Kayak launch dock

[Capt13]

Starting the design of the next project even though I am in the middle of others. I have a long history of this. I had to come up with a plan/system for older people (me) to be able to get in and out of a kayak from a dock, easily. There are several commercialy available systems out there ........ but I think I can put one together myself at a more reasonable price. These are some of the ones available to buy :

 

[Roccus7]

Talk about over-engineering, #2 is a prime example!!

I go with the old ladder and sit on top kayak, it's a fine combination for those "more mature" members...

When that becomes untenable, I'm partial to #4, especially since you can use your paddle to get up/down.

 

[Capt13]

Peconic river has one installed at the small ramp up by peconic lake. Its identical to #3. Ive used it and its pleasure !

 

[wader]

where are you going to place it on your dock? You've got boat lifts on two sides. Or are you going to try & place it off/next to/separate from the dock?

 

[pequa1]

IDK, I am 68, years from passing an APFT, but have no trouble getting onto my sit on top Indian style off a beach. I suppose there are some advantages of the sit insides pictured, but can not think of one right now. It it means having only a sit in vs. not paddling, by all means go that route though.

 

[Capt13]

I'm 61 Pequa and love my sit on top for the reason you just stated. I have 2 bad knees and its a breeze to get in and out of off the beach. The place we bought in Virginia has no beach. There is a small retaining wall, followed by some rip rap that transitions into creek mud. The dock is fixed, not floating. Average tide fluctuation is around 18 ". I hope to be able to entertain friends and family when we transition there, and plan on having kayaks available. I thought about a ladder or even building some steps.

I'll still need a ramp to get from the fixed dock to the floating launch dock. For me, the advantages in my case are being able to get the kayak to the dock effortlessly, load my gear, step in, pull myself forward and float away.

 

[Capt13]

Larry, off the main dock, to the left before you get to the lift.

 

[wader]

so it's gonna be a narrow version of # 3 (without the side docks) in the picture?

 

[Capt13]

yes ....... 8' x 8' right now ...... might go to 10' long. Still drawing.

 

[wader]

 

[Capt13]

That's pretty funy Larry and not that far off ......