Category Archives: Ez Dock

Pros and Cons of Using a Dock Kit

When the time comes to replace or install a dock, you have a few options. Do you want to go the DIY route? Or would it be better to call on a team of dock builders? Reviewing the pros and cons of each scenario can give you a better idea of what the best dock solution will be for you and your site.

Benefits of Getting a DIY Dock Kit

If you’re pretty handy with other building projects, opting for a DIY dock kit can make a lot of sense. There are plenty of systems available today, and you can even call on your local waterfront services company to see if they can help you find the right fit for your needs.

1. You can work on your own timeline

Working with a dock kit can be appealing because it gives you the flexibility to complete your dock build on your terms. It doesn’t matter if you want to stretch the project out for a few weeks or tackle it in a single weekend. Plus, you can have the bragging rights when to you get to the end—knowing that you did it all yourself.

2. You might feel more comfortable making repairs

Being the one to see your dock build through from start to finish can also help you down the road. When any repairs pop up, you’ll probably be better equipped to handle them on your own because you know exactly how your dock is constructed. You attached those floats, brackets, and sleeves all on your own.

3. You can save money on labor costs

Moreover, assuming you already have the skill set required, you should be able to save on the overall cost of your dock when you work with a kit. Getting rid of any labor expenses can open up the doors to invest that money elsewhere.

Reasons for a Custom Dock Builder

Even if you’re leaning towards getting a dock kit, it’s worth looking at the other side of things for the installation itself. You can always call on a waterfront company to purchase your dock kit and then utilize them for the actual construction too.

1. You can get it done right—the first time

When you find a crew that’s had years of experience installing custom docks or dock kits, you should be able to expect high-quality work. There’s a good chance that you’ll run into a few problems when you work through a build on your own. If you pass the job onto another team, you could save yourself some stress.

2. Your waterfront might need professionals

Not every site is super convenient for building a dock. If you have a steep shoreline or have had issues with your dock in the past, you might want to call on a professional dock builder from the get go. That way, they can make sure your anchoring is set up correctly and that your installation is secure.

3. You could buy your dock kit from them

Even if you want to build with a dock kit and do the work on your own, you can still benefit from calling on your local dock builder. Odds are, they’ll already have a selection of dock kits for sale. They’ll also be able to give you a little insight on the process before you get started. That’s how we handle dock kits here at Deaton’s Waterfront Services. If you want to learn more, please don’t hesitate to call us at (317) 747-4933.

Outdoor Education Ideas for Water Nature Trail Setups

Getting outside of the classroom and up close with nature is a great way to helps kids and young students ask new questions. Whether you’re organizing a classroom field trip or just looking for ways to give your own children a little adventure, these nature walk ideas can keep everyone engaged for a good time.

Water and Nature Walk Activities for Kids

While you don’t always need to do an activity when you’re enjoying your time in nature, it’s sometimes useful to give students a rough guide to direct their interests. Older students might have a specific curriculum to follow as part of their environmental sciences class, but for younger kids, the following nature walk activities can be a fun place to start:

    • Scavenger Hunt – a grid with pictures or icons can encourage students to find specific types of leaves, birds, or even spider webs
    • Sensory Worksheet – simply describing what you hear, see, smell, and feel while outside can be an interesting exercise for younger students
    • Map Drawing – practicing spatial thinking with custom maps can give kids a new perspective on their environment or where the trail starts and ends

Planning your nature walk around a water feature will provide even more options. Activities around the water could include building small boats out of foam board. Students can also look for minnows or other fish in the water while on a trail’s floating dock walkway. If it’s easy to get close to the water’s edge, kids can even take the water’s temperature, collect interesting rocks, or do simple tests to see what kind of objects float or sink. Sometimes it’s nice to do these types of experiments outdoors instead of in the classroom.

Other Questions for Outdoor Exploration

People of all ages can improve their nature walk experience by staying curious about their surroundings. Did the weather seem to change when you stepped on to the trail? Simply walking on a dirt path is a lot different than walking across a parking lot! Maybe you’re making your way across a floating dock. How does the water look around you? Does the air feel or smell different too?

