Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

You know the drill..

Moderators: Redneck_Randy, badmoonrising, lakerunner

Message
Author
User avatar
badmoonrising
Site Admin
Posts: 10066
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 7:04 pm
Location: Chesapeake City, Maryland

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#16 Post by badmoonrising » Sun Nov 28, 2010 10:47 am

RonKMiller wrote:Good for you - I can't believe all of the negative, naysaying nabobs here. Innovation is what Americans do BEST.

Where are the negative comments ? I think what Greg and I posted are legitimate concerns. No way there's not going to be a problem in 15-20 mph winds (much less anything higher than that) without tying off the stern. Where the apparatus for this unit is bolted is all aluminum, a little flexing back and forth is going to be a problem.

It's a good idea and I'd probably buy one, but no way I'm going to leave my boat in my slip without the stern tied up. In fact, our marina recommends 1/2 inch lines plus a spring line, plus crossed bow lines. It's good to temporarily hold the boat while you do tie up or are quickly picking up passengers. I'd like to see a video of this unit during a typical bay squall or a 3-4 ft chop instead of in a fairly calm lake. In the video the operator appears to have trouble lining up and getting the latching mechanism to engage. Again, what works great in a lake won't work everywhere in all conditions. Our normal tidal change alone is 4-5 feet, storm surges can be 7 ft.

Besides, criticism brings about improvements. If we all kissed the guy's ass we'd be no better than Brady and the Tap Fins debacle.
Ed, Cheryl, Ethan and Aspen.
2013 Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 w/90 HP Mercury, "Hellrhighwater 2"
2014 E-350 Extended XLT.
Chesapeake City ,MD

User avatar
GregF
Posts: 3323
Joined: Thu Aug 26, 2010 8:47 pm
Location: Estero Florida

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#17 Post by GregF » Sun Nov 28, 2010 11:38 am

I am not really trying to be negative but products get better when the inventor deals with criticism. BMR it is clear this is designed for a floating dock. Like you I am tidal here and there is usually a big swing from the time I leave until I get back. In fact there is mud under my slip as we speak but I have my boat tied out away from the slip so we can get out this afternoon.
1974 Harris
70 HP 4 stroke EFI Yamaha

User avatar
HandymanHerb
Site Admin
Posts: 14335
Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:57 pm
Location: Orlando Fla

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#18 Post by HandymanHerb » Sun Nov 28, 2010 12:12 pm

BMR is driving a big ass boat, so I'm sure it's not made for his, ask for the data and what he has had to change during conception to make it work, he's been working on it for a while.

I'm sure he would love your input to improve his product.
In Memory of John 6x6 Larsen

Image

User avatar
Heatman
Posts: 1403
Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2006 3:48 pm
Location: Sheridan Indiana

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#19 Post by Heatman » Sun Nov 28, 2010 4:29 pm

RonKMiller wrote:Good for you - I can't believe all of the negative, naysaying nabobs here. Innovation is what Americans do BEST.


Ron I really don't think the guys are trying to be negative, just curious as I am to see it different conditions.

And BTW, he is from Canada.
2014 Tracker Targa V-18 Combo/ Mercury 150hp 4 stroke
'06 Dodge 1500 QC 4x4 Big Horn Hemi
Sheridan, Indiana

User avatar
Parasympathetic
Posts: 1785
Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:48 pm
Location: Missouri

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#20 Post by Parasympathetic » Sun Nov 28, 2010 9:00 pm

RonKMiller wrote:Good for you - I can't believe all of the negative, naysaying nabobs here. Innovation is what Americans do BEST.
Well, I agree. Especially when the OP didn't ask for any input on marketing or engineering. He was just posting his video. Damn...........
Image

2015 Ranger RT175
Yamaha 70hp
Lake Wappapello, MO

IF WE MAKE GUNS ILLEGAL, THEN NOBODY WILL GET SHOT ANYMORE. THAT'S HOW WE STOPPED EVERYBODY FROM DOING DRUGS.

