Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock
Frequently Asked Questions

General Use

  • A Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock is a water-level dry dock that keeps your boat dry while it remains in the water. It eliminates the need for lifts or bottom paint, helping preserve your boat’s value and reducing maintenance.

  • Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock uses an automatic water pump system to detect and remove water inside the SeaPen, keeping your boat’s hull dry. The boat floats naturally, supported by water, with no stress points or concentrated weight distribution.

  • Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock originated in Australia and has been in use for over 26 years, earning a proven track record of performance and reliability in marine environments worldwide.

  • Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock is ideal for boat owners who want to protect their hull, reduce maintenance, and avoid bottom paint—especially in marinas, HOAs, or locations where traditional lifts are not allowed.

  • Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock works with outboard, stern drive and jet boats, from small center consoles to large sport boats. 

  • No. The Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock has no weight limit. Your boat is supported by the water and is floating. 

  • Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock can be used in most marinas, private docks, condo slips, and yacht clubs, including locations where lifts are restricted.

  • Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock ties directly to your dock, just like your boat, with no permanent structural changes needed.

  • Yes. The design allows 360° access for cleaning, maintenance, and boarding. Optional walkways provide extra stability.

  • With proper care, Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock components are built for many years of use in harsh marine conditions. There are SeaPens in Australia that have been in the water for 20+ years. 

  • The frame tubes are marine-grade HDPE materials,  the mesh is UV- and salt-resistant rope designed for long life without damaging your hull, along with the growth resistant liner which acts as a protective barrier between the boat and the water. 

  • Yes. Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock eliminates the need for antifouling paint, operates without hydraulics or oils, and can help contain small fuel or oil leaks.

  • Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock is proudly manufactured in both Australia and the USA, with full installation, service, and support handled by our team in the United States, backed by additional expertise from our Australian partners.

  • Yes. Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock is accepted in many marinas, HOAs, and waterfront communities where traditional boat lifts are not permitted. Our team can also assist with the approval process to help you get set up smoothly. See approved locations and learn more about the approval process ›

  • Yes. You can always use a larger Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock for smaller boats, as long as the boat is not larger than the SeaPen’s maximum capacity. This gives you flexibility if you change boats in the future.

Operation & Use

  • Approach at idle speed, center the boat in the pen, and secure it to the dock—just like normal docking.

  • Docking in a Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock is just like pulling into a regular slip and typically takes only a few minutes.

  • It uses a standard 110V GFCI 

  • Yes, Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock is compatible with both.

  • Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock is compatible with many tow/wake boats and inboards where the shafts are in pockets. Contact us for specific fit details for your boat.

  • Yes. Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock is compatible with pontoons and catamarans.

  • Yes. You can flush your engines while in the Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock.

  • Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock’s pump system automatically detects and removes rainwater to keep your boat dry.

  • Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock adjusts with the tide, just like a floating dock.

  • Locations with heavy wave action may require additional considerations. Contact Us for more information. 

  • Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock is portable and can be relocated if you change slips or move marinas.

  • The gate lowers for boat entry and raises to secure it. Operation is quick and simple using the mobile app or the manual hand remote connected to the SeaPen control box. 

  • Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock includes a manual release for the back gate, allowing you to operate it even without power.

  • Yes.

  • Yes, with proper installation adjustments.

  • Yes. As long as the Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock has power, you can leave your boat in it for extended periods without issue.

  • As long as the Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock remains powered, there’s no problem leaving it without a boat for an extended period.

Maintenance & Care

  • The Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock is designed for low maintenance. Most owners simply hose down the frame and mesh occasionally to remove salt and debris. In some areas, a diver may brush the bottom once a year, but this is not always necessary.

    For those who prefer full service, we offer an optional annual maintenance package. This includes a thorough power wash, pump backflush, hardware inspection, hose clamp checks, net hook replacements, and system testing to keep your SeaPen in prime condition.

    Routine care—such as rinsing with fresh water, inspecting clips, and checking your GFCI orientation—helps ensure long life and optimal performance.

    For details or scheduling, contact service@solsticedockingsolutions.com.

  • The integrated pump system automatically detects and removes water 24/7.

  • Yes. 

  • No. The Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock is designed to eliminate the need for bottom paint.

Seasonal & Environmental

  • In most mild winter conditions, a Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock can remain in place without special preparation. In areas with extended deep freezes, we recommend using a bubbler system to prevent the water from freezing solid around the SeaPen. For regions with heavy ice movement that could damage floating docks, seasonal removal or relocation may be necessary.

  • The Solstice SeaPen Dry Dock is not designed to protect boats in extreme weather, but proper preparation can help reduce risks. Many customers follow local marina guidelines for storm readiness, including securing or removing the boat. You can read how one customer’s SeaPen performed during a Category 2 hurricane here.

  • Yes — with proper installation. Contact us for specific details about your location

  • Yes!

Cost & Ownership

  • Pricing depends on size and configuration. Contact us for a custom quote.

  • SeaPen is supplied with a 3-YEAR parts warranty. Electronics & pumps have a 1-YEAR parts warranty against manufacturing defect starting from date of installation. Warranty is supplied Ex-Factory, parts-only. Wear & tear not covered.

  • Yes. We offer flexible financing options through Wells Fargo, including promotional plans with no interest if paid in full within 6 months or fixed-rate monthly payment plans.