Marinaquip Docking Wheels

A Docking Wheel is a seriously strong rolling fender which fastens onto docks, wharves and pontoons and assists with manoeuvring yachts and launches into and out of their slips in a smooth and safe manner.

Docking Wheels have been around for many years but after lengthy discussions with marina operators and world renowned marina builders we were asked to re-design the Docking Wheel and improve all round quality, functionality and performance. The problems centred on two issues. For the boat owner, the problem was with the wheel itself and the tendency for many on the market to flatten or puncture. For the dock owner the problem was with flimsy and poor quality construction and the tendency for them to be easily pushed over thereby damaging themselves, and more importantly, the dock. The Marinaquip Docking Wheel cannot deflate, go flat or puncture. The massive 75mm (3”) axle means it never needs greasing or any maintenance and will remain free moving for its lifetime. The bracket is fastened on two planes and is incredibly strong and resilient being constructed from heavy duty marine grade 316 Stainless Steel in 6mm (1/4”) plate.

When entering or leaving a slip it is common to come into contact with the dock, pontoon or finger end (especially when there is wind or current) and it very useful to have a free rolling fender to assist in smoothly manoeuvring around and along instead of doing any damage to the boat hull or the dock infrastructure. It is far safer and less expensive to fit Docking Wheels than it is to pay for repairs to your hull or your dock

Docking Wheels should be placed in all positions along your dock infrastructure where you believe assistance or safe passage is needed or welcomed. They can be fastened into position on both the vertical and horizontal planes with the use of marine grade through bolts or coach bolts. Holes should be pre-drilled to prevent any splits in the timber and permission should be sought from the dock owner prior to installation

The Docking Wheel roller is made from Polyethylene Plastic and Polyurethane Foam which is solid and puncture proof. The bracket is constructed from heavy duty marine grade 316 Stainless Steel in 6mm (1/4”) plate.

Docking Wheels are incredibly strong. We believe stronger than any other leisure marine product on the market. We have tested them with 20+ tonne launches and steel barges and they will withstand a great deal of abuse. Having said that, in the leisure marine market, the purpose of the Docking Wheel is to protect the boat from the dock and visa versa. In the event of a serious collision, incident or whatever, it is far better (and a lot less expensive) that the product gives way rather than the hull of your boat or the dock itself. We do not stipulate a maximum size or weight of boat however we have many Docking Wheels currently in use for boats of 60 and 70 feet +

Currently the Docking Wheel comes in one size

330mm (13 1/4”) diameter

Since the purpose of the Docking Wheel is to take knocks, collisions and potential abuse it is not possible to stipulate the life of the product beyond its standard warranty terms. Having said that our Docking Wheels brackets will last a great many years. If damage does occur to the PE/PU Wheel, these can be purchased as a separate replacement item.

No maintenance is required on your Docking wheel however, in salt water environments you may wish to rinse with fresh water and/or polish the bracket from time to time to enhance its appearance