Pull your boat up at the Woodstock Marina later this month for a demonstration of the JetDock system

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By Jon MacNeill

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The latest innovation in recreational boating has washed ashore in the Maritimes.

Woodstock businessman Derek Bennett was recently made the East Coast distributor of JetDock.

It's a floating boat-dock system that allows people to drive their craft right up onto the quay.

"You pull your boat up slowly," said Bennett, "and the bow will touch a roller on the dock. When you hit that, give it a touch of gas and you'll slide right up."

"Don't believe it? Bennett has invited the community to come watch demonstrations at the Woodstock Marina on Aug. 7, 8 and 9.

JetDock is made of durable, interchangeable plastic pieces. It can support small water craft like sea-doos to boats up to 51 feet in length.

It even holds pontoon boats and small sea-planes.

"You can think of it as giant Lego pieces," said Bennett.

The plastic blocks, which connect to form the dock, are about two-and-a-half square feet in size.

Bennett said they attach easily, yet securely, making it easy to add new rows or columns to a JetDock.

"It can be whatever size you're requirements might be," he said.

Bennett added it's a great system for boaters who come under the influence of "footitis"– when recreational boaters feel the urge to buy a bigger boat – because it's so easy to expand the docking area.

The dock has a built-in tide-management system, which allows the wharf to rise and fall with the water.

The underside of every JetDock, explained Bennett, has a patented buoyancy beam, to give the unit stability in most weather conditions.

"It's very stable, there's no tipping," he said.

JetDocks can be installed to basically any surface, Bennett added.

"In rock bed or an existing concrete pier. You name it, there's nothing we can't install it to."

Besides the convenience factor, Bennett said, there are environmentally-friendly advantages to investing in a JetDock.

Because the boat or sea-doo rests above the water, the vessel's hull no longer needs to be antifowled.

Antifowling paint protects the hull from algae growth and wear, but contains many harsh chemicals that can seep into the water.

Also, Bennett continued, JetDocks are made of plastic and float, as opposed to wooden docks which need pressure-treated lumber to support them.

The pressure-treated lumber, he said, can also leach harmful chemicals into the water.

The JetDock system is also certified hurricane proof and U.S. Coast Guard approved.

Boaters can leave the unit in the water over the winter, Bennett added, as long as the current isn't too strong with large ice flows.

JetDocks will float on the ice, he said.

The surface is also scuff and skid-mark proof, so there is no fear of damaging a boat's hull.

The price of a JetDock varies based on the length and width of a customer's boat. Bennett said an average JetDock will sell for $2,400 and up.

The system comes with all units and components included and carries a lifetime warranty.

"Say somehow you punctured a cube, just call and we'll sell you a new one."

The Canadian distributor of JetDocks, King Industries, will also come install the dock for a small fee.

Theft is no concern, said Bennett, because every JetDock is equipped with an anti-theft alarm.

He urged anyone interested in this innovative docking system to come to the Woodstock Marina to see a demonstration on how JetDock works.

"It's a hassle-free system," said Bennett, "How else do you describe something you can just put in the water, walk away, and not worry about?"

Français: L'entrepreneur de Woodstock, Derek Bennett, est le distributeur pour la côte est de JetDock, un système de quai flottant qui permet aux gens de transporter leur embarcation jusqu'au quai.