Before you even head out on your walk, though, you’ll probably want to think about other items for your excursion. Apart from being dressed appropriately and grabbing a water bottle or some snacks, it might be helpful to have a few other supplies to make your nature walk even better:

    • Do you want to take pictures on your nature walk?
    • Will you bring art supplies to create something new?
    • Can you get a magnifying glass or binoculars for a close-up look?

It’s becomes easier to appreciate nature and the changing seasons and weather when we’re actively asking ourselves questions about how we’re feeling and what’s going on around us. These practices are great no matter how old or young you are!

Need Help with an EZ Dock Trail System?

Our crew at Deaton’s Waterfront Services designs, installs, and repairs nature trails, floating docks, and more. We’re big fans of all things related to water and the outdoors. If you have a project coming up for your school, park, or lake house, we’d love to help you out.

When your waterfront feature is planned correctly from the get go, you’ll be able to enjoy it worry-free for years or even decades to come. We routinely work with EZ Dock Trail Systems because they’re both non-invasive and extremely versatile for all types of environments. If you’d like to learn more or start talking about a quote, please feel free to send us a message.

What’s the Best Anchoring for My Dock?

A good dock anchoring system is a requirement for every dock owner.  That’s what keeps your structure secure and steady from season to season! Whether you’re just starting out with a new dock or you need to make some upgrades to your current setup, looking at your anchoring system is a key part of having a safe waterfront site.

Types of Dock Anchoring Systems

When you don’t have the right dock anchoring in place, you might be looking at trouble down the road. Identifying the best dock anchoring system for you will depend on your water level, conditions, and existing structure. Here’s a closer look at your options:

1. Pipe Brackets

Smaller docks can often rely on a standard pipe anchoring system. These setups even work for simple PWC lifts. The pipe brackets should be able to move along with water fluctuation, wind, or waves, and the poles themselves are driven right into the lake bottom. Typically, this type of dock anchoring is used on sites with moderate conditions.

2. Piling Brackets

Larger docks designed for heavy loads and high traffic usually turn to pile anchoring. Whether the piles are wood, concrete, or made from another durable material, you can use piling brackets to securely connect your dock.

3. Deadweight Anchoring

If your site experiences more extreme water fluctuations, you might need to look at deadweight anchoring for your dock. These setups use cables or chains to tie your dock to an anchor on the bottom of your lake or body of water. Your deadweight brackets and the option for a deadweight insert and cable winch can help make this anchoring system more reliable for your site.

4. Stiff-Arm Brackets

Some docks have the option to anchor to the shore. Working with stiff-arm brackets lets you stabilize your dock with a shoreline post or shoreline abutment. You can choose from a heavy-duty or light-duty anchoring parts. Depending on your needs, you may also want to add a cable system for extra support.

Need Help with Your Dock Anchor?

Dealing with dock anchor problems can be devastating. If you can’t confidently rely on your setup, then you might end up losing your dock after a storm, or worse. There can be real safety risks when your dock is unstable. A secure dock anchoring system can help keep you and your family safe. For commercial sites, limiting your liability is also a big motivator.

Whether you need a dock safety review or know you’re due for upgrades, our team at Deaton’s Waterfront Services can help. We understand the anchoring features that matter most for different waterfront sites and can recommend the solution that’s right for you. Let’s get your dock repairs taken care of before any accidents happen. Give us a call at (317) 747-4933 to start your consultation. We’re here to help!

Encourage Outdoor Recreation with Accessible Boardwalks

Following the ADA guidelines for an accessible boardwalk is a crucial part of outdoor recreation. You need to help everyone enjoy the scenery by keeping your site up to code. Waterfront areas rely on ramps and floating walkways to make nature excursions possible for people of all abilities. Redesigning your access routes can make your park, camp, or school better than ever!

Accessible Boardwalk Requirements

Installing a floating walkway on your wetlands or boggy areas can be a great way to create a fun trail that still protects the environment. Pay attention to the key features of what makes your boardwalk accessible, and you’ll be doing your part to make the path safe for everyone.

1. Slopes and Surfaces

The natural terrain of your site will help determine where your ADA walkway should start and end. Considering the slope from land to an over-water boardwalk can be tricky, but the right team can make your new build a success. You’ll need to make sure that wheelchairs can easily move along the route. This is where slope angles (nothing over 1:20) come into play.

