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Commercial Docks, Dock Repair

Winter Waterfront Management: The Ultimate Guide

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Winter is upon us and the lakes are frozen. Dock owners that have experience with the winter season are already well prepared and have their equipment safe. But what if you’re a new dock owner coming into your first winter? There is a lot of work to be down to protect your dock, boat, and PWCs. Today we’ll look at the steps needed to protect your investment and keep it as new as the last time you used it.

Winter Effects On Docks

During the winter, snow will accumulate on top of a dock and the water around it will freeze.  This will cause a lot of problems with a dock and other water equipment. Wood on a dock will warp over time from expanding and contracting with the different temperatures. Steel will rust and corrode over time, causing frames to break and cables to snap. All of these problems are going to happen over time whether your take proper steps for winterizing or not. Winterizing your dock is a matter of delaying the inevitable, it all comes down to keeping your annual maintenance costs down low.

If you live in Indiana, or any of the other surrounding states, you’re probably wondering what you should do with your dock in the winter. Our recommendation is to first check with your local waterfront experts by giving us a call for a free consultation. Our advice is better than just going with your gut instinct. However, it’s not hard to determine your best course of action for the winter. Here are some step’s we take to help ensure docks are kept in great condition throughout the winter:

Protect Your Shoreline From Erosion

One thing that gets overlooked when preparing for winter is your shoreline. Ice and snow will melt causing your shoreline to erode over time, so having a barrier will offer a method of preventing erosion. You can either install a seawall or lay down riprap to protect your property.  For more information about shoreline protection, be sure to check out our seawall page here.

Removing a Floating Dock During Winter

A common step for protecting your dock in the winter is to remove it if you have the means to do so. Fixed docks aren’t able to be removed, but they should never be installed in a lake that freezes in the first place because ice and snow can push pilings apart causing frames to warp. So if you own a floating dock, you can schedule your dock to be removed with Deaton’s or do so yourself. It’s recommended to store dock in a dry, flat surface. They can also be stored outside, but make sure you have tarped them off properly to prevent any water from reaching them. It’s a difficult process but it will pay off by preventing unnecessary damage.

Most modern docks won’t need to be removed due to the changes in dock manufacturing over the years. Instead of being all wood based or steel, materials such as composite decking or hot dipped galvanized frames hold up way better under duress. So if your dock is newer, or you own an EZ Dock system, don’t worry about removing your dock. Around the central Indiana region, it’s pretty uncommon to remove your dock for the winter if you live near the lake.

Preventing Ice with a Bubbler

Perhaps the easiest method of protecting your equipment during winter is to install a bubbler under your dock. A bubbler will push warm water underneath your dock up to the surface causing ice and snow to melt and preventing future accumulation.  It will keep everything nice and thawed! Ice won’t be able to form underneath your dock around the floats. A bubbler will protect your frames and keep your dock in the water where it’s supposed to be. There are different levels of power to bubblers to give them a larger circulation radius. For more information about bubblers, check out Kasco’s line here.

If you’re in need of maintenance on your dock due to winter damage, we’re here to help. Our expert team will diagnose any problems and recommend how to repair your equipment to as good as new! For more information, feel free to request a quote or give us a call at (317)747-4933.

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Boathouses 101: Why You Should Aim for the Very Best

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If you own property on the water, you probably want the best marine equipment to help increase your property’s value and keep your boat safe and secure. While having a boat dock and lift will certainly increase the value of your home and keep your boat safe, it isn’t the best method of protection. The best style of dock you can own to increase your waterfront value is a boathouse.

Why You Should Buy A Boathouse

There are two main reasons to own a boathouse: they keep your boat safe and secure and they increase the value of your waterfront. A boathouse is usually a house built on top of a dock with a built-in boat lift. They are much more secure than a standard boat lift due to the coverings all around the boat protecting it from weather damage. Boathouses will increase the value of your waterfront property by adding more visual appeal and amenities.

