What is an inflatable floating dock?
An inflatable floating dock is a portable, air-filled platform that sits on the surface of the water. It uses high-pressure drop-stitch construction to stay rigid enough to stand, sit, and lounge on. Unlike permanent docks bolted to a shoreline, our inflatable docks pack into a bag when deflated, so you can bring them to any lake, pool, or river and set up in minutes. We build our
Siesta Docks with AerGlide-Lite PVC for all-day stability on the water.
What is the difference between an inflatable dock and a hard floating dock?
A hard floating dock is a permanent or semi-permanent structure, usually made from wood, aluminum, or composite materials, anchored to a shoreline. It offers long-term stability but requires installation, permits in many areas, and high cost. An inflatable dock gives you a portable floating platform you can inflate, use, and pack away the same day. Our inflatable docks are ideal for day-to-day recreation like swimming, sunbathing, and hanging out, while hard docks are better suited for mooring watercraft.
Are inflatable floating docks comfortable?
Our inflatable floating docks are surprisingly comfortable. They offer a soft, cushioned surface for lounging and sunbathing, with textured EVA decking for grip. To add extra comfort and versatility, clip on plush, EVA-padded
AerComfort inflatable seats using the built-in D-ring attachment points on any Siesta Dock.
What is the difference between an inflatable dock and a foam water mat?
A foam water mat is a thin, flexible sheet that floats flat on the surface. It works well for lying down but offers no rigidity, so you cannot stand, set up chairs, or use it as a swim platform. Our inflatable docks, like the
Siesta Dock XL inflate to a firm, rigid platform that supports multiple people standing, sitting, and jumping on and off. They also roll up smaller than most foam mats for easier storage and transport.
What is the Siesta Dock made of?
Our Siesta Docks are made with AerGlide-Lite PVC, a durable material designed for puncture resistance, abrasion protection, and UV stability. The top surface features EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) decking, providing a textured, non-slip grip even when wet. PVC construction keeps the dock rigid at high pressure while staying lightweight enough to carry to the water, and EVA provides cushioned comfort for long days of lounging.
What size inflatable dock do I need?
The right size depends on how many people you plan to have on the water at once and how you want to use it. For couples or small groups of two to four, our 7-foot
Siesta Dock gives you plenty of room to stretch out. For larger groups, families, or anyone who wants extra space for chairs and coolers, our 10-foot
Siesta Dock XL is the way to go.
How many people can fit on an inflatable dock?
It really depends on how much your group weighs, since all inflatable docks have weight limits. Our
Siesta Dock 7 ft holds up to 1,050 pounds, and our
Siesta Dock XL 10 ft holds up to 1,500 pounds. The world average for adult weight is 136 pounds, so you could technically fit seven people on the Siesta Dock and eleven on the Siesta Dock XL, though that might be a bit crowded! Both docks also feature EasyLink connection points for our
AerComfort inflatable seats, three on the 7-foot and four on the 10-foot.
How much weight can an inflatable dock hold?
Weight capacity varies by size. Our
Siesta Dock 7 ft holds up to 1,050 pounds, and our
Siesta Dock XL 10 ft holds up to 1,500 pounds. That means the XL can comfortably accommodate a full group of adults along with gear such as coolers, chairs, and speakers. Always check the recommended weight limit for your specific dock before loading up.
How much do inflatable docks weigh?
Most inflatable docks weigh 50 to 100 pounds or more. Our Siesta Docks combine best-in-class price and quality with extremely low weight. Our
Siesta Dock 7 ft, which holds 1,050 pounds and provides 49 square feet of surface area, yet weighs just 39 pounds. The larger
Siesta Dock XL 10 ft, which holds 1,500 pounds and covers 100 square feet, weighs 73 pounds.
Are floating docks expensive?
Permanent "hard" floating docks are quite expensive, sometimes costing thousands of dollars. Our portable, inflatable floating docks start at $549.99, a fraction of the cost of a permanent installation with none of the permits, labor, or maintenance required.
What accessories come with an inflatable dock?
Our inflatable docks come with a dual-action pump, a repair kit with a valve wrench and patches, and a carry bag to store and transport the dock when deflated. You may also want to pick up
life jackets, an
electric pump, and
an anchor to keep your dock in place on the water. Both the
Siesta Dock 7 ft and
Siesta Dock XL 10 ft are designed to be used with
AerComfort inflatable seats, thanks to stainless steel D-ring attachment points spread across the decking. The 7-foot fits three seats, and the 10-foot fits four.
Is an inflatable dock good for groups and parties?
An inflatable dock is one of the best ways to create a floating hangout space for groups. Our
Siesta Dock XL gives you 100 square feet of stable floating platform, enough for a group to spread out with chairs, a cooler, and a speaker. Clip on
AerComfort inflatable seats using the built-in D-ring attachment points, and you have a floating party dock ready to go.
