We are more than happy to answer individual questions about our docks, however here a few common Q and A's.
How does the V-Berth PWC and boat drive-on dock work?
VersaDock's V-Berth is an easy and safe Drive-on dry docking system. To dock you watercraft, simply approach the dock at idle speed. Gently nose into the V-Channel cradle, then gently apply the throttle to glide your boat onto the dock where it will rest out of the water and stay.
How do I get my PWC off the dock?
For most people, they can simply get on the PWC and stand towards the stern. While holding on the handlebars, a shift in your weight will rock the PWC off the dock. For smaller people, simply lean into the PWC and slide it back a few inches until your body weight standing on the back of the PWC will glide it off.
How do I get my Outboard or I/O off the dock?
Simply lower your outdrive into the water, shift the engine into reverse for a few seconds and then pause back to neutral. This will fill our patent-pending V-Channel with water, creating lift and lubricating the hull and dock. Another shift into reverse and the boat will gently begin to slide off the dock. When the boat starts moving, shift back to neutral until the boat is all the way off the dock.
How do I get my Jetboat off the dock?
For your jetboat and for select larger boats, we offer our backwinch system. This system will allow you to easily winch the boat back a few feet when then you can get in and your body weight in the stern of the boat will slide it off the dock.
Can I install my own dock?
Yes, in fact, over 90% of our customers install their own docks. Your dock will arrive partially assembled and 2 people can easily do the final assembly and have it in the water in an afternoon.
How is the dock shipped?
The VersaDock system can be freighted to wherever you are. The core components will be assembled in easy to fit together sections for you to finish.
Do I need special tools?
Many of the VersaDock V-Berth products come complete with a tool kit. This kit comes with a T-handle wrench to screw in the connecting pins and a wrench for the most common accessories and external connectors. If you are purchasing individual dock sections, tools are available for purchase individually.
What if I puncture or damage a float?
If the float is damaged due to an error in manufacturing and the system is within in the warranty period, VersaDock will repair or replace the float at no charge. If not, don’t panic, all the other floats around a damaged float will keep the damaged float buoyant. Contact VersaDock immediately and order a replacement float.
How do I fasten the dock to Shore?
Actually just about any mounting method for other floating docks apply here. In most cases, we offer a special float with a sleeve to accept poles that are driven into the ground. The dock will then raise and lower with the water level. Other methods including attaching it to an existing dock and using standoffs to attach to a seawall or bulk head, or in very deep water, conventional x-crossed chains and anchors.
Will the V-Berth scratch my boat?
The High Molecular Weight Polyethylene that constructs the VersaDock system is softer than the gel coat and fiberglass of your boat. The Dock will affect your hull about the same as using a trailer or other bunk style boat lift. Keeping your dock clean and hosed off will minimize the chance of sand and grit on the dock scratching your boat.
Why doesn't VersaDock use a one-piece, rigid center channel in the drive-on docking systems?
After many years of research and development, VersaDock has truly embraced the adaptability of modular docking systems. While one-piece rigid drive on docking and slides appear to be more solid in construction, this is not the case. Actually, the opposite is true. Once piece designs create tremendous pressure on both the hull of your boat and the dock itself, virtually eliminating "cradling" the boat and eliminating pressure points on your hull and the internal stringers. The multiple-float design of the V-channel ensures that your VersaDock will move with the unique shape of your hull-providing a custom fit for virtually all watercraft. Most importantly though, our system's custom configuration of v-floats, half-floats, and full floats provides the lowest water-entry point in the modular dock industry. This system subsequently provides the lowest angle of approach in the business. Rigid docks are just that, rigid and in our opinion are unsafe.
Can I use the VersaDock system in heavy waves?
The VersaDock system is built to withstand harsh environments. Our floats will dissipate energy every 49 centremeters and roll with the waves, unlike some of the other systems where the floats are 4 or 8 feet long. For heavy waves, it is necessary that your craft be tied down securely and that you frequently check the dock to ensure that all connections are tight and secure.
How can I fasten the dock in really deep water?