Boathouses: Keeping Your Boat Safe and Secure

A boathouse is for a true water enthusiast. It is meant for someone that is going to be spending a lot of time out on the water, and needs a place to house their boat for safety and storage.  A big reason to build a boathouse is to save on slip rental fees and boat storage fees during the winter. Once you’re able to store your boat inside in a dry environment, you won’t have very many worries about your the safety and storage of it.

Increasing the Value of Your Property with a Boathouse

Owning a boathouse is more than just owning a covered slip, a boathouse is it’s own house on the water!  While a boathouse is more expensive than a dock, it’s an investment that will eventually pay itself off.  You can stylize your boathouse to match the style of your home to make a beautiful waterfront property. They can be equipped with a bar, kitchen, entertainment, or even living quarters. Once you’ve stepped inside one, you’ll realize why everyone wishes that had switched from a dock to a boathouse sooner!

If you’re interested in building a new boathouse, feel free to contact us or give us a call at (317) 747-4933. Our expert team will work with you to determine your needs to design the best boathouse possible. As always, stay safe on the water!

Commercial Docks, Dock Design, Kayaking, Parks and Recreation

The ADA Kayak Launch: Getting More People on the Water

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Living near a public or community dock is a great way for people who love the water to be able to get out and access it. It’s a great source of fun and entertainment that should be able to be enjoyed by everyone. However, if a dock isn’t compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards then a large portion of people aren’t going to be able to access the water with your dock. Making sure your dock follows all the guidelines set by the ADA will ensure that everyone can have fun out on the water.

Safely Getting on the Water with an ADA Kayak Launch

Among the many popular water activities, kayaking keeps increasing in popularity.  Many public parks and summer camps see this increase in kayaking popularity, and in turn they would like to increase the kayaking traffic on their water. While most able-bodied people can safely get into a kayak, there’s always a risk of falling into the water if the kayak isn’t supported.

Fortunately, there’s a solution available for everyone! With the EZ Launch system from EZ Dock, people of all body function are able to safely launch in and out of the water without every worrying about getting wet. The EZ Launch system provides a stable platform for people to place their kayak, and it comes with an ADA certified transfer bench station to safely transfer in and out of the vessel. This provides everyone an opportunity to safely and securely access the water. An EZ Launch system is a great investment because it will increase traffic for your park or waterfront.

If you’re interested in an ADA accessible kayak launch system, Deaton’s Waterfront Services is here to help! We specialize in making sure our docks meet all ADA guidelines to help get everyone on the water. For more information, reach out to us to request a free quote, or give our office a call at (317)747-4933. Our team of experts will work with you to design the dock that perfectly fits all your needs.

 

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How to Prepare Your Floating Dock for Winter

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Winter time is almost upon us once again, which means that now is the time to prepare for it. During this down period where your dock isn’t getting as much activity as it would in the summer is the best time to inspect your dock and marine equipment and make sure any repairs get taken care of. This process may take about an hour, but it is worth it before something expensive breaks. While stationary docks aren’t usually in an area where they require winter maintenance, floating docks usually are. The best time to prepare your floating dock for winter is during the season where it is not used. Today, we’ll go over the things to look for to get you ready to winterize your floating dock.

Preparing Your Floating Dock For Winter

Checking the Anchoring

The first thing that you’ll want to check on your dock is the anchoring. You want to make sure your anchoring is still secure and in place. First, check your anchoring to see if there has been any movement. If there has been, you’ll want to contact your local waterfront expert to get it fixed and secure right away, or else you could walk out one day and wonder where your dock went.

Picture of Winch

If your dock is anchored by a cable system, you’ll want to check the cables to see if any are frayed. Check to also make sure that all clamps are still attached and secure. Inspect your winch to ensure that the toggle pin is still locking and can hold your winch in place. Grease all the gears to make sure they don’t rust over the winter. You’ll also want to give your anchors a little bit of slack to account for changing water levels from fall to spring.

If your dock is anchored by pipe or pilings, first check to make sure all the brackets and fittings are still secure. With pilings, make sure to check the piling hoop along with collar attached to the dock. If you have PVC covers, check to make sure they aren’t getting cracked, as they are cheap and easy to replace.

