Boat Pens

[speedchaser]

I'm wondering where one can get boat pens for for average sized hulls, say 30x14 inches or so - or does anybody make such a thing? I'm thinking in terms of an open ended box type arrangement with no top and a padded out back pannel that one could lower into the water from the edge of the lake or lido. I suppose two heavy bars would be fixed to the back of the end pannel at the top to secure the pen to the side. The reason is that I've sometimes seen rc boaters bring their boats in slightly too quickly by mistake, i.e the boat was going much faster than they thought, with sometimes very bad consequences (chipped or dented bows, etc) - and I've done this myself a few times... So I thought that a boat pen with a padded back would prevent this from happenning. Any info...? I could make one myself, but.... :cool:

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

This doesn't happen with your car a lot does it? :p

Most people build docks or "boat pens" themselves.
The simplest can be pvc pipe with a couple of end caps with some foam pipe insulation over it. Another step is to build up a wooden dock and float it on styrofoam board, or pink/blue insulation foam. Some of the nicest ones I have seen are a combination of two sealed pvc pipes spaced with some plywood frames, and then a wood dock built across the top. A small dock house, gas pump, lighting, and foam weather stripping along the side.
Another one of the simplest is the large gray 2x10 on some concrete blocks

[speedchaser]

To Umi_Ryuzuki... Yes, I agree; that sounds like what I might need fo a boat pen - and I also like your tips for wooden docks - thanks for the pics.

[CG Bob]

Here's some I made for my club. Floatation is provided by 2" thick foam, 48" long x 8" wide. Top deck is pegboard, 48" x 8". One 8" end of the pegboard has some bollards made of 1/4 - 20 x ' bolts, with nuts and a backing or splice plate. One bolt is attached to the pegboard; while the other hangs out in space. The bolt out in space locks one section to the next. The pegboard is glued to the foam; and the whole assembly is painted. Some tent stakes anchor the dock to the shore line.

[P. Tritle]

Umi, There's a boat in your photos that looks suspiciousely like an Orca, but it can't be, it's way too nice, and way to clean, and did I say WAY too nice -- everybody knows the real Orca was a shipwreck just looking for a place to happen! But seriously, the Orca looks GREAT!
PAT

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Well it must be an early picture, Pat. Probably when Quinn first purchased the boat. Before the incident that gave him his "Capt. Ahab" attitude about sharks. :D

The Gentlman that runs that boat has a couple other rc boats, but the Orca was new this summer.

[speedchaser]

To CG Bob... Thanks for your tips on rc boat pens... I like the info on using tent pegs for securing it to the bank - I never fink of these simple things...