Another consideration for your recreation access route is for its surface material. It must be both firm and stable—there are no exceptions to this rule. However, slip resistance isn’t mandatory. You probably won’t be able to control the amount of debris on the walkway from leaves and dirt. As long as you can guarantee a steady surface, you should be in the clear for this first set of requirements.

2. Passing and Resting Spaces

As you design your floating walkway or accessible boardwalk with your dock builder, you’ll also need to pay attention to the number of resting spaces you place along the route. It’s important that people on your path have a chance to stop along the path and take in the scene.

Part of your ADA guidelines include measuring resting spaces that can comfortably fit a wheelchair (or strollers, for that matter) and allow people to turn around on the walkway. These areas on your boardwalk will also give individuals to opportunity to pass other parties, as everyone enjoys the trail at their own pace.

3. Walkway Openings

In order to keep water from collecting on the outdoor recreation access route, your path needs to have openings. Gaps or spaces between the planks that make up your boardwalk will let water drain. You just have to watch how big these openings are for safety.

When the spaces are too large, cane or crutch tips and small wheels can get stuck. The standard requirement is to have openings measure half an inch or less. Of course, there are some exceptions for certain boardwalks. Consulting with your team of dock builders can help you determine the right layout for your site. Environmentally sensitive areas may also require different openings for drainage, so you’ll need to update your designs appropriately.

Build Your Floating Walkway with Deaton’s

If you’re ready to move forward with a new ADA boardwalk or floating walkway, the crew at Deaton’s Waterfront Services can help. We’ve worked with a variety of outdoor recreation sites and we’re always happy to design paths with ADA guidelines in mind. It’s part of our expertise!

We regularly use EZ Dock walkways for wetland sites and other waterfront areas. To learn more about these floating dock walkways, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We can collaborate on the right design for your area’s terrain and make plans to keep your entire boardwalk up to code. When you need accessible features in your park, we’re here to help. Contact us for a quote at (317) 747-4933.

Beginner Kayak Features to Get You Out on the Water

You don’t have to stick to boating to enjoy your time on the water. Learning how to kayak can be a great hobby to pick up at any age. If you aren’t a fan of swimming, or it’s not safe to swim around your waterfront site, then kayaking can be a fun way to exercise—you just need to know how to start out.

Using a Kayak Launch on the Dock

The first thing to practice when you’re beginning to kayak is how to get in and out of the kayak. Some areas will only give you the option to get into your kayak from the shore. In that case, move the kayak as close to the water as possible. Then just climb in, sit down, and you should be able to push yourself into the water with your arms. Once you’re floating, you’ll be able to start paddling.

The other way to get into your kayak is from a dock. When your dock has a designated kayak launch, sitting down is usually much easier. Otherwise, you have to carefully balance your kayak as you step into it. Depending on the dock and water level, you might have quite a drop into the water!

A kayak launch is usually more convenient, especially for beginners. These setups let you ease yourself into the kayak in a secure, stable way. We like the EZ Kayak Launch because it’s durable and slip-resistant. It also goes above and beyond the ADA requirements, so pretty much anyone can use it to safely enter and exit their kayak. If you have questions about installing this feature for your waterfront, we’d be happy to help.

Learning How to Paddle a Kayak

There are four basic paddle strokes for navigating your kayak. Even as a beginner kayaker, it’s pretty simple to master these movements. The first one is the forward stroke. You start with one end of the paddle in the water, down by your toes. Then you pull back so the paddle’s blade ends up near your hip. Next, slightly twist your body forward as you put the other end of the paddle into the water on the opposite side. Soon you’ll get into a rhythm and be moving right along.

The reverse stroke is simply the backwards motion of the forward stroke. Instead of pulling back on the blade, you push the paddle away from your chest so it goes toward your toes. As you back up, just remember to watch where you’re headed so you don’t run into anything.

If you’re trying to move alongside another kayak, then you’ll need to use the draw stroke. This is where you stick a paddle blade in the water and pull yourself over. You’ll want to reach over far enough so both of your hands are hovering over the water in the direction where you want to move. Rotate your body toward the blade and pull to draw your kayak to that side.