Inspecting Your Floating Dock

After ensuring the anchoring system is still in good condition, it’s time to inspect the dock. Walk around the perimeter of your dock and inspect the frames. Make sure there is no broken weld spots, loose bolts, or rust. If you find anything broken, make sure to arrange to get it repaired immediately.

The last thing you’ll need to worry about is your gangway. Make sure the pins are still secure in place and haven’t shown any signs of movement. Also check your hinges to see if they have shown any symptoms of loosening.

Get Ready for Winter Maintenance with Deaton’s

Getting your dock ready for the winter is a stressful process due to the amount of work it involves. Fortunately, the expert waterfront team here at Deaton’s Waterfront Services are here to help! If you are in the process of getting your dock ready for winter and aren’t sure what to do, feel free to contact us or give our office a call at (317) 747-4933. We are able to come out, inspect docks, and offer recommendations for getting your winterized. As always, stay safe!

 

 

Dock Inspections, Seawall Installation & Maintenance, Shoreline Protection

Can RipRap Help My Waterfront Property?

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What is RipRap?

Riprap is a layer of loose rocks that is used to cover a shoreline and protect it from water erosion.  The rocks are typically a crushed granite material, varying in sizes. As waves come crashing in, slowly over time they will begin to erode the shoreline back and disturb it’s look. By covering a shoreline with riprap, it creates a natural look that prevents water from washing soil and sand away. The construction process begins by laying out a mesh layer of geotextile fabric to prevent soil from seeping back into the water. Then, the shoreline is covered with large rocks of crushed granite, typically supplied by your local quarry, to prevent the water from crashing into the soil. Overall, the installation process for riprap will not disturb the environment.

Geist Riprap

Why Do I Need RipRap?

While riprap is great for aesthetic reasons, it’s main use is to prevent water erosion.  There are many options for preventing water erosion, but riprap is the cheapest and most natural option. The biggest factor when determining if riprap is the right solution for your land is the slope and natural look. If your land isn’t too steep, such as a 2:1 slope where the land rises every 2 feet for every foot it goes back, or if you want to maintain the natural look of the terrain then riprap is the best option.

RipRap vs Seawall

The two choices that Deaton’s Waterfront Services offers for managing your shoreline are riprap and seawalls. Seawalls offer much more protection against shoreline erosion, but the construction method is also more intensive on the land. Heavy machinery such as an excavator are going to need to terraform your land into the right position then drive metal sheet panels into the ground. Seawalls are also more expensive than riprap due to the construction costs. If you’re looking for a budget method to protect your shoreline, riprap is the best way to go.

Deaton’s Waterfront Services has an expert coastal management team that ensures to protect shorelines from water erosion. We will come out and inspect your property to determine the best solution for you, free of charge. If you’re interested in protecting your investment from erosion, feel free to reach out to us or give our office a call at (317)747-4933.

 

Jet Skis

Preparing your PWC for Winter

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As the summer season starts to cool down, it also brings an end to boating season. Now it’s time to start planning on removing your watercrafts from the water. Every year, watercraft must undergo winterization to ensure they will be in the same condition they were left in for the next boating season. Without winterizing, water that remains inside the watercraft for cooling will freeze and expand, damaging the engine and other parts. So to protect your investment, the best course of action is to winterize.

How to Winterize Your PWC

Winterizing a smaller watercraft such as a jet ski is much easier than a larger boat. To winterize your jet ski, just follow these steps:

1. Drain all water.

As stated earlier, water will freeze and expand during the winter which can cause damage to your engine and other internal components. To drain all water out of a jet ski, tilt it up by using a boat ramp or jet ski lift. Start the engine for around 30 seconds, and rev the throttle periodically to shoot all water out. After no more water comes out, turn off the engine.

2. Clean your PWC.

Now is the time to scrub and clean the outside of our jet ski. Take some soap and water and clean the hull. After that, clean and wax the outer shell to keep it looking new and protect it from UV damage. Last, clean the bilge area of the jet ski to remove all grime and gunk.

