Knight retractable Dock line

[JohnnyAlpha]

I came across these..

https://www.greatlakesskipper.com/sea-ray-knight-corp-ld1-c-stainless-steel-pontoon-boat-black-3-8-inch-x-15-ft-retractable-rope-anchor-rein
This model says it came on Sea Ray boats, anyone have them? They look easy enough to install, but I’m wondering how well they function.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Johnny, at $150 per it seems like a VERY expensive way to take care of dock lines. On my boat I simply learned how to do a quick hitch knot and use it on all my dock lines and fenders. They're easy to tie, easy to untie, easy to adjust the length of the line and I remove the lines when we're not using them, or simply coil them and hang them over the bow rail.

 

[FootballFan]

Never seen one before. Not something I would use.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Not that I've seen everything, but have never seen that on a Sea Ray. The part number is not a valid Sea Ray part number (although it looks like one) and the word "retractable" does not come up in the Sea Ray database in regards to dock line. Online places sometimes just add "Sea Ray" because it "sounds good".

That said, I wouldn't do it. I don't see any real advantage of this.

Have you checked your below-deck clearance to see if it would even fit? Have you also checked how easy it is to access the area you are talking about and adding the proper reinforcing structure underneath.

 

[JohnnyAlpha]

Thanks for the replies. I think it would be convenient to be able to quickly access and stow the dock line when you’re at places like a busy launch ramp. They have different styles, a flat style and this vertical style. I just can’t find much info on quality or performance. I’m not really concerned if they were factory or not, just figured if they were someone could share they’re experience. If I were to try them I would glass in a piece of plywood under the rail before I cut the hole for strength.

 

[electricaldoctor]

Looks like another way for water to get into the boat. Thumbs down for me.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Thanks for the replies. I think it would be convenient to be able to quickly access and stow the dock line when you’re at places like a busy launch ramp. They have different styles, a flat style and this vertical style. I just can’t find much info on quality or performance. I’m not really concerned if they were factory or not, just figured if they were someone could share they’re experience. If I were to try them I would glass in a piece of plywood under the rail before I cut the hole for strength.

The point of my checking into whether or not it was an option from Sea Ray for you, was so you wouldn't be wondering if others here have any experience with it.

It's a cool "gadget", but I see it as a solution for a problem that doesn't exist and can only cause more problems. The reason I say "doesn't exist" is that there should never be a time, at a busy launch, that you have to "rush" to get a line ready since you should have the lines already attached to the cleats you're going to use before you get to the docks. And, certainly, there's no rush to stow them as that can wait till you're on the trailer and away from the busy area.

That said, hey, it's your boat and if you want to do it, go for it! That's the nice thing about having choices and opinions.

 

[JohnnyAlpha]

Thank you for doing that research for me, I didn’t mean to com off as unappreciative. The reason I thought it would be convenient is because on my current 20’ boat we leave the dock lines attached at the four corner cleats all the time. In the back the lines wrap just a few inches over the gunwale then hang under the rear sun pad. In the front they do the same and we keep the loose end under the bow seat cushions. We picked up a 270 Sundeck for next season and given the size and layout I don’t see my current system working. How do you guys handle the ropes? If you’re in line to come in at a launch and you don’t know what side you’re docking on do you just tie lines on both sides in preparation? Forgive me I don’t have a ton of experience on boats, and most of my techniques are self developed. I guess... I never had anyone to show me the ropes...

 

[JohnnyAlpha]

Looks like another way for water to get into the boat. Thumbs down for me.

This is something I didn’t consider, thank you.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I guess... I never had anyone to show me the ropes...

Cute

Most of the time you can figure out which side of the dock you're going to be coming in on far enough in advance. And, it only takes a helper 30 seconds to attach the line to the cleats - you'll know WELL before that which side you're going to use. Just ask "line on stbd side, please". They should have the lines already in their hands way before this so they're ready to go.

But, that said, if it helps you in the beginning to have lines on both sides, sure go for it.

Like I said above, it's your boat and you can absolutely (and "should") do whatever you want. At $600 and quite a few hours of labor and dismantling of the boat for access... Just be darned sure you really want them.

I'll add this... as far as time savings, they really aren't going to save any time. If you compare the time it takes to pull the rope all the way out vs simply putting the loop end of a rope through a cleat, you're down to seconds one way or the other. In fact, I bet I could tie off to a cleat faster than someone can pull all that rope out of that special cleat.

As far as leaving the lines attached to the cleats all the time... best practice is to NOT do that. While it sounds like you have them somewhat secured, there still is a risk of a line coming loose and getting caught in a propeller. That can be a VERY big service bill just to save 30 seconds.

"If you're rushing, you're doing it wrong"

 

[Gofirstclass]

One major drawback I see to those is if you are using them when you tie to a dock and the winds come up, are they fastened strongly enough to withstand the pulling caused by the winds.

I would think on a 270 you would need a bow line, forward spring line, aft spring line and a stern line. You're going to be spending a lot of $$$ to equip your boat with those and you could accomplish the same thing by learning to tie a hitch. It's fast to tie, easy to loosen to adjust lines and holds securely.

 

[JohnnyAlpha]

I guess I really only envisioned 4 of them for just tying up to the fuel dock or at the launch ramp wen parking the truck etc. At this point I think I’ve been talked out of them. After rebuilding our last boat, stringers, transom Floor etc Once Electrcaldoctor mentioned water in the boat that killed it for me.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Good decision. Most of us would have made the same decision.

