Dry docking in a minute.... or thereabouts

[Hugin]

Just saw this product, FAB Dock.... which seems quite innovative and clever. So I were wondering if anyone here ever tried or heard of something similar.

http://fabdock.com/

Apparently an Aussie invention and all testimonials are also Australian, so maybe it didn't find it's way north yet.

Several claims made:

No anti-fouling needed. A smooth/polished hull bottom stays clean as it is kept dry in between use.
Anodes will not get depleted no matter what. Same reason as above.
In most cases normal fenders are no longer needed. The floating tubes do the job.
Docking becomes easier as the tubes straighten the boat if it comes in a bit off center.

Opinions?

 

[PCUK]

I've enquired whether they are going to be selling in the UK cos' it's just what I want.

 

[pampas]

wonder if it would be ok in a mud berth?

 

[rbcoomer]

A friend (fellow forumite) spent considerable time researching boat docks of various types and we spent time looking at all the advantages and pitfalls of each. This included a concept very similar to this one that I referred to as 'the boat nappy'. The biggest downside is rainwater and chop filling the 'bag' as the concept relies on a barrier between the hull and the water. Once water gets inside this barrier, it will be less effective and even a bucket of tap water will go green and slimy in a week or two plus being fresh water it would freeze more easily. Thus you either need a 'bilge' and pump out any water or a water treatment inside the membrane to create a sterile lagoon. The former is an added area of complexity and requires power, the latter would be frowned upon by the EA as you'd have to empt into the sea/river every time you used the boat! A dock that lifts is better, but again needs power. My friend went for this option using airbags and an inverter as there's no shore power where he is. The bags however still needed a frame to keep them in place, but the system works very well.

 

[newWave]

I am actually wondering if this would work with shafts.
Say a big bag is left for the shafts,p-brackets and props, once the water is pumped out the dock will be pushed agains the props with considerable force.

Considering that growth needs light, the fact that there is little or no light reaching the hull might be enough to leave the water in the drive train bag.

Just speculating of course.

Slightly of topic.
What if a hydrofobic spray was used together with ariation ?
http://www.innovation-america.org/bubbles-beat-back-biofouling
http://www.imarest.org/resources/peer-reviewed-journals/journal-of-marine-engineering-technology-jmet/jmet-papers/volume-8-issue-1/289-fouling-control-using-air-bubble-curtains-protection-for-stationary-vessels/file
Obviously the question remains wether the spray stays on at speed or not and how well the bubbles reach all areas of the hull due to the shape of the hull (prop tunnels, planing surfaces and spray rails)

 

[PCUK]

Look on their web site. They make them for shaft drive, they have an automatic pump that expels rain water and any else coming in such as washing down water. I have also asked the question about mud berths.

 

[Hugin]

Found another company offering a similar system http://www.flexidock.com.au/

Seems to be very similar; the difference is the second company offer what seems to be systems with standard measurements - always square, while the first seems to always customize to each hull, as the tubes follow the hull shape.

So far only an Aussie phenomenon.

 

[PCUK]

Have now also contacted them.

 

[AndieMac]

I am actually wondering if this would work with shafts.
Say a big bag is left for the shafts,p-brackets and props, once the water is pumped out the dock will be pushed agains the props with considerable force..........

Agree, I can't imagine flexible PVC 'cloth' pushed up hard against the outer edge of shaft driven propellers lasting very long with even normal boat movements on windy days and wash effect, let alone what may happen with spinning props driving forward into the berth as the manufacturer suggests you do.

The implied fifteen year and warranted five year lifespan sounds ambitious, especially in the harsh Queensland sun.

 

[symondo]

in the fear of sounding thick....

How does this work?

The fact it keeps your boat dry implies its a sealed item from the water - yet how are you supposed to drive into it while its a sealed item?

Would you really want material like that under your props while berthing?

Maybe im missing something but i watched the videos on thier site and i dont understand how the claims work - cool idea though!

 

[newWave]

in the fear of sounding thick....

How does this work?

The fact it keeps your boat dry implies its a sealed item from the water - yet how are you supposed to drive into it while its a sealed item?

Would you really want material like that under your props while berthing?

Maybe im missing something but i watched the videos on thier site and i dont understand how the claims work - cool idea though!

The back end deflates (from the yellow indicators) and drops down so you can drive in/out.