Bringing a personal watercraft alongside a superyacht at anchor requires a steady hand and a clear procedure. When guests return from a ride, the deck crew must secure the craft quickly to prevent it from drifting or scratching the yacht's gelcoat. Proper docking a jet ski ensures that tender operations remain smooth and the mothership stays protected. A dedicated floating dock provides a visible target and a cushioned buffer, separating the watercraft from the transom.
Preparing the aft deck for arrivals is a daily routine for yacht captains and crew. Having a clear set of steps ensures that every deckhand knows their role when a watercraft approaches. The correct jet ski dock accessories create a safe perimeter around the stern.
The safe mooring procedure
A consistent routine keeps the crew coordinated and the guests safe. Follow these steps when a watercraft approaches the yacht in calm, sheltered water.
- Communicate the approach path: Instruct riders to reduce their speed well before reaching the stern. The final approach to the mothership should always be at idle speed to maintain steering without creating a wake.
- Prepare the bathing platform: Ensure the deckhands are in position on the swim platform. They should have the mooring lines ready and be wearing appropriate safety gear for tender operations.
- Switch off machinery: Before the watercraft comes too close, ensure the yacht's engines and thrusters are off. Always supervise swimmers, especially children, while anyone is in the water near the stern.
- Guide the craft into the berth: Direct the rider towards the floating dock. Dedicated docks provide divided arms that guide the craft into place and keep multiple watercraft apart.
- Secure the mooring lines: Once the craft is resting in the dock, a deckhand should step onto the platform and secure the bow and stern lines. Tie lines only to strong, suitable fixing points on the yacht and keep them clear of propellers.
- Assist the rider: With the craft secured, assist the rider in stepping off. A firm floating dock gives them a stable surface to stand on before they walk back to the yacht.
Choosing the right docking equipment
The equipment you deploy dictates how smoothly your tender operations run. For busy charter yachts, the Double Toy Dock (3.10 + 4.10 m) provides a premium floating dock system designed for the secure mooring of up to two jet skis and additional water toys. With its divided arms, it keeps the craft separated and stable. If space is limited, the C-Dock for Jet Ski & Seabob offers a minimal footprint of 200 by 150 cm, perfect for a single craft.
These jet ski docking solutions are built from drop-stitch fabric with reinforced PVC. This construction uses two layers of fabric joined by a dense array of internal threads. When inflated to the pressure stated in the product instructions, the threads hold both surfaces parallel, so the product becomes flat and firm instead of rounding out like a balloon. This is what makes an inflatable platform feel stable underfoot when a deckhand steps onto it to catch a line.
The top of these docks features a non-slip teak-look surface. It is a teak look only, not real wood, and it needs no oiling or sanding. This finish matches the aesthetic of a superyacht deck while remaining highly practical for wet conditions.
Transom configuration and setup
Setting up your floating equipment correctly ensures it functions as intended. Unfold the product on a clean surface free of sharp objects, make sure the valve is closed for inflation and connect the pump. You can use the Air Pump for Inflatable Docks 1200W to quickly inflate the modules. Recommended pressures differ from product to product, so follow the instructions for your model rather than a general figure. Air expands as it warms, so check the pressure again on hot, sunny days.
If you need to connect multiple platforms or docks, use the AirLink Tube. Place the units side by side, inflate the tube until it is rigid, slide it into the connection loops and fasten it with the integrated straps. Check that everything sits tightly so nothing shifts.
Should your transom require a specific layout, tailor-made products are available on request. A product can be adapted to your yacht in size, surface or configuration, with an individual quote for each project.
Autumn care and winter storage
As the autumn season brings the last cruises of the year, captains and crew must prepare the inflatables for winter storage. Dockee products are designed for the marine environment and need little maintenance. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after contact with salt water and let the product air-dry. Clean fabrics with a mild soap solution and give the teak-look surfaces a regular, gentle clean to keep their appearance.
Make sure the product is completely dry before you deflate, fold and pack it away for the winter. When not in use, store inflatables and covers dry and out of prolonged direct sunlight. Dry it fully before you fold it away at the end of the season, and it will unroll next spring the way you left it.
All products carry a warranty of two years from delivery. Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery for unused items in their original packaging, though tailor-made items are excluded. Worldwide, fully insured shipping ensures your new docking equipment reaches your marina safely.