 

[Lazy Daze]

After rebuilding our last boat, stringers, transom Floor etc Once Electrcaldoctor mentioned water in the boat that killed it for me.

Well... that black, plastic thing looks like some type of cover with a drain nipple at the bottom (top in the picture) - put a vinyl tube on the nipple and route the water to a good spot (which could be as easy as the cockpit floor).

But, if you know how to properly use the loop end of the dock rope to quickly tie-off to a cleat, that's what I was getting at above - it's just as quick, if not quicker. However, again, having to "rush" means you're not doing it the right way

 

[JohnnyAlpha]

There’s no way asking people to move off the seat to get to the ropes and then asking my wife to tie them off is faster than pulling a rope off of a reel right where you’re using it. Are they necessary? No, but either is fuel injection, power steering, an electric windlass or a pleasure boat for that matter. If these are solidly built, function well and not failure prone the only downside I see is price and another hole in the boat. I have extension cord reels in my garages and loose extension cords on the wall. I don’t touch the cords hanging on the wall if the reels will reach. Some people may enjoy putting on their captains hat and ordering a line where it’s needed, I totally get that. I’m more interested in enjoying the boat with my family as stress free as possible. I really was only looking for anyone who had ls first hand experience with the product not if they think it’s useless or not. And there are times when one less thing to worry about is a good thing ever been at a tight boat launch during a fishing tournament when weather is coming in? Everyone wants out and Everyone has trolling motors and power poles But you. As far as being in a hurry while that should never be the rule sometimes in the real world it’s necessary and may not mean you’re doing it wrong.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I guess I touched a nerve here, but that wasn't the intent. Also, it's not about "ordering" people around. It's about asking for help and delegating responsibilities when needed - which IS a good thing, after all.

The point about being "just as quick" and not being in a hurry is that BEFORE you get anywhere near the dock (planning ahead, not waiting till the last minute), one or two helpers should already have gotten the lines out of their stored locations and are ready to tie-off to the cleat. Tying off, literally, takes 2 seconds. They can be tying off once you figure out which side you're going to and they can be doing that as you are approaching the dock. There's plenty of time for that. Once you get to the dock, either method is pretty much just as quick as the other.

But, yes, if you're coming into the dock and are not already prepared - yes, that is doing it wrong. It doesn't matter how busy it is - there is still plenty of time to setup lines. I'm not putting you down for this or saying you are not a good "captain" - far from it - just explaining that maybe changing the way you do things can improve things for all aboard.

But as I said early on, it's your boat and you should do what you want. If you like them because of the "cool" factor, go for it! Your boat doesn't have a wood floor nor wood stringers, so the water issue is pretty much a moot point. So, from that standpoint, I say put them in and share your installation and thoughts on them!

 

[JohnnyAlpha]

I guess I touched a nerve here, but that wasn't the intent. Also, it's not about "ordering" people around. It's about asking for help and delegating responsibilities when needed - which IS a good thing, after all.

The point about being "just as quick" and not being in a hurry is that BEFORE you get anywhere near the dock (planning ahead, not waiting till the last minute), one or two helpers should already have gotten the lines out of their stored locations and are ready to tie-off to the cleat. Tying off, literally, takes 2 seconds. They can be tying off once you figure out which side you're going to and they can be doing that as you are approaching the dock. There's plenty of time for that. Once you get to the dock, either method is pretty much just as quick as the other.

But, yes, if you're coming into the dock and are not already prepared - yes, that is doing it wrong. It doesn't matter how busy it is - there is still plenty of time to setup lines. I'm not putting you down for this or saying you are not a good "captain" - far from it - just explaining that maybe changing the way you do things can improve things for all aboard.

But as I said early on, it's your boat and you should do what you want. If you like them because of the "cool" factor, go for it! Your boat doesn't have a wood floor nor wood stringers, so the water issue is pretty much a moot point. So, from that standpoint, I say put them in and share your installation and thoughts on them!

Really no sense in going back-and-forth on whether these things are useful or not. I really only wanted to know if anyone had any experience with the quality and function of them. I would say the idea behind them is to make life easier which they would absolutely do for me not having to take lines in and out of storage. We tend to frequently be on and off the dock at the house switching tubes, grabbing food, using the bathroom etc. so if anyone happens to have any first-hand experience on these I would still be interested to hear about it. As far as the stringers and floor not being made of wood, what did Sea Ray use for coring in 04? I was under the impression they were still using plywood in the floor And some type of wood stringers and transom. There’s definitely Raw plywood places in the boat like under the sink in the head.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Agree. And, really, my main point was just that you could save a lot of time and money by using the existing cleats. But, hey, it's not my time nor is it my money! I'd be happy to take a look at what you do, though, and how it turns out.

Your floor and stringers are composite. The transom has plywood in it. Yes, there are smaller pieces of plywood, here and there, added for backing plates/stiffeners. None of the wood we're talking about, though, is something I'd be worried about in regrds to your project. Plus, you can direct the water with the drain line... even right down to the bilge, if you want.

 

[ttmott]

I get the line thing. My lines get stowed in the lockers every time the boat leaves the dock except for those short runs to pump out or get fuel.
I would love to have some automatic line storage thingy which would eliminate the looks I get from the manual line storage thingy.
BTW, I'm proud to say that I've never left a fender hanging on the boat when cruising.... Yet...
Regardless, I change lines about every three years; how are the lines changed in these reels?

 

[tc410]

This device reminds me of the electric fender launcher from earlier this summer!! I guess if someone makes it someone will buy it!