User avatar
wwind3
Posts: 1515
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2009 10:03 am
Location: Lake Livingston Tx

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#21 Post by wwind3 » Mon Nov 29, 2010 4:43 am

Looks like waves will be a prob trying to stab it. If you miss low and come up or miss high and come down on it--could be a prob. Maybe make the capture mechanism opening a little larger.
2009 LOWE SS204 25in logs
90 Merc Optimax
Motorguide W55 Wireless
Underskinning
28 GPS

User avatar
Bamby
Posts: 1409
Joined: Mon Nov 03, 2008 7:30 am
Location: Near Wheeling W.V.

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#22 Post by Bamby » Mon Nov 29, 2010 4:46 am

Parasympathetic wrote:
RonKMiller wrote:Good for you - I can't believe all of the negative, naysaying nabobs here. Innovation is what Americans do BEST.
Well, I agree. Especially when the OP didn't ask for any input on marketing or engineering. He was just posting his video. Damn...........
In reading this thread myself I can't see where anyone actually questioned anything out of line. Everyone pointed out legitimate concerns that sooner or later the OP is going to haft to somehow clarify anyway, because any somewhat knowledgeable person seriously considering purchasing the unit is going to ask the same or similar questions themselves. I'd like a better view of the actual "locking mechanism" myself, because I question weather it's actually stout enough to survive a real blow without failure or damage.

When the OP chose to post his video and product on this site, he was attempting to get exposure of his product for potential sales. By the way what is the suggested or target price anyway? Hopefully he'll now utilize the comments he's received so far as constructive criticism, and incorporate them into his sales brochures and probably any future website he's developing to sell his product. In reality it's all good IMO. :2cents
Respect Our Recreational Resources
Leaving Only "The Footprints of Your Passing"

Boating the Muskingum River
1972 35' Crest Pontoon Houseboat
2007 90 hp. Yamaha

User avatar
badmoonrising
Site Admin
Posts: 10066
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 7:04 pm
Location: Chesapeake City, Maryland

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#23 Post by badmoonrising » Mon Nov 29, 2010 6:08 am

Bamby wrote:In reading this thread myself I can't see where anyone actually questioned anything out of line.
We all went through the same BS with Malcolm and his Tap Fins. There were a few people that protected Malcolm no matter how rude/upset/ignorant he got with us, including everyone who ran PDB especially Brady because Malcolm was an advertiser.

No one was out of line, and yes if I were to drop some cash into a product like this I would be asking tougher questions. After all, my boat is at risk here.
Ed, Cheryl, Ethan and Aspen.
2013 Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 w/90 HP Mercury, "Hellrhighwater 2"
2014 E-350 Extended XLT.
Chesapeake City ,MD

Flanker
Posts: 86
Joined: Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:11 am
Location: Prospect KY

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#24 Post by Flanker » Mon Nov 29, 2010 8:09 am

I have been boating for 40+ years, the last 22 yrs from a wheelchair.
The great thing about this product is I could boat by myself with it, and it opens doors to people with disabilities and the elderly.
Whether you need to tie off your boat or not (I would) is irrelevant...Good Job Dude!
Westport KY
Ohio River/McAlpine Pool
2009 Crestliner Bataba Bay
150 Merc

User avatar
mike
Site Owner
Posts: 1727
Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2006 5:04 pm
Location: Boise Idaho

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#25 Post by mike » Mon Nov 29, 2010 8:30 am

I think its a neat idea and looks like it works pretty well! I could see using it at your own dock when you were stopping for food or taking groups of people out all day, then at the end of the day tie up normally? I didn't read anything out of line in the comments, nobody was attacking him or his design? If he has the skin to post this stuff in a public forum, he is obviously looking for feedback so he probably is happy to hear the concerns so he can have answers for them when a paying customer asks him the same questions!
1999 Voyager 21' Express Fish triple toon 115hp Mercury (SOLD)
2004 Ford F150 SuperCrew
Boise Idaho

User avatar
Parasympathetic
Posts: 1785
Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:48 pm
Location: Missouri

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#26 Post by Parasympathetic » Mon Nov 29, 2010 8:52 am

badmoonrising wrote:
Bamby wrote:.
..............