Can dogs go on an inflatable dock?
Yes, dogs can absolutely use our inflatable docks. We build our Siesta Docks with durable PVC construction that resists punctures from claws. For dogs that need help getting on and off the water, our
Siesta Pup Inflatable Pet Ramp gives them a gradual, non-slip surface to climb aboard. It attaches to the Siesta Dock or works as a standalone platform for smaller dogs who just want to be near the water.
How do you anchor an inflatable dock?
The simplest way to anchor our inflatable docks is with a grapnel-style anchor attached to one of the dock's D-ring tie-down points. Here is the basic setup:
- Drop the anchor to the bottom from a corner D-ring
- Let out enough line to account for water depth plus a little extra for drift
- Tie off to the D-ring and check that the dock holds position
- For stronger wind or current, add a second anchor on the opposite corner
We sell the
Mainstay 3.5 lb folding grapnel anchor kit, which works with all our Siesta Dock models. You can also tie off to a permanent dock, boat, or shoreline point using the D-rings.
Do you need to anchor an inflatable floating dock?
You certainly do not need to anchor your inflatable floating dock. However, if you are using it in water with a current or waves and want to be sure it stays put, then anchoring is a good idea. Our Siesta Docks are built with multiple stainless steel D-rings specifically as anchor-attachment points. Our
Mainstay 3.5 lb folding grapnel anchor kit is a simple solution that works with all our dock models.
How deep does the water need to be for an inflatable floating dock?
Generally, a minimum water depth of 2 to 3 feet is required for safe use of an inflatable floating dock, enough space for the dock to float freely without hitting the bottom. Deeper water, at least five feet, is better for swimming and relaxing. If you plan on jumping or diving off the dock, aim for a depth of at least eight to 10 feet.
How long does it take to inflate an inflatable dock?
With the dual-action hand pump we include with every Siesta Dock, inflation takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size. If you want to speed things up, our
Breeze electric pump cuts that time significantly and shuts off automatically. Deflation is quicker, usually just a few minutes before you roll the dock up and pack it into the included carry bag.
How do you store an inflatable dock for the off-season?
Rinse your dock with fresh water and let it dry completely before storing it. You can store it either partially inflated (around 4 to 6 PSI) or fully deflated and loosely rolled. Avoid tight rolling or folding that creates sharp creases in the material. The key is keeping it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, since heat and UV exposure are the two biggest things that shorten an inflatable dock's lifespan.
Can you leave an inflatable floating dock in the water permanently?
Our inflatable docks are extremely lightweight and compact and are designed primarily for temporary recreational use. While the AerGlide-Lite construction and textured decking are extremely durable, it is best to deflate these docks when not in use. You can certainly leave an inflatable dock floating for days without any issue, but doing so will decrease its lifespan faster than proper deflation and storage would.
Are inflatable docks durable?
Our inflatable docks are built with AerGlide-Lite PVC, which is designed to resist punctures, abrasion, and UV damage. The material holds air pressure reliably through long days on the water, and every dock comes with a repair kit in case you ever need it. With proper care and storage, our docks can last five to 10 years or more. The most common factors that reduce lifespan are prolonged sun exposure and rough handling, so rinsing after use and storing out of direct sunlight go a long way.
How long do inflatable docks last?
The lifespan of your inflatable dock comes down to proper care and storage. A well-maintained inflatable dock can last five to 10 years or more. Lifespan also depends on the frequency of use and the environment. Factors like prolonged sun exposure and rough handling can significantly decrease an inflatable dock's lifespan, while rinsing after each use and storing it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight will extend it considerably.
What are the disadvantages of an inflatable floating dock?
Inflatable floating docks can be less durable and have a lower weight capacity than solid docks. If you are looking to establish a permanent floating dock, or plan to moor large watercraft like boats and jet skis, then a solid dock is a better fit. But for temporary recreational use, our inflatable docks have no real disadvantages. They are easy to store and transport, affordable, durable, comfortable, and extremely versatile.
Are inflatable docks safe for kids?
Yes, our inflatable docks are a great way for kids to play on the water. The EVA decking on our Siesta Docks provides a textured, non-slip grip that helps prevent slipping even when the surface is wet. The dock's low profile makes it easy to climb on and off from the water.
Always make sure kids wear life jackets and have adult supervision anytime they are on or near the water.
Are inflatable docks worth it?
If you want a floating platform you can take anywhere without dealing with permits, permanent installation, or thousands of dollars in construction costs, our inflatable docks are absolutely worth it. They pack down into a carry bag, inflate in minutes, and hold up to 1,500 pounds, giving you a stable swim platform, lounge area, or floating hangout for a fraction of the cost of a hard dock. They are one of the most versatile pieces of
water gear we make.