One iLAND float is a great water day platform. Two iLAND floats connected together become something different: a shared hangout space that scales with your group. Add the modular MAG accessory system (cup holders, speakers, storage, tie-downs) and you have a floating setup configured exactly for how you use the water.
This guide covers how to combine iLAND floats and MAG accessories to build custom setups for different scenarios. It also covers the practical setup steps, common configurations, and what actually works versus what looks good on paper.
The Modular System in Simple Terms
Every iLAND float includes multiple tie-off points and D-rings around the perimeter. These aren't decorations. They're the connection hardware for building larger platforms.
The MAG accessory system uses magnetic mounts that attach to any iLAND float without permanent hardware. Cup holders, speakers, storage pockets, and tie-downs can be moved between floats, removed for storage, or reconfigured mid-day based on how you're using the platform.
Two things this system does that traditional floats can't:
Combine into larger platforms. Two 8' Hammocks connected side-by-side create a platform for 6 to 8 people. A 10' Hammock combined with an 8' Round Float creates a mixed-use setup with lounging and platform sections.
Reconfigure for different water days. The same float that hosts a solo afternoon can be reconfigured with cup holders and a speaker for an evening gathering, then stripped down for a fishing session the next morning.
For a complete overview of the iLAND product ecosystem, see our complete guide to iLAND floats and water hammocks.
Setup 1: The Family Day Configuration
Best for: Family lake days with kids and pets, casual weekends, calm-water hangouts.
What you need:
- 1x iLAND 8' Round Float or 8' Hammock
- 2x MAG CUP holders
- 1x MAG POCKET for phones and keys
- Optional: 1x MAG SPEAKER X for music
How to configure:
Position the MAG CUP holders on opposite sides of the float so multiple users can reach them. Place the MAG POCKET on the edge closest to the shore for easy access to phones and dry storage. If using the MAG SPEAKER X, position it toward the center so sound reaches all users equally.
Why this works: Kids can climb on and off without knocking accessories loose (the magnetic mounts hold securely but release cleanly if bumped). The MAG POCKET keeps essentials dry and reachable. The setup takes about 30 seconds to configure after inflating the float.
Setup 2: The Party Configuration
Best for: Weekend gatherings, boat tie-ups, sandbar hangouts, group days.
What you need:
- 2x iLAND floats (8' Hammock + 10' Hammock recommended for maximum space)
- BAR (modular floating table for shared drinks and food)
- 4 to 6x MAG CUP holders distributed across the floats
- 1x MAG SPEAKER X
- 2x MAG POCKET for group storage
- 4x MAG TIE for securing accessories in wind
How to configure:
Connect the two floats side-by-side using rope through matching D-rings on each float. Position the BAR between them at the connection point so it's accessible from both floats. Distribute MAG CUP holders around the perimeter (2 to 3 per float). Place the MAG SPEAKER X on the larger float for better sound distribution. Use MAG TIE points to secure any loose gear.
Why this works: The connected platform creates enough space for 6 to 8 adults to lounge without crowding. The BAR provides a shared surface for drinks, food, and games. The distributed cup holders mean nobody has to reach across the platform to grab their drink.
For safety: Anchor both floats independently. See our guide to anchoring floating platforms for the specific anchor setup for multi-float configurations.
Setup 3: The Solo Lounge Configuration
Best for: Quiet afternoons, reading and napping on the water, solo relaxation.
What you need:
- 1x iLAND 8' Round Float
- 1x MAG CUP holder
- 1x MAG POCKET
How to configure:
Minimalist setup. One cup holder for your drink and one storage pocket for a book, phone, or sunscreen. Remove the removable mesh panel on the 8' Round Float if you want a solid platform, or leave it in for partial submersion cooling on hot days.
Why this works: Fewer accessories mean less to manage and less to remove when you're done. The mesh panel option lets you customize how you lounge (fully above water or partially submerged) based on temperature.
