March April 2020 Marina World

PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Epic launch
for PWC
docking
Long-life piling
A new patent-pending vinyl/glass fibre composite marine piling
that is environmentally friendly, economical and long lasting has
been launched by US-based Shoreline Plastics as an alternative to
timber piling systems.
Named EcoPile, the new
product has been specifically
designed for use in harsh marine
environments while also offering
surprising strength and stability.
Much of its secret lies in a
hexagram shaped special internal
webbing structure which makes
the piling stronger and stiffer while
also helping reduce weight and
costs, and providing a clear run of
open space for pipes
and cables.
The benefits are
reinforced in the
bottom section of the
piling, i.e. the buried
portion, with a spiral
groove. This allows
the sand to settle into
the piling, locking it
into the seabed and making it
significantly harder to dislodge
during a storm.
The grooves paired with the
internal webs are claimed to
offer more than five times the
amount of surface area compared
to timber or concrete, greatly
enhancing the amount of slip
friction the piling produces.
The internal substrate – a
special mix of glass fibres and
PVC – is protected by an infrared
and UV reflective outer layer,
which makes the piling cooler to
touch and resistant to fading or
weathering.
EcoPile offers significant
environmental benefits by
reducing the use of timber
and the risk of chemical
preservatives leaching into the
water. It is manufactured from
recycled plastic
and is completely
recyclable at end
of life – estimated
at 75-100 years.
Maintenance is
minimal (a cleaning
ring is available
to keep pilings
free of growth and
barnacles) and current costs are
set at around half the price of
comparable glass fibre products.
E: ap@ecopile.com
US-based HydroHoist Boat Lifts has released
HydroPort Epic, its most versatile personal
watercraft (PWC) docking platform to date.
Safety and convenience are major factors in the
new design, which features a wider walkway and
built-in anti-slip surface for easier access around the
craft.
For simple maintenance, the Epic is equipped with
enhanced drainage to remove any debris and water
from the platform, and a redesigned rear entry allows
for a smoother loading and launching process. The
platform can also be connected with the HydroPort
Extreme model to enable individuals and marinas to
continue to grow their HydroPort fleet.
“HydroHoist is committed to supporting innovation
in the boating industry,” said HydroHoist CEO Mick
Webber. “We continuously keep up with the latest
trends in both boat and PWC development. As
these products continue to get larger, HydroHoist
is growing, enhancing and redesigning our product
lines to accommodate the larger capacities while
maintaining our core quality, craftsmanship and
performance that we build into every product.”
For maximum utility, the Epic includes six sets of
UV protected wheels, with the ability to lift 2,000lbs
(907kg). The platform is available in blue, grey and
tan colours and weighs 430lbs (195kg).
E: sales@boatlift.com
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