ABOUT
It's not really magic
It's just a great idea!
A revolutionary product originally developed for commercial water taxis, Magic Buoy is easy to use, easy to install and easy to adjust for all boats with a width (beam) less than 9 feet.
A passive system, Magic Buoy allows for slow, stress-free docking, regardless of wind and current.
​​
Our Story
A wise friend, the owner of a marina, once told me:
“There are three major challenges in recreational boating: Keeping the boat clean, transporting and storing the boat, and docking the boat. Whoever solves these problems will transform boating forever.”
​
As a former tool and die maker, I decided to take on the third challenge. Little did I know it would become such a long and exciting journey.
​
In 2010, in the wake of the financial crisis, Tina and I launched our water taxi business, Toronto Tiki Taxi. It was during that time that I began developing docking aids. As our business grew, so did my list of prototypes. One of my first successes, the Dockingstick, has been selling steadily since 2013.
​
However, I quickly realized that for a docking aid to truly succeed, it had to meet three essential criteria:
-
Simplify the docking process — A gadget that adds extra steps quickly loses its appeal. It has to genuinely reduce effort.
-
Easy installation — No one wants to drill holes into their boat or dock. Installation must be simple, with no modifications required.
-
Universal use — It needs to be intuitive for beginners, while also impressive enough for experienced boaters.
​
Meeting these criteria proved to be a real challenge, especially as the water taxi business began demanding more and more of our time. Growing that company meant innovation had to take a backseat. Over the years, our fleet grew to 10 boats, and in 2023, we handed over operations to a young management team. It was finally time to take on the docking challenge!
​
The winter of 2023–2024 brought a new opportunity for innovation. While spending the winter in Mexico, I spent time experimenting with small-scale docking systems in a pool. These trials led to major breakthroughs, including the double-line design and curved tube, which make attaching to the dock much easier. From there, we developed the concept of a docking buoy, followed by months of prototyping and testing.
​
Who would’ve thought docking could actually become fun?
​
I hope this product makes boating more enjoyable for everyone — whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sailor. No more hesitation to take the boat out due to difficult docking conditions.
Let’s make boating a simpler, smoother, and more enjoyable experience for all.
​
Luc Côté
Inventor & Co-owner