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Seawall Installation & Maintenance, Uncategorized

Beginners Guide to Seawalls

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As many already know, owning a waterfront property doesn’t come without risks. Docks, boats, and any other waterfront equipment all come with their own risks and headaches, but people often overlook their land. Homeowners want to protect their investment, yet they will see their land slowly eroding over time due to the waters’ acidity. The prime way to protect your waterfront investment is with a seawall.

Advantages of Owning A Seawall

A seawall’s main purpose is to help keep your land in control. However, you can break that down and look at all the benefits it can provide. A seawall will help protect your home’s value by preventing the shoreline from eroding. This will help a home not only maintain it’s value, but also increase it  and perhaps allow the house to sell quickly when the time comes.

Another protection method that seawalls offer is protection from natural disasters such as floods or hurricanes. Water will have a much higher distance to travel before it reaches land. This helps buy time in case of any evacuations. A seawall can also prevent water from traveling to a house.

Constructing A Seawall

When developing seawall, first the shoreline must be evaluated to determine which type will fit best. Generally in the Midwest, the two types of seawall you’ll find is curved and vertical. The next decision to make would be the material used. There are several types of material from galvanized or non-galvanized steel, concrete, vinyl, or composite. We here at Deaton’s Waterfront Services commonly construct steel seawalls. During construction of one of our seawalls, we first lay out our panels by interlocking them and making sure they’re level. Once level, we drive the panel into the ground using an excavator. The height of your seawall off the water is known as the grade. Typically this is 30-40″ off the water, but every case is different. To finish the installation process up, the panels will be covered with a  top cap and tied back to the support poles.

Best Time for Seawalls

While most waterfront projects typically must be done in season when the lake is thawed, the nice thing about seawalls is they can be installed year-round! So for an easier installation, the best time of the year to purchase a seawall and have it installed would be winter since the schedule will practically be wide open.

Owning a seawall is an investment that will pay for itself over time. It helps maintain the value of your property, and gives you a layer of protection against nature. If you are interested in a seawall, feel free to request a quote from us. Feel free to stop by our office at 215 S. Madison St, Fortville, IN 46040 or give us a call at (317)747-4933.

 

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

The Effects Weather Can Have On A Dock

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Winter weather is known by many as a dock’s worst enemy. Harsh weather can have catastrophic effects on a dock such as rusted frames, rotten/destroyed decking, broken bolts, and more. Deaton’s Waterfront Services is luckily here to inform all about the negative effects weather will have on a dock, and ways to prevent them.

Factors of Weather That Affect Docks

There are several factors to take into consideration when a new dock is in the design phase. While it is easy to move quickly in the short term of getting a new dock, it could end up becoming very costly long term. Thankfully the experts at Deaton’s have 30 years of experience, and are trained to account for factors such as:

  • Wind Load
  • Snow Load
  • Earth Shifting
  • Sink Holes
  • Ice
  • Temperature
  • Water Fluctuation

These factors should not only be considered for just the dock, but also for any accessories that may go along with it. This includes lifts, PWC ports, launches, slides, ladders, and more. The team at Deaton’s Waterfront Services is equipped to ensure a worry-free installation. This includes anything related to the waterfront: docks, walls, and lifts. Now let’s take a look at how the weather will impact the different types of docks.

Weather Effects on a Floating Dock

Floating docks are better equipped to handle rougher weather, but not by much. The key difference between the two docks’ reaction to weather is that a floating dock will fluctuate with water.  A floating dock is just as susceptible to rotten decking and rusted frames as a stationary dock is. The ways to combat harsh weather in a floating dock is all in the quality of the build. A hot-dipped galvanized steel dock with a weather-resistant decking and thick-shelled floats will handle rough weather a lot better than a wooden dock with cheap floats.

Any floating dock will have a maximum weight capacity. The maximum weight that can be carried or supported will be rated by the buoyancy that is underneath the frame and decking. Typically we like to see at least a buoyancy of #25-95 pounds of live load per square foot. Live load is the optimal buoyancy you can maintain across the square footage of your floating platform that’s on the water. The floats are the largest factor you need to consider, most flotation over time will develop lack of optimal buoyancy. This contributes to the dock losing freeboard. “Freeboard “is the measurement from the water line to the top of the dock. Measured freeboard of a floating boat dock depends on the usage, or watercraft that will be using it. Typical freeboard is from 5”- 40”, Deaton’s Waterfront Services can help you measure the recommended proper freeboard.