3. Run Anti-Freeze through your system.

For colder climates such as here in Indiana, you’ll want to make sure any leftover moisture doesn’t expand and cause damage. Get some marine grade anti-freeze, either pre-mixed or concentrate that you mix yourself, and place a hose in the flush outlet. Turn the engine on and make sure the anti-freeze is cycled into your system until the mixture has passed through the exhaust.

4. Stabilize and fill your fuel.

You always want to store your jet ski with a full tank of fuel to prevent condensation. Start by adding a fuel stabilizer to your tank and running your engine in 30 second intervals. This gives your fuel a longer life, which prevents you from wasting a full tank of gas.

5. Lubricate all cables and connections.

Using a lubricant recommended by your PWC’s manufacturer, spray all cables and seals to prevent them from corroding.

6. Oil your PWC.

To further ensure that water and moisture won’t settle on your components, spray fogging oil on the carburetor and spark plug cylinders. You can access this by removing your air filter. Spray the fogging oil while your engine is turned on, and keep doing so until it stalls. Remove the spark plugs and spray fogging oil into each hole. You’ll want to cover the holes with a rag and turn on your engine to ensure the holes are properly lubricated. It’s normal for your engine not to start at this point. Don’t forget to replace your air filter and spark plugs once you are done.

7. Remove and safely store your battery.

Leaving the battery inside the PWC will usually result in a dead battery once spring rolls around. It’s recommended to remove your battery by disconnecting each terminal, and store it in an area that won’t go below freezing. It’s recommended to store your battery on a mat, rather than placing it directly on concrete.

8. Cover the exhaust to prevent critters.

As it starts to get colder, animals and insects are gonna look for a dry, safe space to stay. By covering your exhaust with steel wool or dryer sheets, you’ll remove their method of entry.

9. Cover and store your PWC.

The final step of the PWC winterization process is to cover the PWC with a tarp or jet ski cover. It’s recommended to store your PWC on a trailer for easy transportation. Don’t store your jet ski in your house, as it will emit deadly fumes since it still is full of gas.

PWC Winterization at Deaton’s

While Deaton’s Waterfront Services is currently not offering winterization services, we are planning on eventually offering once we have the space to store boats and trailers. We estimate this service to be ready for the 2021 season. If you have any questions or comments related to PWCs, or anything else, feel free to call our office at (317)747-4933, or you can request a quote here. Our team of experts will work with you to find the best solution that fits your needs.

Deaton's Waterfront Services News, Dock Repair

The Top 5 Signs To Replace Your Dock

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Replacing your dock is never an easy decision to come to. Hearing that your dock will need replaced is like giving it a death sentence. Everyone knows it is much cheaper to repair a dock rather than replace it. There are many cases where a dock can be repaired, but sometimes docks are simply too old and aren’t repairable. Fortunately, modern boat docks are built with the latest techniques to see that they’ll last for decades. Today, we’ll look at the symptoms that your dock isn’t repairable and will need replaced.

When Is It Time to Replace My Dock?

1. Rusted Frames/Supports

For metal docks such as floating or stationary, rust can be a big issue over time. Small holes and cracks in the frame can always be repaired, but when large portions start to rust and break it means there is not much life left. Supports such as pipe driven into the ground can also rust and give out over time, which is also fatal in stationary docks.

2. Warped Frames

Heavy waves and currents can create pressure that will twist and bend frames over time to cause a major warp. Collisions will also warp your frames, and can be caused by boat accidents or large pieces of debris. In cold-weather climates, stationary docks also face a problem with warping. As ice thaws, sometimes the land will shift causing the support beams driven into the ground to also move.

3. Rotten Wood

If your dock is constructed out of wood, once it starts to splinter and rot it is time to replace the dock. While docks with wood decking can simply replace the decking, docks built with wooden frames and supports suffer structure damage once they start to rot.

4. Refurbishing Too Costly

Once a dock gets so old that all the floats need replaced and the entire decking needs redone, it may be a better financial decision to simply replace the dock. While in the short term it may seem less costly, but at some point the frames will wear out which could be sooner than later. So it makes more sense in the long term to replace the dock and worry less about maintenance.