Finally, there’s the sweep stroke. This helps you turn your kayak quickly. You just need to make a half-moon or arc shape . To turn forward, put the blade in the front of your kayak and draw a curve in the water towards the back. Moving your body with the paddle makes this easier. To go backward, just start with your paddle in the back of the boat, then draw your arc toward your toes in the front.

Practice those four types of strokes, and you’ll quickly build your confidence on the water. You can also check the diagrams for these kayak stroke patterns to get a better idea of how to use your paddle.

Kayak Safety Tips and Reminders

Whether you’re planning to rent kayaks for the day or you’re ready to invest in some kayaks to keep, brushing up on a few of the basics is a smart move. This article’s kayak buying guide can be a helpful resource as you sort through your options. Once you have your gear collected, you might be ready to get a kayak launch of your own. When you waterfront has a kayak launch, your transition from the dock to the water can go much smoother and safer. Being able to carefully enter and exit your kayak puts you in a better position to enjoy your time on the water.

It’s also important to wear a personal flotation device whenever you’re enjoying a watersport. Grab some sunscreen and snacks, and you should have a nice time with some good weather. Stick to areas that match your skill level, and have fun on the water!

Commercial Dock Design Concerns and Insight

Using the off-season to make plans for your new dock is always a smart call. If you can’t be on the water, then you might as well look ahead for a great setup next season! As a trusted commercial dock design company and installer, Deaton’s Waterfront Services is proud to be your partner through project planning, design, and installation. When you have the right steps in order, you’re sure to make your new commercial dock a success.

1. Plan Ahead for an Affordable Dock Setup

The first part of having a reliable and affordable new dock is to plan. Paying close attention to the details of your design early on will help prevent any problems from coming up later. Working with a dock company on a site survey is a great place to start. This allows you to think critically about your needs and create a layout that meets all of your demands. Whether your site is a busy marina, a restaurant on the water or a sailing or rowing club, a cost-efficient dock setup will require a good amount of planning. The fall and winter months can be the perfect time to get the ball rolling.

It’s easier to budget for your dock materials and other costs when you can get dock estimates long before the installation itself gets scheduled. Some commercial sites prefer to do this at the end of the year so their waterfront upgrades can get included on their expense reports. Others would rather make these payments at the start of the new year. Whatever side you’re on, a good commercial dock design is key. If you know the exact dimensions and features (like a kayak launch, boat lift, or ADA-compliant dock specifications) you want at the start, you’ll be able to stick to a clear plan for a timely schedule. That’s why it’s wise to plan ahead well in advance.

2. Allow for Future Commercial Dock Design

As you create your new commercial dock design, it helps to remember that you might want to make changes to your design down the line. In order to make those types of upgrades, a modular floating dock system is usually the way to go. That way, you’ll be able to choose new pieces or shapes to expand your dock. You can attach these add-ons just about anytime you’d like.

The great thing about modular dock systems, like EZ Dock, is that you don’t have to stay stuck with a single design. You can always rework your existing pieces into an entirely new layout, or purchase new floating dock pieces for a bigger layout.

3. Enjoy a Long-Term Waterfront Investment

As a waterfront facility, you want a dock that will stand the test of time. A professionally installed commercial dock design can easily become the star feature of your site. Floating docks for summer camps, waterway trail systems for parks, and sturdy structures for other dining or recreation needs all need to be built with care.

Putting the time in now to design your dock can help you prepare your budget accordingly. When doing so, it’s also critical to think of the long-term investment value. Old docks can be unsafe and unsightly. But a new commercial dock can attract new customers and visitors to your location. If you need help bringing your vision to life, you can count on the crew at Deaton’s Waterfront Services.

Our entire focus is building for waterfronts. From the design and planning stage all the way through construction, we’re here to give you a dock you can be proud of—plus any other features you might need to make your location even better. To learn more about our process, please give us a call at (317) 747-4933, or visit our About page to check out our service area!

Connecting to Nature with Custom EZ Trail Systems

When you have a sturdy floating dock, your water activities aren’t limited to boating and swimming. You can also enjoy nature while strolling across an EZ Trail System! These modular walkways offer the perfect setup for making the most of your property. Municipalities, parks, neighborhoods, and schools love these floating docks because they give you the freedom to forge your own trail in an eco-friendly way.

