Tag Archives: waterfront services

Commercial Docks, Deaton's Waterfront Services News, Dock Design

Our Favorite Community Dock Projects of 2018

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As we get into another year, we like to look back on past success. We completed a lot of waterfront projects in 2018, but a couple stand out. Our two favorite public dock projects are unique because they each have special features that make them a “first” for the state of Indiana.

Because both of these Indiana docks are on public sites, you can go check them out for yourself. They’ll be sure to get a lot of traffic in the years ahead. We’re always honored to help with community dock projects. These two installations are definitely great park additions!

Cicero Kayak Launch on Morse Lake

Deaton’s Waterfront Services had the privilege of working on a new kayak launch located in Cicero, Indiana on Morse Lake in the first half of 2018. Located in Charlie’s Landing inside Red Bridge Park, the kayak launch is now a major focal point and an extremely popular attraction for the area. We celebrated the ribbon cutting on June 20, 2018 with over 300 people in attendance, including politicians and dignitaries from the surrounding area.

Red Bridge Park

697 W Jackson Street

Cicero, IN 46034

This public dock kayak launch was made possible through a grant process guided by Cicero Park Director Charlie Cambre, along with donations from numerous Cicero Park enthusiasts. It’s always nice to involve the community with these park upgrades.

What makes this project unique is that it’s the very first ADA kayak launch in all of Central Indiana. Special features make it safe and convenient for visitors of all abilities. The gangway that leads to the main dock measures 5’ x 32’ and has aluminum railing on both sides of the walkway. The gangway leading to the floating dock portion also has plenty of room for users. Multiple paddlers can now access the launch simultaneously.

With a 15’ x 20’ area and two accessible kayak/canoe launches, this is a new must-see destination for paddling enthusiasts, as well as first-time kayakers and canoers.

Laporte EZ Trail System on Little Calumet River

Our other favorite project of 2018 was an EZ Trail System for Red Mill County Park, located on the Little Calumet River in LaPorte, Indiana. Deaton’s Waterfront Services was hired to connect the Cattail Loop Trail with the Nature Preserve Trail. This new floating walkway is now called the Margaret Buerger Bridge.

Red Mill County Park

0185 South Holmesville Road

LaPorte, IN 46350

This EZ Trail System was also made possible through a grant. LaPorte County Parks Director Jeremy Sobecki worked to guide the application process. The result is something that the entire community can be proud of!

We are especially proud of this public dock project because it’s the very first floating observation walkway in Indiana. The environmentally-friendly structure allows the wetlands water to fluctuate during every season. So even though the water levels are different in the spring/summer to the fall/winter, the walkway will be able to rise and fall without disrupting the habitat.

The floating trail is 80” wide and stretches 240’ in length. Railing was installed on both sides. There are also benches on either side so visitors can stop to enjoy the views.

Got a Floating Dock Question? We Can Help!

Moving forward with a new dock for your public dock, local park, or commercial site can be a big undertaking. But at Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we’re here to simplify the process. From the initial consultation and design stage, right through the installation and until opening day, our team can help make your new dock project a success.

If you’d like to learn more about our process, be sure to send us a message or call our office at (317) 747-4933. We’re always happy to talk through your options, and we work all throughout Indiana and the surrounding states. Let’s talk!

Dock Design, Dock Inspections

Turn Your Floating Dock into the “Go-To” Summer Spot

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Having a well-maintained floating dock isn’t just a benefit for you and your immediate family—it can be a great summertime go-to for all of your friends and extended family, too! If you want to make your property the “life of the party” for summer fun, just follow these tips. Making great memories is easy when you’ve got the right equipment and know-how.

Tip No. 1: Plan for a Crowd

When you want to host the big summer bashes, you’ve got to make sure you have enough seating and places to lounge. Planning for a crowd can help you give everyone a place to kick back and relax. Keeping extra chairs on hand makes a big difference. Then, you can pull out whatever seating arrangements you need at a moment’s notice.

While you’re at it, consider stocking up on towels, sunscreen, and even spare sunglasses, too. Stock up on more than just food and drink to really be the “host with the most.” That way, if anyone forgets something at home, you’ll be able to step in with what they need. These little touches will make all of your guests feel welcome.  Once you get these supplies on hand, the only thing missing is just a little music. Everyone is sure to have a great time on your boat,  floating dock, or wherever else when you’ve got all the party basics covered.

Tip No. 2: Use a Team Approach

Of course, you don’t have to do all the planning on your own. Feel free to recruit your guests to lend a hand. Using a team approach encourages everyone to get involved, and consequently, feel more invested in the summertime fun. Let people know ahead of time if they can bring soda or donate some towels to your lake house supplies. (Also note: This sense of community might also help guests feel more invested in keeping your place clean!)

Tip No. 3: Promote Water Safety

The team approach can also extend to your water safety plans. Let your friends and family know that they can keep an eye out for any loose boards on your deck or issues with couplers on your floating dock. Your work gets a lot easier when you have more people involved in checking your equipment. Any problems are sure to get spotted, so you have less to worry about during the waterfront season.

