Swim Rafts
 

Does anyone have recommendations on a good swim raft? There seem to have been lots of advancements over the old traditional wooded platforms. Also, can anyone recommend a good marina/merchant for this purchase?

Otter Island
 

I bought one of these at Production Trailer and Dock in Meredith a couple years ago and love it. It called an "Otter Island Raft". It's a very durable foam filled raft that has taken the abuse of the Westerly winds and waves of Welch island for a couple years now with no issues.

Dan

We have a traditional 8'x10' aluminum frame/cedar decked platform from Watermark, coupled with stainless chain and hardware to a concrete disk block. One coat of stain in the last 4 seasons and it still looks like new.

Swim Rafts
 

Love this model! It was what I would have chosen for our raft. In addition to being good in the winds and waves, it looks like it has a good viability factor too.

My guys over-ruled me and bought stuff to make our own. We have the floats and hardware, but no raft! :rolleye2: I Don't think we really need a raft after all. :)

Have I told you lately how much I love you!:D

We got a bright yellow poly raft from Center Harbor Dock and Pier. It is great except for the fact that the Seagulls love the bright color and use it for a dumping spot. Get a light colored raft and add reflectors.

I have this model of swim raft that I bought a few years ago at Production Dock and Trailer: http://www.hewitt-roll-a-dock.com/ot..._platform.html

This model sits about 6 inches higher than others in the water. Although I didn't realize it when I bought it, this is an advantage as ducks and geese seem unwilling to jump the extra 6 inches out of the water. So they go and crap all over my neighbors' rafts instead. ;) There is a blue heron that likes to visit a few times during the summer, but so far he has been very polite.

Dan, how much is something like this. Looks very nice and durable.

Jeff

aw shucks....:love:

Rome wasn't built in a day, great things need time to "develop". :D

Hi Jeff;

I honestly do not remember what I paid, I want to say around $1,400.00 but do not remember if that included installation and 1000 lb concrete weight...

Dan

Sounds reasonable. I see them online for around that price also.
nice option to replace the inflatables that dont seem to last that i have had.
thanks for the info !

I used galvanized floating dock hardware and built a 6' X 8' unit using 2 X 6 cedar. Strong as sh--- and looks great - really blends in with the scenery. It is now 12 years old and as good as new. Its supported by 4 closed foam filled poly floats.

I object to big yellow, blue, inflatable rafts - they detract from the scenic beauty. Just my opinion, obviously there are many that don't care.

My plan was to make the top of the platform like venetian blinds. During the 98 percent of the time when the platform was not being used, the boards would all be in a vertical position making it uncomfortable for ducks to stand on. Then when the kids decided to use it they could lower a lever and all the boards would flatten.

What stopped me was the realization that the strength of the structure is dependent on the deck boards being secured. That coupled with the likely bananas the boards would turn into if not well constrained.

It might be an idea better left to an aluminum raft.

We got one of these some years back. Durable, & kids love it.

http://www.aquacycleusa.com/swimraft.asp

The benefit of that set-up looks like you can pressure washer it and put it away easily. No need for stain, etc.

How thick is the plastic over the foam?

Center Harbor Dock....
 

See Don at CHD...They have several models. The one we had installed last year was very sturdy..had reflectors and a ladder installed and was moved out of the water for the winter quite easily by the CHD dock removal crew.

You are correct, it is very low maintenance. No staining ever! Not exactly sure how thick the plastic is but it's fairly heavy duty. If I had to guess I would say 1/4" thick.

Dan

Craigslist Ad
 

There is an ad on Craigslists

NEW OTTERISLAND 8x10 SWIM RAFT $1695 these rafts are great and hard to get,, don't wait they will sell out...

GRANITE STATE DOCK AND MARINE
238 ROCKINGHAM ROAD
DERRY NH 03038
603-965-4766

SWIM RAFTS - Choose Otter Island swimraft, or Otter Oasis swimraft!

http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/2314443272.html

What if instead you made something so that the deck lifted up to a steepish angle when not in use? Depending on the size of it, you might have to do the decking as 2 parts.

Personally, something like the above, along with a hydraulic lift and a couple of solar panels to charge batteries/power the hydro pump would seem like a great little weekend project ;)

I built a 10 x 10 with a pressure treated frame and trex decking. It just floats on 6 55 gallon plastic drums. It wasn't difficult, kids love it and it looks great (my Mona Lisa). The only issue is the weight. Getting it out in the fall is a back breaking project. Every year I tell myself I'm going to figure out a better way but so far it's just muscling it up the ramp with four guys.

If you have a ramp I would make some type of big wheel dollys.Still heavy..use a come-a-long winch.

Dock Wheels
 

http://www.northerntool.com/images/p...s/12091_lg.jpg
Dock wheels should make putting in and hauling out much easier. If you check out the customer reviews on this product, that is exactly what CARA at West Richardson Lake in North West Maine did. :D

I have the same issue with mine, fine with a couple of guys but its usually only me and the wife. We get it partially up on our beach and then chain it to a tree. Has worked over the years.

I have thought of mounting an electric winch on one of the trees and use it to drag the raft up the shore.

Another option would be to get it over to the dock within the protection of the bubbler and leave it floating over the winter. Anyone ever try this?

We're currently running a sale on swim rafts for all winnipesaukee.com forum members and members of our facebook page:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/adpeeps...00_1026_15.jpg

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Mike Metcalfe
Owner

watch for a sale on the otter island rafts at Heaths Hardware when then finish the remodel. They just got a delivery of them (stacked in front of store).:)

Just a quick note that Heath`s Hardware`s Grand Re-Model Opening starts 5/18 with customer appreciation day. Stop by for great deals and free-bees.
Sign up for giveaways and have burgers, hot dogs, chips, ice cream on us. Also watch for an un believable price on the Otter Island Swim Raft!

While I agree with the beauty detraction, they've become an unintended safety feature. :look:

High-speed sightseers—with oversized boats, who "rubber-neck-by"—are more likely to observe the 150-foot rule, which keeps them away from kids and the long-distance swimmers we now have as neighbors.

I have the shoremaster poly floats, 7 .5 x 9.5 ft they come in colors of tan , yellow and grey. The raft comes with a three step ladder and reflectors. The weight is 325 pds. The cost is 1199.00.... I also build custom aluminum swim floats with removable red cedar decking... 8 x 8 ft light duty with three step ladder 1599.00.... 8 x 8 ft heavy duty aluminum with ladder 2100.00 and of course we have the 8 x 8 ft woodys for 1200.00 with a three step ladder. Give us a call over to Center Harbor Dock. 603-253-4000

this is the poly float

8x8 Raft
 

I have a 8x8 all alluminum raft with trex decking & all stainless chain ,swivel & hardware attached , scuffed on rock & needs 1 float, very cheap. would sell for $500.00