About EZ Trail Systems

The versatile EZ Trail System is a unique offering in the EZ Dock product line because it can be utilized in both land and water designs. Whether you need a path through wetlands or a wooded area, these units can get the job done—with minimal interference to the environment.

  • Suitable for Land and Water
  • Easy to Install—and Easily Moved
  • Less Invasive without Permanent Foundation
  • Meets ADA Guidelines for Accessibility
  • Lasts Longer than Wood Walkways

One of the best parts of the EZ Trail System is that you can reconfigure your system at any time. The pieces can be easily moved, giving you complete control over your layout. Support options also let you suspend your path over vegetation. This can make your system as eco-friendly as possible. Overall, the long-term value is a sound investment for a variety of locations.

EZ Dock Benefits and Uses

The EZ Dock products are great for custom builds because they utilize a modular floating dock system. This creates minimally-invasive trails to help park-goers, environmental workers, and students travel through flood plains and woodlands. EZ Trail Systems can work just about anywhere you need a safe walkway!

Floating Dock Walkways for Community Areas

Why limit your recreational area’s walking paths? With an EZ Trail System, you can let guests travel throughout your camp ground or park with ease. Installing a floating dock walkway for your residential area is also easy with this modular system. Consider adding a path across your neighborhood pond, or setting up a new trail throughout the nearby park. Because these platforms work for both water and land, the configurations are endless. You can set up one path across a waterway, and then let it carry on through the woods.

Less Invasive Trails for School Systems

School systems that have a wet areas or bogs on their property can maximize their land with a floating dock walkway. After setting up a custom system, students and staff can enjoy nature up close along the pathways. These paths are great because they let you take the science lab outdoors, set a new scene for art class, and more. And since the floating docks don’t disrupt the environment with extensive digging or installation, you can feel confident that you’re doing your part to protect nature.

Contact Your EZ Dock Dealer

Getting your own EZ Trail System is simple to order and install. Just contact your local EZ Dock dealer to start the conversation. With so many configuration options, you’re sure to find the perfect setup for your own walkway.

If you’re in the Deaton’s Waterfront Services area, we’d be happy to help you out. We work on projects all throughout Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri. Whether you’re looking for a long or short path, accessible ramps, or even a floating dock platform, our team can help you out. Our careful design process will help you get everything you need in your new outdoor feature. Contact us today to learn more!

ADA Compliance: Making Waterfronts Handicap Accessible

Getting out on the water and enjoying a nice summer day is a privilege that we can all enjoy. However, for people with physical disabilities this can be quite the challenge.  The process of launching a kayak or small canoe in the water can be quite difficult for the physically disabled, but with EZ Dock the process is made much simpler!

EZ Launch System

The EZ Launch system is designed to be completely ADA compliant. The Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, requires no discrimination against people with physical disabilities. People using wheelchairs, or others with disabilities have the right to be able to easily access the waterfront. With the EZ Launch, the installation process is finely tuned to make sure the launch meets the minimum ADA requirements.

  • The installation process begins by taking two EZ Port 2s and connecting them together in-line.
  • The rollers designed for PWCs are then removed and PVC sleeved pipe replace them allowing for easier sliding for kayaks and canoes.
  • Guiding rails are then installed onto the launch to allowing a kayaker to grasp to pull their-self on and off the launch.
  • Security curbing is placed along the perimeter of the dock connecting to the launch to prevent slips or falls off the dock. The curbing is tall enough that a wheelchair can’t run over the edge.
  • A bench with two different heights is used to slide and attach to the sign, allowing for easy transfer onto the kayak.

The complete system, from the gangway to the launch, is fully ADA compliant. A physically disabled person is able to bring their kayak and launch without ever getting wet. That’s the magic of EZ Launch!

Additional Information

Deaton’s Waterfront Services over the past year has proudly worked with local governments and agencies to provide ADA compliant EZ Launches to public parks, reservoirs, and rivers. We have proudly installed in several states including Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Illinois.

If you are interested in public access points for EZ Launch, check out the first launch installed in Indiana, visit the NCA website about information for EZ Launch, or check out Cicero, Indiana‘s new kayak launch at Red Bridge Park!