Setup 4: The Fishing Platform Configuration
Best for: SUP fishing where you want a stable stationary platform, especially for two-angler setups.
What you need:
- 1x iLAND 8' Hammock (higher weight capacity for gear)
- CHAIR (for angler positioning)
- 2x MAG CUP holders
- 1x MAG POCKET for tackle and phone
- 4x MAG TIE for securing gear in wind
How to configure:
Position the CHAIR toward one end of the float, giving the angler a stable seated position. Attach rod holders to the D-rings if needed (rod holders are separate from the MAG system). Distribute MAG accessories to keep essentials within reach without cluttering the working area.
Why this works: The iLAND 8' Hammock provides a stable stationary platform that stays in place while you fish, unlike casting from a paddle board where you're managing balance. The CHAIR reduces standing fatigue during long fishing sessions.
Note: For serious SUP fishing where you're actively casting and retrieving, a purpose-built fishing paddle board (BLACKFIN MODEL X or MODEL XL) is a better choice than an iLAND float. The float configuration works best for stationary bait fishing or as a companion platform to a fishing paddle board.
Setup 5: The Boat Tie-Up Configuration
Best for: Boat owners who want a floating hangout attached to their anchored boat.
What you need:
- 1 to 2x iLAND floats (size depending on group)
- BAR (optional, works well as a shared surface between boat and float)
- 3 to 4x MAG CUP holders
- 1x MAG SPEAKER X
How to configure:
Tie the float(s) to the boat's stern cleats using rope through iLAND D-rings. Position the BAR at the boat-to-float interface so it functions as a serving table between the two platforms. Distribute cup holders around the float perimeter. The MAG SPEAKER X can pair with the boat's audio system for coordinated sound.
Why this works: Extends usable hangout space beyond the boat's deck. Kids and adults can move between the boat and the float depending on what they want to do (swimming, lounging, eating on the boat). An anchored boat keeps the float in position without separate anchoring.
Practical Tips for Any Configuration
Inflation order: Inflate floats before adding accessories. Trying to attach MAG accessories to a partially inflated float doesn't work well and can damage the magnetic attachment surfaces.
Accessory placement: Position accessories toward the center of the float when you're actively using it and toward the edges when you're moving around. Center-placed cup holders are easier to reach but harder to swim past.
Weight distribution: When adding multiple accessories or configuring multi-float setups, think about weight distribution. A float loaded with accessories on one side sits lower on that side, which affects stability.
Storage: MAG accessories detach cleanly for transport and storage. Store them in the same bag as your float pump and repair kit so everything travels together.
MAG TIE for wind: In any configuration where you're using MAG accessories in windy conditions, the MAG TIE 4-pack provides additional securing points. Even magnetic mounts can dislodge in strong gusts, so tie-downs are worth the investment for anyone who uses their float regularly in exposed conditions.
Building Your Setup Over Time
You don't need to buy the full ecosystem at once. Most iLAND owners start with one float and add accessories over multiple seasons.
Year 1 starter setup: One iLAND 8' Round Float or 8' Hammock, 2x MAG CUP holders, 1x MAG POCKET. Total cost is manageable and covers most family and solo use cases.
Year 2 expansion: Add a second float (matching or different size), the BAR for group configurations, and the MAG SPEAKER X for music. This is where the party and boat tie-up setups become possible.
Year 3+ optimization: Add MAG TIE for windy-condition security, additional MAG CUP holders for larger groups, and specialty accessories like the CHAIR for fishing or long sessions.
The advantage of the modular approach: your setup grows with your usage patterns rather than requiring one large purchase upfront.
Explore the Full iLAND Ecosystem
Every iLAND float and MAG accessory is designed to work together. Browse the complete lineup at irockersup.com/collections/floats-hammocks to see what fits your current setup and what you might add next.
For the complete introduction to iLAND product design and construction, read our complete guide to iLAND floats and water hammocks.