We all went through the same BS with Malcolm and his Tap Fins. There were a few people that protected Malcolm no matter how rude/upset/ignorant he got with us, including everyone who ran PDB especially Brady because Malcolm was an advertiser..........
Malcolm was an idiot and a troll. This guy seems to be neither. It just seemed to me the general response from some of us was negative right out of the gate. Doesn't have to be that way IMHO.
Image

2015 Ranger RT175
Yamaha 70hp
Lake Wappapello, MO

IF WE MAKE GUNS ILLEGAL, THEN NOBODY WILL GET SHOT ANYMORE. THAT'S HOW WE STOPPED EVERYBODY FROM DOING DRUGS.

User avatar
GregF
Posts: 3323
Joined: Thu Aug 26, 2010 8:47 pm
Location: Estero Florida

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#27 Post by GregF » Mon Nov 29, 2010 9:38 am

I apologize if I seemed to come off too harshly.
I assumed if he just wanted a "great job sweety" he would have asked his mom. ;)
1974 Harris
70 HP 4 stroke EFI Yamaha

User avatar
badmoonrising
Site Admin
Posts: 10066
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 7:04 pm
Location: Chesapeake City, Maryland

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#28 Post by badmoonrising » Mon Nov 29, 2010 9:59 am

GregF wrote:I apologize if I seemed to come off too harshly.
I assumed if he just wanted a "great job sweety" he would have asked his mom. ;)
Yep, some people can take suggestions without getting their panties in a bunch. This guy seems to be looking for feedback, positive or what some consider negative.

I've always said it was a good idea...still I'm tying my boat up at the stern. Even if I bought it. So would anyone else with a brain.

The video I would like to see is NOT tying the boat up at the stern in rough seas and high winds and the resulting damage to the underside of the boat. Real world conditions and not in some calm as glass lake with no tidal change.
Ed, Cheryl, Ethan and Aspen.
2013 Sun Tracker Party Barge 22 w/90 HP Mercury, "Hellrhighwater 2"
2014 E-350 Extended XLT.
Chesapeake City ,MD

LC Marine
Posts: 44
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 3:57 am

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#29 Post by LC Marine » Mon Nov 29, 2010 12:08 pm

Gregg and Badmoonrising have asked me some really good questions, and have valid concerns. I am in no way offended, and in fact I was looking forward to having conctructive criticism, otherwise I would not have posted here. My mom likes it too, but does not coddle me and tell me it's perfect either. :P I've been lurking here a while, and realize that this is a great spot to pick people's brains.

I just completed my first show with the prototype of this product. The reason for doing the show was to gauge the public's opinion, and the feasablility of Autodock outside a commercial application. I have no intention of selling this product to someone under false pretenses. It is not for everyone in every situation, but I believe it has the potential to be a gamechanger for many people.

I have considered adding a counterweighted float/buoy with a carabiner to be placed in the water near where the stern would end up, a littte forward so it would never get close to the motor. A simple click after driving in is all it would take. This would effectively make your boat into the floating dock, and be no different than actually being on the dock. A small piling would work too.

This is the system I'd be looking at: http://dewdocks.com/images/hw/anchor%20 ... %20kit.jpg

I am also designing a system that mounts to the side of the dock, which will allow you to dock in a parallel position, and tie up the stern if you feel like it.

You guys have to remember that I am still under development, and nothing is finalized. The mechanical essence is there and working reliably, but is still being tweaked. I am doing this alone, without any financial support, and limited shop resources, so sometimes the construction may look a little rough.

Keep the questions/suggestions coming, as I really do appreciate your input. BTW, the Canadian Rep for Bennington was at the show, and he loved the concept.

Americans are great innovators, and risk takers. So are Canadians....we just have more snow.

LC Marine
Posts: 44
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 3:57 am

Re: Here we go again...Autodock Progress.

#30 Post by LC Marine » Mon Nov 29, 2010 12:15 pm

Flanker wrote:I have been boating for 40+ years, the last 22 yrs from a wheelchair.
The great thing about this product is I could boat by myself with it, and it opens doors to people with disabilities and the elderly.
Whether you need to tie off your boat or not (I would) is irrelevant...Good Job Dude!
Thanks Flanker. I did have your type of situation in mind when I started designing this. We have a real issue with getting people on and off our water taxis when the water level drops. Even relatively agile people can have an issue stepping down 2 feet onto the boat. Not to mention diabled, strollers, bicycles, and the elderly. Hey, if I make the ramp big enough, you can take an ATV with you.

Luc.

Post Reply