For more information about EZ Launch systems or ADA compliancy please contact Deaton’s Waterfront Services, or give us a call at (317)747-4933.

Kayak Launch

National Marine Manufacturers Association Honors EZ Dock Kayak Launch with 2017 Innovation Award!!

EZ Dock

Company’s Revolutionary Kayak Launch earns the Docking and Fendering Equipment Category award

EZ Dock earned a coveted Innovation Award at the Miami International Boat Show as voted on by Boating Writers International. The new EZ Kayak Launch was recognized for innovation in the docking category for its unique design for helping novice and experienced kayakers get in and out of their vessel without getting their feet wet. NMMA honored EZ Dock with this award as one of just 19 winners out of 63 evaluated products.

“The EZ Kayak Launch is a beautifully simple idea creating access to paddle sports for all ages and experience levels,” said one of the judges. Ken Schober, VP of Sales for EZ Dock, added “We’re thrilled to receive recognition for this product. Much of our success as a company has been through our collaboration with our sales network on innovation and design, and this award proves that to be a winning formula.”

The patent pending EZ Kayak Launch was designed from the ground up to provide a new level of stability, security and simplicity for kayaks and canoes. This port features innovative built-in hand holds to help effortlessly pull yourself onto the port or push yourself into the water via the entries/exits on either side of the port. Its one-piece construction, integrated paddle notches and v-shaped entry make launching and docking safe, easy and dry – even as water levels change.

Seamless Integration

The EZ Kayak Launch integrates easily into both EZ Dock products and current launch setups. From old wooden docks to floating structures. The EZ Kayak Launch can connect to virtually any existing dock, regardless of its material or mooring. To learn more about the EZ Kayak Launch and to see this innovative product in action, please visit: https://www.ez-dock.com/ez-kayak-launch/.
About EZ Dock:

Manufactured in Monett, MO, and part of PlayPower, Incoporated;  EZ Dock is a manufacturer of rotationally molded dock and port products for the marine industry. Founded in 1991, EZ Dock strives to be the best investment you will make for your waterfront property. Combining strength and stability with light weight and low maintenance. The patented designs have applications in commercial marine, residential and industrial markets.

The Benefits of Owning EZ Dock

Owning a dock can come with a lot of headache, especially as they get older and require more maintenance. Frame breaks, decking rot, and weather damage can all take its toll on as time goes on. Well, not to worry there is a headache-free solution to owning a dock with EZ Dock! EZ Dock provides a low-maintenance, durable modular docking system that will stand up to the test of time!.

EZ Dock Advantages

A Worry-Free Dock

EZ Dock provides a virtually maintenance-free solution to owning a dock with its polyethylene material. The polyethylene provides a durable, slip-resistant, light-resistant surface that is completely wood free. This means no more wood rot or splinters! You can even walk across it barefoot, with no sunburn on the bottom of your feet. It’s adaptable design allows for our experts to design our customers the perfect dock for their needs. Because EZ Dock sections are lightweight, they are easy to remove or replace. It’s as simple as snapping them together. With many anchoring options, EZ Dock will stay in place and adapt easily to changing water levels.

Accessorize to your desire!

EZ Dock offers many accessories to make getting out on the water much easier. With the EZ Port system, easily dock your personal watercraft by simply sliding right up on the rollers. Also with EZ Dock’s drive-on Boatport, keeping your boat high and dry has never been so easy! EZ Dock offers many products to fit different hull shapes and sizes.

With EZ Kayak Launch it’s possible to launch your kayak or canoe into the water without ever getting wet! Simply use a paddle to launch right off with built-in paddle assist notches. The EZ Kayak Launch will keep you confident and stable whether you are a beginner, or an expert kayaker. Also, with the ADA accessible EZ Launch system it’s possible to provide public water access to people of ALL abilities!

See more by following this link.

EZ Dock is the last dock you will ever need. If you are interested in EZ Dock, call upon our experts. Deaton’s Waterfront Services is an EZ Dock distributer, meaning our team has been specially trained to handle any of our customer’s EZ Dock needs. We have completed many EZ Dock systems in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri. From working with local governments to our customers, designing an EZ Dock system is easy with our professionals. For more information about EZ Dock, feel free to contact us, or give us a call at (317)747-4933. -BD