How does the Floating Dock work?
You can approach the Floating Dock in Westhaven Marina from either direction; simply motor in, and the dock's adjustable fenders will secure your boat.
Once your boat is secured, the dock's unique pneumatic system gets to work: compressed air is pushed into the yellow tanks, which displace water.
As the tanks rise up, the dock is lifted out of the water.
As the tanks rise up, the dock is lifted out of the water.
To re-float your boat, the pneumatic valves are opened which releases the air from the tanks, and they fill with water. The tanks, dock and boat slowly sink down until your boat is re-floated.
Then you simply motor out of the dock.
Which products can the Floating Dock supply to customers?
Anodes: we can check your boat's anodes while it’s on the Floating Dock. We carry a small stock of standard anodes that you can purchase from us – but if you know that your boat uses an unusual size or shape of anode, you may want to source your own one first.
Antifouling: we use and recommend International Marine Paints. We also have the consumable products available for purchase and tools such as sanding pole available for hire. Read more about our anti-fouling services.
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Meet the team...
Clinton Shuker
Clinton Shuker has managed the Floating Dock since 2017, eventually taking over the business in November 2018.
Clinton has a wealth of boating knowledge combined with an automotive mechanical degree which easily translates into marine mechanics when completing his own personal maintenance.
Clinton grew up in Christchurch with his family where his love of all things boating first began, from Salmon fishing and wake boarding behind the families Haines Hunter to adventures in an inflatable with his brother in the Marlborough Sounds. He knew being on the water was where he wanted to be.
After completing his automotive mechanical degrees Clinton worked in the family business as a mechanic and for other companies here in New Zealand and also Australia.
After moving to Auckland in 2015 Clinton worked for Denray Marine where he would complete the servicing of Life Rafts, Boats and the launching Davits and made a big step into the boating world with the purchase of his 48" Launch.
Clinton now runs and manages the Floating Dock, and is happy to provide advice and recommendations where possible and enjoys exploring the Hauraki Gulf in his spare time.
Clinton has a wealth of boating knowledge combined with an automotive mechanical degree which easily translates into marine mechanics when completing his own personal maintenance.
Clinton grew up in Christchurch with his family where his love of all things boating first began, from Salmon fishing and wake boarding behind the families Haines Hunter to adventures in an inflatable with his brother in the Marlborough Sounds. He knew being on the water was where he wanted to be.
After completing his automotive mechanical degrees Clinton worked in the family business as a mechanic and for other companies here in New Zealand and also Australia.
After moving to Auckland in 2015 Clinton worked for Denray Marine where he would complete the servicing of Life Rafts, Boats and the launching Davits and made a big step into the boating world with the purchase of his 48" Launch.
Clinton now runs and manages the Floating Dock, and is happy to provide advice and recommendations where possible and enjoys exploring the Hauraki Gulf in his spare time.
David Hallett
David "Steve" Hallett joined the Floating Dock November in 2018 as our Dockhand and Assistant Operator.
Steve has enjoyed boating for many years whether it is fishing in his 6m trailer boat or diving for fresh seafood.
Steve also has a mechanical background and prior to his role here at the Floating Dock he held a Road Inspection contract with Beca for 15 years which seen him travel our beautiful backyard.
Recently Steve has acquired and 12m trawler, ex-cray fishing boat originally from the Chatham Islands. In his spare he enjoys restoring his vessel and getting out in the Gulf to fish and explore.
Steve is our friendly dock hand, a hard worker and is always willing to help you out where he can.
Steve has enjoyed boating for many years whether it is fishing in his 6m trailer boat or diving for fresh seafood.
Steve also has a mechanical background and prior to his role here at the Floating Dock he held a Road Inspection contract with Beca for 15 years which seen him travel our beautiful backyard.
Recently Steve has acquired and 12m trawler, ex-cray fishing boat originally from the Chatham Islands. In his spare he enjoys restoring his vessel and getting out in the Gulf to fish and explore.
Steve is our friendly dock hand, a hard worker and is always willing to help you out where he can.
Ken Sharp
Ken owned and operated the Floating Dock since he started it up in 1979.
He's spent more than 50 years working in the marine industry in total, and was previously a spar maker. He's worked for many of the big name marine companies in Auckland. Ken has been boating all his life, and has raced yachts in New Zealand and overseas. He's sailed all kinds of yachts, from mullet boats to Farr 38s, Idle Along Class, Z Class (Zeddies), and on Namu with Flap Martinengo. Ken now is now retired and enjoys cruising the Hauraki Gulf on his 36' Corsair launch. |