You’ll also need to prepare for other water safety tactics if you have electronics around your floating dock. Hazards around the water can be especially dangerous this time of year, so doing your due diligence to prevent any mishaps will help keep everyone safe. A proper setup is key. If you haven’t worked with a waterfront expert to review your floating dock and other gear, you might consider having a detailed review before your next get-together.  Electric shock drowning is a very real danger on waterfronts, so you’ll want everything up to code.

Floating Dock Design from Deaton’s

When your floating dock needs a little extra attention, you can count on Deaton’s Waterfront Services. While we’re big fans of the EZ Dock products, our expertise stretches to all types of dock systems. So, whether you need minor repairs or a complete overhaul—our team can help you out.

If you’re in our service area, feel free to give us a call at (317) 747-4933 to check our availability. Or, send us a message with some of your concerns and details. We’re always happy to coordinate video conferences with clients so you can get your answers fast, without having to wait for our crew to come to your site. And because we service both residential floating dock and commercial dock setups, we can truly be your one-stop shop. Contact us today to make the most of your waterfront setup!

Boathouse, Dock Design

3 Family-Friendly Reasons to Build a Custom Boathouse

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Not every waterfront can accommodate a boathouse, but for the right site, a custom boathouse can be an amazing upgrade. If you’re trying to decide whether a boathouse is right for your property, consider the following features and benefits. Building a custom boathouse is a great way to protect your boat and have even more fun around the water with friends and family!

Boathouse Benefits 101

Boat owners know that protecting their investment is key, both on the water and off. If you want to enjoy your boat for years to come, you need to take care of it. Boathouses are great because they serve as a convenient way to protect your boat from the elements. Constant exposure to the sun’s UV rays can do long-term damage to your watercraft. Keeping your boat away from heavy wind, and even hail, snow, and ice in winter are also smart reasons to get a boathouse installed. Yet all too often, people forget that these structures are more than a single-purpose facility.

A boathouse is so much more than just a way to protect your boat. Being able to think outside of the box and create a custom solution for your waterfront allows you to enjoy your space in a whole new way. Instead of looking at a new boathouse like a garage or “storage room” for your boat, it’s better to look at it as an extension of your dock. Utilizing a variety of features makes the structure practical and fun for the whole family—a lot like your boat itself!

Great Features for a Custom Boathouse

Boathouses that are custom-designed to your waterfront offer so many benefits. Your new waterfront structure shouldn’t just be a one-note feature. There are plenty of ways you can make it a new highlight for your recreation time. Consider these options for a new, custom boathouse that’s built to impress:

1. Enjoy Personalized Design

Like a custom dock, your new boathouse design should complement your existing features and surroundings. Being able to choose your materials to match your floating or stationary dock (or even your lake house) can make this upgrade even more special.

Your water depth and shoreline will impact how your boathouse functions, so be sure to work with an experienced waterfront company to build a structure that’s secure. Their boathouse designs and help with collecting permits will ensure your new build is a total success. You can consider adding a new dock surface to your boathouse or extension to your existing dock, too. Will you choose a more traditional, open-style design? Or do you want to go with something more versatile? Fully-enclosed structures let you look at your boathouse as an extension of your home that you can use year-round.

2. Add Entertainment Areas

Thinking of your new boathouse as a place for entertaining can help get even more mileage out of your design. Instead of looking at the boathouse as just a place to protect your boat, try to design a structure where you would like to hang out with family and friends. The upgrade can easily become the favorite spot for weekend barbecues, or a comfortable place to relax and watch the sunset.

Some new boathouse designs are doing great things with outdoor living areas. Much like your patio or deck, a boathouse can serve as a hang-out spot. Designs that incorporate multiple levels (like the image above) help you make the most of the space. Your boathouse can serve as a lounge area with extra seating on a sundeck. The upper deck is also great for parties and casual get-togethers. With enough space, you can even create closed rooms inside your boathouse to use for personal office space or additional storage.

3. Create Easy Access

As you review your designs, be sure to think about the whole family, and anyone else who might come to enjoy your waterfront down the road. Designs that utilize accessible features are a great investment because they make entering and exiting your boat easier for everyone. And if you have a small watercraft like a canoe or kayak, you might consider adding an EZ Launch to finish off your layout.

The necessary ramps and guardrails will help make your boathouse convenient for everyone to enjoy—no matter their ability. Paying attention to mobility issues will help everyone stay safe around the water. Custom docks and boathouses with these safety features already installed and up-to-code will help make your time worry-free and enjoyable for everyone.

Custom Boathouse Solutions with Deaton’s

Your waterfront is a source of pride. Anything added to your site should be carefully reviewed and installed with care. A custom boathouse can help you enhance everything you love about your property. It will quickly become a new source of entertainment—and a little peace and quiet. Deaton’s Waterfront Services is proud to consult with clients on their custom boathouse designs for long-term, permanent installs.

We’ll help you design the boathouse of your dreams and make sure it fits your property with the right permits. Please contact us to get started on your consultation. We’ll help you find the right features to make your boathouse one-of-a-kind for you and your family!