm pretty happy with it so far.
I think as time goes, I'll like it more and more.

Storm:

Would like to see pics. Is it as wide as the boat? Did you paint the bottom of the pillows? Did you get the full frame or half?

Also,

how long does it take to inflate and deflate?

Storm,
What model # Air Dock did you use, is your boat a 24' or 28' Pantera?

Lukiepal:

I bought a D2 model for a 28 Pantera. Haven't used it yet.

24 SE D-2 AirDock
Its bigger than the boat... I can walk on the sides of it.
It takes a few minutes w/ 2 blowers.
But... I only raised it once. Got the stern up a bit much, had to deflate rears, and then raise front chamber, then re-inflate rears. This will get much easier the more I do it.
I was concerned that it wouldn't get my drive out of the water, becuase the exhaust pipes get in the way of
the external steering... not letting me raise the drive all
the way up. But it worked out fine. The stern is out of the water 3-4" and the drive is out about 1-2".

I painted the bottom of the chambers, the hoses, and the 1/2frame. The painted didnt hold to the hoses well.

I got the D2 so I can move up in boat size and not change the lift.

Thanks going to call and order one this week

Hey boys...
Well,I'm leaving Sunstream Boat Lifts this week, so don't think I'm trying to push something on you...
But....
Take a look at www.sunstreamcorp.com
The FloatLift is available in 6,000 and 10,500lb capacities.
The 6,000 is good for the 24. I'd go with the 10,500 for a 28 unless you have a light layup like Alberts boat.

Offshore Only Steve has one of each...

They are much easier to use, much, much, much more stable and reliable than the air dock.
Yes, they're more $$, but you did buy a Pantera, not a Bayliner right???

I'm here until Friday to give you any help/free advice/smokin' deal.
After that call 1888-786-5438.

TIM G.
Office 954-340-5170
Cell- 954-647-5131 (until Friday PM)

Tim,

How much for a Sunstream that can hold 32ft?

I wasn't going to pay $14,000+ for a lift.
That's way too much, considering what I paid for the boat. Many guys can't afford dockage and therefore trailer their boats all the time.
This is new, fit my budget, and I put it together myself... therefore I can fix it myself if anything goes awry.
If I could afford a new Gladiator, I'd consider spending $20K on a lift for it.
Not trying to stir anything Tim. I do think Sunstream is the better of the products out there. Just wasn't for me right now.

And Tim... I wish you the best of luck in your new line of business. I just wish I had the $$ to buy your baby. :(

10-4 on the money thing SR.

Knowing what I do know... I'd say the Air Dock would be fine for the weekend, while you're with the boat..
I would really recommend sliding the boat back on the trailer on Sunday night, and drop it back in the next weekend...
And do keep a couple of lines on the boat while it's on the Air Bag....

Be sure to let us all know if you're coming to FL...
I keep talling Jo and Pepe that we need to have a Pantera Roundup down here...:eureka: It would be great to get 20 Panteras together to boil some water.:D

My new gig... see www.nationalmarine.com
Starting Monday here in Ft.Lauderdale..:eek:

Here are the pics.
1.

2.

3.

4.

Lukie, if you call Airdock, ask for Ken. He is very helpful.
Tell him I sent you...

Rob

Rob:

Looks great!! Can't wait to put my boat on mine.

Ron

BTW:

did you disconnect the pump? Where did you store it?

Tim:

My cousin is interested in the 22' Donzi on the NationalMarine website. Send him some [email protected] name is Frank.

He's also interested in a 20' Cigarette 'son of a gun'

Thanks,

Ron L.

Is the boat still sitting in water on the Air Dock, or does the water completely drain when filled with air?

I am think about using one on a Donzi 18 Classic, but I am worried that the boat will still be sitting in standing water.

Thanks.

Tim, Whats a smokin deal on a 6,000# Sunstream?

Ron, the control is just out of the picture. It is currently right in front of the boat.
Magnuman, the boat is clear from the water.
I could raise it a bit more if I wanted.

What's also nice is airdock doesn't need any more water than your boat does. So there is no restriction on H2O depth.

Rob, thanks, I will call Ken and tell him you sent me, after seeing it do you have any concern about leaving it up there for a week or so at a time, mine will be going behind my summer house against the bulkhead, and I am only there on the weekends?

Re: Finally in the water
 

Hey Storm:

Got the super half frame in the water today....Whew, what a pain in the butt, however, it sits nicely and should do the trick. I have to get a piece of pressure treated two X four to extend off the finger to attach the last frame piece to...shouldn't be a problem. Next project will be the pillows..I'll remember to bring the liquid soap.

Later,

FT525 (Ron)

Re: Finally in the water
 

Okay WildThing..

I know it sounds like I'm having fun with liquid soap..FYI..it sure makes for a good lubricant and cleans at the same time!!