Photo Courtesy of Hewitt
The Roll-A-Dock from Hewitt is functional with a variety of layout options to provide an ideal outdoor living space on the water.
Words by Steve Fennell
There are a number of important reasons to consider a new docking system for your residence in the Okanagan. Now more than ever are manufacturers offering easier installation processes, using robust, lightweight materials for structural integrity, and providing many options to access the water. They are also an economical choice to moor your boat and extend your outdoor living space, literally right on the water.
A unique docking system that is often showcased at boat shows through dealers in BC is the Roll-A-Dock from Hewitt. While the company touts a long line of traditional and contemporary options, this design is a departure from your ‘classic Muskoka’ cottage layout. Yet, it’s just as appealing and functional with many choices.
The system is based on a lightweight, bridged aluminum framework to provide maximum strength, minimize weight, and reduce long-term wear from wakes, rough water and the elements. Reinforced joints and ‘V’ type bracing further reinforce its durability. What makes the Roll-A-Dock unique is its mobility by the single-axle wheel assembly
It can be moved from the land to the shore with as few as two people for the season and then easily removed for winter storage or when not in use. Once it’s assembled, no further disassembly is required (just make sure you have the space to store it when it’s not on the water).
To accommodate the often unpredictable high water levels in areas like the Okanagan or a variety of waterfront locations, the height can be adjusted via a winch/cable system. Once it’s set, roll it out past the shoreline and it’s pretty much ready to use.
The Roll-A-Dock has a standard length of 15 m (48 ft) on one set of wheels and a variable height that ranges from .7 - 2 m (2.5 - 5.5 ft) or up to 2.4 m (8 ft) with the available deep water kit. All can be easily adjustable with a crank handle. If you need more dock space, featured hinges on the deck panels can fit optional platforms to custom-configure layouts such as ’T’ or ‘L’ shape designs.
Photo Courtesy of Hewitt
As seen here, the Roll-A-Dock can be moved from the land to shore with as few as two people and then removed for winter storage or when not in use.
To further customize your dock, choose from the following deck options:
- Naturally weather-resistant and stable red cedar that can be treated with stain or all-weather coating.
- Thru-flow dock decking, which consists of a durable, lightweight, and UV-resistant polypropylene surface.
- Non-skid, lightweight, aluminum powder-coated all-aluminum decking that’s resistant to corrosion, scratching, peeling, and fading.
- Weather-resistant skid guard with a waffle-weave panel and durable phenolic overlay to provide a ‘no-gap surface’ and excellent traction in all conditions.
To enhance its profile, a number of accessories are available. These include SUP racks, corner/side bumpers, a 2 m (6 ft) swim ladder, aluminum/wood grain panel benches, a set of chairs and a patio table.
More Dock Options and Boat Moorage Solutions
If your waterfront space is limited, a good option is Hewitt’s Classic Dock. It’s built on a durable, modular system and available in sizes from 1.2 x 2.4 m (4 x 8 ft) and 1.2 x 4 m (4 x12 ft) to 1.2 x 5 m (4 x16 ft).
All sizes can accommodate a variety of pleasurecraft and give you a nice, relaxing outdoor living space. A few convenient add-ons include 15 cm (6 in) cleats, a 1.2 m (4 ft) aluminum bench and a .7 m (2.5 ft) aluminum patio table.
However, the perfect complement to any dock system is a boat lift. With the ability to free up space for swimming or launching a SUP, it’s a sound investment to maintain your boat’s value, prevent the build-up of marine life on the hull, and avoid damage to your boat (or dock) from the stress of rough weather.
A popular choice from Hewitt is its 4600# Vertical Boat Lift. It has 1.4 m (4.5 ft) of travel, which means it can manage low and high water levels for a variety of boats. It's just one of 12 models in this series that employs unique centering/step guides for easier boat access and stability.
Some of the choices to consider with these lifts include multiple bunk-style designs to better accommodate your boat’s hull, a power lift, and custom canopy. The company even offers an optional wheel assembly to remove your lift from the water and store it for the winter, if needed.
The company manufactures boat lifts with capacities between 522 - 10,032 kg (1,150 - 24,100 lb) with choices like Hydraulic, Cantilever, Hi-Lifter, and Roll-A-Rail systems, as well as Pontoon Legs. For all the details to enhance your waterfront experiences and find a dealer near you visit www.hewittrad.com.