Hardware to hold pontoon away from dock

[stick]

Does anyone have any experience with the devices that mount to the dock and hold the boat (a pontoon in this case) away from the dock? I'm specifically referring to the StowAway Holdaway system that is built from PVC and has an arm that sticks out around 24" with a rope that comes out of the end and ties to the cleat of the boat.

Any help is appreciated.

[mikemac]

Hey Stick, You may want to check out the big dock mfg. company that is located in North Branch Minnesota. They have a web sight and you will find exactly what you are looking for. I bought 2 of these for my fishing boat and use a lift for the speed boat. If they don't fit your dock you can redrill the bolt holes so that they do. They are kind of expensive but even in the worst winds the boat will never touch the dock. I have seen them used for pontoons and they work great. Good Luck on your search!!

[stick]

I looked up a company that starts with "V", and didn't see what you are referring to. Is that the right company?

[hoggs222]

How about making something with some rope through PVC? Would something like that work?

[mikemac]

Stick, You are on the right track with the "V" name in North Branch. Just go to Docks-Dock Accessories-Anywhere Bumpers. All aluminum / stainless hardware with long plastic bumpers. You can adjust these according to your dock for water level and dock height. I think these are perfect for a pontoon / fishing boat.

[delcecchi]

How about those fiberglass whip things that are in the marine catalogs like bass pro and cabelas?

[NCLaker]

Mikemac - my neighbor used very similar bumpers for his dock. His is a V-Dock though, not Vibo. Seems to be working great for him. He gets a lot of boat traffic from the landing, and waves from the north wind. I think his pontoon is a 18-20ft Northwood. Keeps it moored all summer long.

I don't think I would recommend this system unless you have a very solid dock. I would think the wave/wind action put a decent amount of stress on the dock as the boat pulls/pushes and bounces up/down pressure on it. Not a problem in quiet water areas.