If your dream is to own a cozy little ski lodge in the Swiss Alps, then prepare to sacrifice some of the creature comforts you may be used to. Your cozy vacation will have to consist of more than just relaxing by the fireplace, rather, it will involve rowing and skiing, with maybe a mountain of pancakes waiting for you at the end.
Luckily, thanks to innovative designers, there are now luxury accessories that make this dream a bit more dream-like. One of these luxurious items is the Dock & Ski Boat from Hunter Marine, which we will discuss in this article. We will cover everything from cost to weight, and even suggest some alternative uses for the craft should you not wish to spend your winters on the water.
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Key Facts About The Dock & Ski Boat
The most prominent feature of this luxurious item is, of course, the water tie-down system. This innovative design makes it easy to secure your boat to any structure, such as a garage or a pier. Simply hook the nylon lanyard to the anchor, and you’re good to go. This reduces the amount of time you need to spend in repairing or replacing your boat’s skis, which can happen frequently due to frequent rough use.
Another useful innovation is the integrated flashlight. This feature comes in handy when exploring dark caves during your camping trip or hiking adventure. We couldn’t think of a more convenient way to bring your light source than strapping it to your wrist, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting it in your bag.
On the downside, the weight of this item is rather high, tipping the scales at over 20 kg (44 lbs). This is mainly due to the materials used (steel and fiberglass) which add up to around 10 kg (22 lbs). Of course, you can always choose to declutch the heavy motor and row manually, but that will take some practice and you may not be able to do it for every trip. This is also one of the reasons why it’s not recommended for children under 12 years old.
Alternatives To The Dock & Ski Boat
If you’re looking for a simpler way to dock your boat, then you have a few options. One of the best DIY projects we’ve seen comes from irobotico. The 35-year-old designed this ingenious solution, which allows you to easily attach your boat to a flat surface and secure it with pegs. You won’t need a garage for this one, as it can be done right in the driveway.
Another great option is the Marine Ridge Grip. This product comes with a set of plastic pegs designed to fit the contours of any boat. One of the best things about this alternative is that you can use it to gently push your boat along with the wind, like a boat leash. This can help you maintain your boat’s shape and prevent it from getting damaged by the water.
The most popular alternative to dock your boat is probably the boat ramp. Installing one of these is certainly cheaper than buying a luxurious item like the Dock & Ski Boat, and it will give you the basic connectivity to secure your vessel to a piling or a garage. Make sure to choose a design that allows you to keep an additional kayak or canoe inside your boat.
Why Should You Get The Dock & Ski Boat?
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience during your next cruise, then the Dock & Ski Boat is a great choice. It’s not only lightweight and portable, but it can also be used in several different ways. Here are just a few reasons why you might want to get this product.
It Has An Innovative Water Tie-Down System
One of the biggest disadvantages of other boat docks is that they require you to remove at least some of your boat’s gear (boots, kayaks, etc.) before using them. This can be time-consuming and tiring, especially if there are other people waiting to use the platforms as well.
The Dock & Ski Boat eliminates this problem by integrating a water tie-down system. This means you can easily secure your boat to any structure, such as a garage or a pier, without having to remove and replace the gear numerous times. Simply clip the nylon lanyard to the anchor, and your boat is ready for action.
We’ve all been there. You’re driving along, enjoying the view, when all of a sudden, you notice your car is on its side in the creek. You frantically attempt to free it, only to discover the gas tank had busted open and the fuel is now dripping into the water. That was such a waste. No one wants to arrive at their destination only to find out their vehicle won’t start. Safety first, and the perfect solution to this problem is the Dock & Ski Boat. The alternative is to keep pumping the gas manually, which could be dangerous. Should you run out of gas while driving, you’ll find it very difficult to steer the boat and protect yourself from oncoming traffic. Not a desirable situation.
It Has An Integrated Flashlight
If you ever need to explore dark caves during your camping trip or hiking adventure, then the Dock & Ski Boat has you covered. This product has an integrated flashlight, which is attached to the wrist with a comfortable handle. This makes it easy to transport and use as a light source while exploring the caves or canyons. The only downside is that the light is not very powerful, and in order to read the maps and identify the areas you’ve already been to, you’ll need additional gear (binoculars, etc.). Still, knowing where you’ve been is extremely important, as it prevents you from retracing your steps and getting lost. This could be dangerous, especially if you’re not familiar with the area you’re in.
The good thing is that as long as the sun is above the horizon, you don’t require additional lighting. Although it gets dark earlier now, since the clocks have changed, so it’s no longer summer. This is why we have these weird days where the sun doesn’t set until later than expected. The light just stays above the horizon, turning night into a sort of twilight. It’s not quite dark, but it’s not bright sunshine either. So having a light source tied to your wrist is never a bad idea. Even if the sun disappears completely, you’ll still have the moon and stars to see by.
It Has An Inflatable Boat Coaster
We’ve all been there. You’re driving along, enjoying the view, when all of a sudden, you notice your car is on its side in the creek. You frantically attempt to free it, only to discover the gas tank had busted open and the fuel is now dripping into the water. That was such a waste. No one wants to arrive at their destination only to find out their vehicle won’t start. It’s the same with your boat. The gas tank may have leaked or been punctured by a bullet, rendering it useless. There’s no time to waste, so you’ll need to cut the tank off, drain the wet fuel and start over again. This is such an impractical solution, as you’ll most likely need a pump to start the engine anyway. So if you have a spare tank with you, it’ll be much easier to continue driving until you find a garage to safely park your vehicle. After that, it’s a short walk to your boat.
The Dock & Ski Boat prevents this problem by providing you with an inflatable boat coaster. This means you can pump up the vehicle’s tires before attaching it to the boat coaster. This will add a little bit more weight to the vehicle, but it will not damage your engine. Once it’s inflated, you can easily push your vehicle to a safe place, and continue your journey on the water. No more worries about running out of gas and having to find a gas station. Or, if your boat gets stuck in the mud, you can simply drag it to a smoother place. There are so many situations where this product comes in handy. No wonder it has such a high rating on the forums.