• How do you drive boats and PWC’s on to Gulf Stream Docks?Gulf Stream’s drive on docks feature a contoured center channel that conforms to the keel of your boat or PWC.  The back of the dock is sloped down close to the water to provide for a low point of entry.  Gently nose the watercraft into the center channel, and then gently apply the throttle to glide your boat or PWC onto the dock where it will rest out of the water and stay dry.

• How do I get my Outboard or I/O off the dock?Simply lower your outdrive into the water, shift the engine into reverse at low speed for a few seconds. This will fill the contoured center channel with water, creating lift and lubricating the hull and dock.  After a few seconds increase the throttle speed in reverse and the boat will gently slide off the dock.
• How do I get my jet ski off the dock?The back of the dock is sloped so generally you can simply push the jet ski back on the dock a bit and then get your weight on the back of the jet ski and rock back and forth until the jet ski slides off.
• Can I install my own dock? How is the dock delivered?Yes, in fact, most of our customers install their own docks. Your dock components will arrive on pallets and be delivered by a common carrier truck with a lift gate so the pallets can be unloaded and placed where you want.  Most of our docks can be assembled by 2 people and have it in the water in an afternoon.
• Do I need special tools?Gulf Stream systems come complete with a tool kit. This kit includes a tool to attach the connecting pins and a wrench for securing the nuts to the exterior lug bolts.  If you are purchasing individual dock sections, tools are available for purchase individually.
• What if I puncture or damage a float?Gulf Steam Docks’ warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship.  It does not cover damage from storms, abuse or punctures.   Luckily, Gulf Stream Docks’ floats are very robust and can withstand considerable blows.  However, in the unlikely event of a puncture, the one damaged float can easily be replaced; you will not have to replace the entire dock.   Remember, all the other floats around a damaged float will keep the damaged float buoyant.

• Will Gulf Stream Docks scratch my boat?The High Molecular weight polyethylene that is used in the Gulf Stream floats is softer than the gel coat and fiberglass of your boat so boat will not get scratched.  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 Gulf Stream use a one-piece, rigid center channel in the drive-on docking systems?After many years of research and development, Gulf Stream 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 Gulf Stream’s contoured center channel ensures that your
  Gulf Stream Dock 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 contoured 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.
• Do I need bottom paint on my boats?No, your boat is completely out of the water and dry on Gulf Stream Docks. If you have bottom paint already, the dock will eventually wear on the bottom paint where the hull is in contact with the dock.

How long have there been modular floating dock systems around?

The systems originated in Europe in the early 1970′s. They were originally used as temporary bridges for the military as well as floating docks. In this country, over 12,000 floats were used at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. These floats are still in use today. The first drive on docks were invented and used back in 1983 in preparation for the Olympics. Most of the other Drive on docking systems are based on exactly the same solution that was created back then with little improvement. Gulf Stream is the first modular floating docks system to completely innovate the solution by using a contoured center channel and a unique connecting system to provide the best and safest modular floating drive on dry dock available today.

• How long has Gulf Stream Docks been around?
  
  The components used in Gulf Stream Docks have been used worldwide for well over 20 years.  United Marine Marketing Group markets Gulf Stream Docks and has been in business since 2009.
• How much weight will each float hold?
  
  Each of the full floats will hold over 220 lbs.  Nine floats will hold ONE TON! The half floats will hold 180 lbs. So our docks definitely have enough buoyancy for your boat.
• Can I run my Gulf Stream Dock all the way onto shore?
  
  Yes. In fact you can use a few rows of the short 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.

Will Gulf Stream systems 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.