First, since every situation is a little different, be sure to consult us for a calculated recomendation. Second, the dock is typically secured with weights and x-crossed chained with a smaller dead weight in the center of the chains.
Do Barnacles hurt the dock? Do you have to clean them?
Barnacles have minimal effect on the VersaDock system. They will grow about ½ to 1 inch and then slough off and start again. The weight is negligible on the dock system. If the minor growth on the side bothers you - you can pressure wash the side of the dock occasionally.
Do you need to maintain the dock?
The VersaDock systems are virtually maintenance free. You will want to hose it off and keep the dirt and grit off. In rough water, you will want to check the connecting pins and attachment points about twice a year to make sure everything is tight.
Do I need bottom paint on my boats?
No, with the VersaDock V-Berth systems, your boat is completely out of the water and dry. If you have bottom paint already, the dock will eventually wear on the bottom paint where the hull is in contact with the dock.
Other Drive-on docks I have seen use fewer floats and are open in the middle, why does VersaDock employ a full pontoon design?
Keeping the dock free of gaps and missing floats is a much safer solution to dry docking your boat. The small gaps (<5cm) between floats allows for water to run through the dock without the need missing floats out, and ensures that you, your loved ones (pets included!) and your friends will not fall through the dock. Safety is very important to us and we will not scrimp on a few floats to just make more money.
The VersaDock is grey - does it come in other colors?
We chose grey because it is a neutral color that doesn't show dirt and because of its lighter color, won't overheat in the sun. Sure, black is cheaper, but it gets extremely hot to walk on in the sun and is dangerous to walk on at night. We can and have made floats in other colors for special applications.
Can I run water and electricity on the dock?
Yes. Our new Channel Routing Technology is the first in its kind for a modular dock system. Channels in the sides of the floats, cradle cables, conduit and hoses internally so that utilities can be routed safely through the dock and above the water line. In fact, many of our customer run a hose through their V-Berth product so they have an internal quick-flush kit for their boat or PWC.
How much weight will each float hold?
Each of the full floats will hold over 90 kgs, while the V-Floats will hold right at 45kgs. It is tried and tested that just 9 floats together can hold up one US tonne. So our dock definitely has enough buoyancy for your boat.
Do I need permits?
It depends on the area. In many cases the VersaDock system is considered a temporary structure and may not require a permit. It really depends on your local regulations. Customers are responsible for compliance with any and all permits or regulatory agencies.
Can I register the dock as a boat or barge?
Yes. Many customers have registered their VersaDock systems as both motorized and non-motorized boats and barges. This sometimes simplifies local requirements.
Will these dampen wave action?
The VersaDock system can be configured to dampen waves. In a typical Drive-on configuration, the docks will not affect the wave action. Please call us to find out more about wave dampening.
Is there an extra heavy duty commercial version?
Our normal floats are extra heavy duty.
Can I use this in my boat slip in the marina?
We have many customers who use their VersaDock in a marina to protect their boats and keep them clean. Many marinas prefer this system to a lift for aesthetics.
Will water flow under the dock in a river?
By using a row of the V-Floats with the flat side up it will form a bridge for the water to pass under the dock. This allows debris to not get caught up alongside the dock.
Can I run my VersaDock all the way to shore?
Yes. In fact you can use a few rows of the V-Floats, flat side up to form a series of steps or a gentle ramp to your main dock. The floats are fine sitting on dry ground.
How about the effects of rough weather?
The VersaDock system is engineered to be extremely durable and flexible to allow it to handle harsh wave action in most storms.
Can I leave my dock in for the winter?
The VersaDock system is designed to be left in the ice for the winter. The special design of the floats allows the dock to pop up on top of the ice. When using our Post Float mounting option, poles should be removed for winter storage.
Will this work in shallow water?
Yes, you can use the dock anywhere you can drive your boat or PWC. The dock is fine at rest on the bottom during low tides. The important thing is that there is enough depth at the stern of the dock to allow the boat to back off.
While not as extreme as other drive-on systems, the stern of the boat or PWC will angle slightly downward when driving off a V-Berth system.