5. Foundation Damage

On fishing piers and boathouses that require a concrete foundation, it is important to regularly inspect the foundation for cracks and damage. Once the pilings start to give out, they are no longer safe to support the dock.

High Quality Docks From Deaton’s Waterfront Services

When the diagnosis has been made that it’s time to replace your dock, Deaton’s Waterfront Service’s has the team of experts that will gladly assist you in designing a high quality dock that perfectly fits your needs. Our docks are built to last using the latest marine construction techniques. If you are interested in replacing your dock, or need our experts to come out for an inspection feel free to contact us or give our office a call at (317) 747-4933.

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The Best Waterfront Features for Parks and Camps

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Summer is almost upon us once again, so it’s time to get the waterfront ready for all the fun! People love to escape the hot summer heat by heading to the their local public waterfront, and kids love to do the same at their local summer camps. Some waterfront owners may find that they are lacking in traffic, and are searching for ways to improve the fun. Well look no further! Today, we are going to be looking at features that can be added to increase the entertainment on the water.

The Best Features For A Waterfront

1. Swim Platform

One of the most common features at summer camps and parks is a platform for swimming. A swim platform allows for easy access in and out of the water, and it can be at any location out in the water. Easy access to cool water will increase the swimming traffic at your waterfront.

EZ Dock can be configured to make a great swimming platform. With it’s modular design and durable polyethylene construction any shape or size of swim platform is possible, and you’ll never have to worry about splintering or rotting. Accessories such as slides and ladders are easy to add-on, increasing the fun even more!

2. Kayak Launch

Another popular activity on the water is kayaking/canoeing. Getting in a small water vehicle and paddling is a great way to exercise in a relaxing and cool setting. EZ Dock produces two different types of kayak launches to help people get in and out of the water with ease. Kayakers will not have to worry about accessing the water and having their kayak fly out from under their feet by being kept in a steady position while they sit down into their small boat. Then they can simply use the built in rails to launch themselves into the water, all without getting wet if they desire!

A key benefit to kayaking is it allows people with disabilities to access the water. EZ Dock’s kayak launches can be built to fit all ADA requirements to give those with disabilities access to a safe area to launch their kayak.

3. Fishing Pier

Another great aspect of the water is the relaxing sport of fishing. People will look to escape the stress of their work week by going to their local fishing spot, and having a fishing pier on your waterfront is a great way to make sure they head your way! A fishing pier can be great for the type to like to sit on on a dock and enjoy the view as well.

Many great fishing piers have been built with EZ Dock. It allows for fishing pier designs to be shaped into however they want due to their modularity, so anything from a standard T-shape design to an open inner fishing area is possible. EZ Dock has many accessories to help improve the quality of life for the fisherman including benches, railings that hold poles, and fish cleaning stations. They can even be equipped with dock boxes for storage of waterfront supplies like life jackets or floaties.

Deaton’s Waterfront Services Can Help

The water can be one of the hottest attractions of the summer if it has the right features to make the most out of it. Fortunately, the experts at Deaton’s Waterfront Services have over 35 years of experience in transforming waterfronts. We know how to improve your waterfront,  because we have done it to so many across the Midwest over the years. If you are interested in adding a new feature to your waterfront, feel free to request a quote here on our website, or give our office a call at (317) 747-4933.

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Safe Social Distancing During Dock Repairs

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We are currently in the middle of a huge global health crisis due to COVID-19. It has impacted so much in the world during the fight to prevent further spread. Things we take for granted such as sports, movies, and grooming services aren’t able to operate at the moment, but thankfully Deaton’s Waterfront Services is an essential operation to ensure that waterfronts are still maintained and operating. During these troubling times, we have had to make changes to the way we are able to perform our business, including implementing social distancing practices while we are installing or repairing equipment. Today we are going to talk about the steps we are taking to ensure that we don’t put anyone at risk.

Social Distancing Practices at Deaton’s

Our Office:

The first steps we have taken to ensure that everyone is maintaining a safe social distance include changes we have made to our office. To start, we are currently not allowing walk-in appointments. If you would like to set up an appointment, feel free to give our office a call at (317)747-4933. We are enforcing that anyone that does enter our office maintain a 6 FT distance as recommended by the CDC. Our Shipping and Receiving departments are still fully operational, but everything must still be scheduled during these times. Payments may be made over the phone. Any questions regarding payment arrangements may be referred to our office.

