Dock/lake launching

Just got my 10.5 Lunar yesterday from Outside World in Dawsonville, GA. LOVING it, but I have some questions - I'm using mine in Lake Lanier. We have a floating dock and launching my Eclipse solo was a little daunting. Does anyone have any launching tips and tricks since I cannot load from the rocky shore? Also for security I plan to get a cable lock and attach to my dock thru the drive opening. Good or bad idea? Will keep handlebar and drive inside the house. I might be able to store on a jetski port. Will I need a cover? Will sun fade the finish and the padding? Is there anyway to attach another handle on the bow?
I'm also concerned about damaging the bow - already scratched it against the pool edging where I bought and tried it out. Can I put a clear tape across the bow as protection against banging against other docks, boats, rocks?

I'm a 59yr old grandmother and I have spent about 1.5 hours on it and I am amazed at the stability and the SPEED!! It is VERY easy to assemble and disassemble. It is a bit heavier than I thought, so launching and docking was a challenge.

Thanks for any tips/assistance!

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Granny Pirate
Hobie Mirage Eclipse
10.5 Lunar named ZIP

GAGranny,

Hobie sells an SUP Protection Kit on their catalog on page 29 under accessories, item#478285-00.

Most other SUP stores sell an equivalent as well, which is basically a tape.

http://cdn.hobiecat.com/digital_assets/2015-2016-hobie-sup-collection-brochure.pdf



Good luck!

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Wil Thoms
Newport Beach

Hobie 16 with Tequila Sunrise sails (in the past)
Hobie Revo 11 for peddle, paddle, fishing and sailing
Hobie Eclipse 10.5 Solar Yellow
SurfTech 12' Touring SUP

I don't know about the Eclipse but most SUPers would avoid leaving their board in the sun all day long. Some people use something like this - http://www.victorykoredry.com/board-covers.html - while they're not using it.

I have a 2 slip dock with a party deck on top, so shade isn't a problem. I took a 3 inch thick foam float and placed it half on and half off the edge of the dock, into the water and can slide my Eclipse on edge into the water, holding the stern handle. For landing I do the same thing - I sit on the float on the dock and grab the stern handle, tip the Eclipse on its side and slide it onto the dock. Then I remove the drive, rudder and handlebar and use a cable lock to attach the Eclipse to my metal staircase. I place one foam float underneath it, one on top, drive and handlebars come up to the house. I feel secure.
I am seriously enjoying it.

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Granny Pirate
Hobie Mirage Eclipse
10.5 Lunar named ZIP