Floating pontoon

I wonder if there are any forum readers that can help with this challenge. We are considering installing a modular pontoon on our reservoir to accomodate the 2/3 safety ribs during race times. The purpose is to avoid the constant damage to props and guards , and avoid having to wade or even swim out to the ribs.  
We are thinking of using the versadock type modular system , probably about  8' x  15'  with a 10' gangway to the shore. Our main issue is the fluctuation water levels which necessitates the moving of the pontoon to ensure it still floats. The other issues are of course waves form all directions  and cross winds . The banking is mostly a gradual slope.

Has any one out there all ready got a similar system at their club which is on a reservoir whose levels fluctuate?  .....and what chain/ rope/ anchoring  system is do you use that is easy / doesnt get in the way of the ribs or dinghys tacking close?

All contributions greatly received  
Thanks

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Phil1045 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 18 Dec 04 Location: yorkshire Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Post Options Post Reply Quote Phil1045 Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Floating pontoon Posted: 26 Mar 13 at 4:46pm
	I wonder if there are any forum readers that can help with this challenge. We are considering installing a modular pontoon on our reservoir to accomodate the 2/3 safety ribs during race times. The purpose is to avoid the constant damage to props and guards , and avoid having to wade or even swim out to the ribs. We are thinking of using the versadock type modular system , probably about 8' x 15' with a 10' gangway to the shore. Our main issue is the fluctuation water levels which necessitates the moving of the pontoon to ensure it still floats. The other issues are of course waves form all directions and cross winds . The banking is mostly a gradual slope. Has any one out there all ready got a similar system at their club which is on a reservoir whose levels fluctuate? .....and what chain/ rope/ anchoring system is do you use that is easy / doesnt get in the way of the ribs or dinghys tacking close? All contributions greatly received Thanks
	Vortex Yorkshire dales

ASok Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 26 Sep 07 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 739	Post Options Post Reply Quote ASok Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 26 Mar 13 at 5:04pm
	Datchet has got that exact system. They have to manage changing water levels and waves. Its pretty good. Flexible and provides a good platform. I'd suggest calling them and chatting through their system with them directly. I'm sure they'd assist.

JohnW Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 17 Jul 07 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 552	Post Options Post Reply Quote JohnW Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 26 Mar 13 at 5:06pm
	Our water does not fluctuate a huge amount (1-1.5 metres max over the season) but we have floating pontoons that are far enough out to always float with a bridge onto them that allows vertical movement. The land side end of the bridge has wheels to roll up and down the slipway. The anchor chains go under the pontoon and out the opposite side so that they are several feet down before they emerge from under the pontoon to avoid fouling props, centreboards etc. You can see some of the arrangement on the webcam at: http://www.maidenheadsc.org.uk/main/weather-webcam-topmenu-80.html click on the image to launch the steerable control page so you can pan around to the west pontoon. Edited by JohnW - 26 Mar 13 at 5:07pm

Phil1045 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 18 Dec 04 Location: yorkshire Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Post Options Post Reply Quote Phil1045 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 27 Mar 13 at 5:38pm
	thanks for that ..I 'll give them a buzz
	Vortex Yorkshire dales