We are taking our exposure to the virus very seriously by sanitizing our workstations and surface areas. Our employees are operating without exposure to the virus, and if they display any symptoms are being told to stay home. We are also limiting our exposure to clients possibly infected, so if you have been in contact with the virus please do not contact us.

On The Water:

We are trying to ensure that our face-to-face interactions with our customers is minimal. During this time, we are using Zoom to digitally meet with our customers. We recommend that anyone seeking repairs take plenty of pictures of the area that will be inspected. We will inform you of when we will have a crew there, and try to arrange contact information with the people that will be performing work on your equipment and you. The key thing we ask people is to please maintain a 6 FT distance between you and our employees. We wouldn’t want to risk the health of anyone during this time.

During these times, it’s still great to get out on the water and relax. However the time for huge docks parties, or party boats is not now. We ask that everyone maintain healthy social distancing guidelines while they are performing any outdoor activities.

If you are in need of any emergency repairs, feel free to request a quote, or give our office a call at (317)747-4933. We will have someone get in touch with you to come for a free inspection. As always, we hope everyone stays safe and hope to see you all out on the water!

Deaton's Waterfront Services News, Midwest Boat Shows

Boat Show 2020 Season: Tips and Tricks

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Visiting a boat show is a great way to keep up to date with the latest waterfront innovations. You’ll be able to see new products in person, chat with experts, and get an idea on what your next move on the water might be. Boat shows can be overwhelming to newcomers however. Today we are going to visit what a typical trip to a boat show will look like, so there won’t be any surprises!

Planning Before Going to a Boat Show

If you’re interested in going to a boat show, first look online to see when one will be in your area. Once you’ve decided which show you’re going to attend you need to see what the cost of admission will be. Some shows may have free admission, but most are going to charge for tickets. There may however be a promotion or giveaway going on around the local area, such as discounted tickets or radio promotions, so be sure to look out for those.

Some shows may have websites that post schedules, events, and maps that will give you an idea of what it will look like before attending. For example, in Indianapolis you can visit the Indy Boat, Sport, & Travel Show website to see all kinds of information.

Arriving at the Boat Show

When visiting a boat show, the first tip is to get a map of all the vendors and exhibits. You’ll be able to see where the vendors that might fit your needs such as new boats, accessories, docks, and more are located and head there. This will help save time if you’re on a mission, but you might want to take the chance to browse all around to see anything that might catch your eye.

One tip to remember before you arrive is to bring something to carry stuff in such as a bag or folder. You’ll be given lots of promotional material, flyers, foldables, and catalogs. You’ll also likely receive a lot of free merchandise such as pens, key chains, drink koozies, and more.

Visiting a Vendor Booth

When visiting a vendor’s booth, such as Deaton’s Waterfront Services’, look for brochures, handouts, or free merchandise to grab. If you see something that you like, ask the person representing the booth questions about the product. For example, when customers visit our booth they typically want to know what lift will be best for their boat, or more information about one of our EZ Dock products.

One thing to keep in mind while in the booth is to take time to decide what you want. A sales rep is going to try and get you to commit right there, which could lead to regret over your decision once the product doesn’t fit your exact needs. Take information home with you to read and decide what is best for you. Even if the show is ending soon, there’s usually a phone number or business card for you to be able to get in touch with the person selling the product your interested in.

Final Advice for Boat Shows

Going to a boat show can be made easy with the right tips and tricks. They are a great way to learn more about products you’re interested in. Another good thing about boat shows is being able to see the product in person. The key things to remember while at a boat show is to ask questions, get the proper informational material, and don’t make irrational decisions.

Deaton’s Waterfront Services exhibits at several boat shows across the Midwest. Keep an eye out on our events page or our Facebook to see when we’ll be in your area next. If you are interested in any of our products, or have questions regarding our upcoming boat show season feel free to give us a call at (317)747-4933 or contact us using our online form.