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Aside from the speed- tie, any easier way to attach to the dock? Ive been using a dock line around the steering column and tied onto a cleat but its a pain. I don't have mine in a slip I have to use a public launch.
Docking
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Hook the clip to the back hook on the back of the ski and the other end of the rope is already tied with a hoop, and toss around the hook on the dock. Takes all of 5 seconds. Super easy.
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Kwik-Tek-PWCD-2-Lines-Hooks/dp/B0000ATYTG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433272899&sr=8-1&keywords=dock+line+pwc[/ame]
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Kwik-Tek-PWCD-2-Lines-Hooks/dp/B0000ATYTG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433272899&sr=8-1&keywords=dock+line+pwc[/ame]
I would not recommend the speed ties. I installed them on both of mine and was pretty disappointed. The lines aren't long enough and they always jam up when retracting.
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The one I linked above, has a clip on one end already and the loop on the other. Makes things super easy and no metal carabiner flopping around in the storage bin.
Fair point. Those would work great on calm waters in supervised conditions. However, I don't personally trust a thin plastic clip to hold the load when a wave comes by. Too many people around the lakes here fail to understand boating etiquette and create massive wakes close to shore. Some of the Amazon reviews show people have experienced the clips breaking.
With the bungee lines, I typically just loop it through the stern or bow eyes (cow hitch) so there is nothing to break. I only use a metal carabiner if I'm going to be frequently disconnecting the line (tying off to a friend's boat at the sandbar, etc)
I carry two smallish ropes with loops in the ends in my lifejacket then when I pull up to the dock I just slipknot them onto the front and back rings on the spark and cleat off on the dock.
It's kind of a pain getting the rope on and off of the front ring since it's underneath the bow but I don't see any other way that won't potentially leave a line hanging down for the intake to suck up. I tired metal carabiners but I didn't like the way they chafed on the hull when wakes came by.
It's kind of a pain getting the rope on and off of the front ring since it's underneath the bow but I don't see any other way that won't potentially leave a line hanging down for the intake to suck up. I tired metal carabiners but I didn't like the way they chafed on the hull when wakes came by.
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I just keep a dock line attached to the hook/loop at the steering column and throw the line into the storage bin in front, when I need the line I just grab the rope and pull it out of the bin, there is enough space in the lid of the bin you don't have to even open the lid up just pull the rope out, on the back I keep a rope in the bag for the fender kit and do the same thing...I leave it tied to the hook at the back and just pull the rope out when I need it. It is about as easy as the speed ties but don't have to deal with ropes being too short or the retracting mechanism binding up. the other thing I find annoying about the speed ties is that you can only install them on one side so it makes it a little harder if you have to dock on the port side.
I just always dock on the right side. Sometimes you have to nose in and do a hard left turn but I always dock on the right side. I too before I had the speed ties kept a rope attached to the front but hated the way it looked. I use the speed ties and find they work ok, just most of the time for quick docking I only use the one front or rear.
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I just ordered them. Looks like the best option! Thanks!
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what length would you recommend? I pick up my Sparks Thursday, ordered 2x3up HO's in Alaska.
The bungee lines are cheap enough that its worth it to just get one of each length so you are flexible. I started with two 4-footers which were perfect for docking right next to a cleat, but found they were a little too short in some situations. I've since added a 6 footer. It stretches to 9 feet so I should be good for most situations now.
As far as carabiners, I came across these: https://www.niteize.com/product/S-Biner-Stainless-Steel.asp
They are lightweight, stainless steel and I like the S-Biner design. The #5 size works perfect for clipping onto the loops of the bungee line on one end of the S-Biner, and they fit great onto the tow/bow eyes on the Spark for holding lines/bags/etc. When not being used, they also fit perfect laying down flat inside the glovebox, where they are easy to get to. You can pick them up at Home Depot for $3.50, which is pretty reasonable. I'll see how they hold up over time, but they seem well designed.
I had one speed tie that wouldn't retract properly and one that was not extending all the way. Took doo's back to dealer and had them replaced at no charge. They are awesome when they work correctly!!!!!
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