Weather Effects on a Stationary Dock

Stationary dock structures are anchored by having poles, pilings, or supports being driven or anchored into the bottom of the lake bottom. This is a nice and stable way for installation that creates a solid platform. The biggest worry to this dock is ice / landshift. If the anchors or pilings settle or get shifted with ice or land movement this will cause the dock to be unlevel, and dangerous to use. There are ways to combat this by using bubblers, water attenuators, or have shoreline stabilization installed. A lot of this can be overcome by doing some core samplings of the soil, and making sure to take the necessary measures.

If the weather affects your dock in any way, or you are interested in designing a new dock feel free to request a quote from us. Our team at Deaton’s Waterfront Services will be happy to help. Give us a call at (317) 747-4933 or stop by our office located at 215 S. Madison St, Fortville, IN 46040.

Dock Material, Dock Parts, Dock Products, Ez Dock

Pros and Cons of Using a Dock Kit

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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.

Boat Lifts

Do I Need to Clean the Algae Off My Boat?

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We’ve all seen that green scum on the water. Algae blooms are becoming more and more common for lakes and reservoirs, and that can lead to a few problems. You’ve probably heard that certain types of blue-green algae produce toxins, so it makes sense that you wouldn’t want to swim in those areas. But can algae in general really be that bad for boats and docks?

Potential Issues with Algae

As with any ecosystem, waterfronts have a specific food chain. Algae are a key part of these systems. Rivers, lakes, and even oceans all rely on algae to feed small invertebrates like zooplankton. Those organisms are then eaten by fish, and on and on the food chain goes. The problem, though, is that sometimes algae start to upset the food chain. When too many algae blooms spread out across the water, the dissolved oxygen levels can get too low and make the conditions bad for fish.

In a different vein, algae can also be problematic for boats and docks. Ignoring it can lead to ugly staining, like a green ring around your boat or slimy lines along the edges of your dock. In addition to these cosmetic issues, some marinas will also decide to tag watercraft that have excessive boat algae. Contaminated boats just end up carrying algae outbreaks to other sites, which makes the problem even harder to manage. Each waterfront has to protect their own site and work to keep their ecosystem balanced.

If you don’t stay on top of cleaning boat algae, you could be dealing with other problems down the road too. Your boat’s maneuverability can dramatically decrease when you have too much algae on the hull. The algae can also add drag, which will lower your speed on the water and increase your fuel usage and costs. In extreme situations, the algae could even cause corrosion. Keeping your watercraft clean helps you avoid these problems so you can enjoy your time on the water without any setbacks.

How to Manage Boat Algae

It’s normal to want to clean your boat or dock to take care of any ongoing algae issues. You can get rid of those algae lines and help your boat function like it should. Just remember: algae blooms thrive on nutrients like phosphorous and ammonia. That’s why it’s important to use a phosphate-free cleaning agent. Something with a neutral pH and a biodegradable label is usually best. This will help prevent more algae from showing up at your waterfront.

You’ll need to take your boat out of the water to clean it completely. Ideally, you’ll be able to use a boat lift. But if not, you can move your boat onto a trailer. Then you can either use a boat algae cleaner or tackle the problem with a good power washing. It might take a lot of work the first time around, but the effort you put in now can help protect your boat. If you want to avoid cleaning boat algae in the future, then you’ll want to consider getting a boat lift.

Protect Your Watercraft with a Boat Lift!

The longer your boat spends time in the water, the more likely you’ll be dealing with an algae problem. When you can use a boat lift, you’re giving the hull space from the water—and the algae. This helps it stay cleaner from season to season, so you don’t have to mess with extensive cleaning.

When you’re ready to get set up with a new boat lift services (or if you need boat lift repair to start using yours again), know that our team at Deaton’s Waterfront Services is here to help. Being able to prevent algae from sticking to your watercraft in the first place is so much easier in the long run. It also gives you the freedom to visit other sites without fear of getting turned away because of an algae problem with your boat. Send us a message to learn more about our boat lift dealers and installation process. We’d be happy to answer your questions!

Uncategorized

The FAQs of EZ Dock

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When customers come to us at Deaton’s Waterfront Services looking for a new dock, we always try to inform them of all of their available options. A lot of customers see EZ Dock and fall in love with it! With it’s modular-design and worry-free durability, EZ Dock allows a customer to design the perfect dock to fit their needs that will hold up over time. However, when we are talking to customers about EZ Dock, they all tend to ask several of the same questions. Today, we are going to go over some of these to give our customers as much helpful information they can get before they give us a call.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About EZ Dock

1. How long will it take to get my new dock?

All EZ Dock products offered at Deaton’s Waterfront Services are in-stock and ready to be installed. Most docks can be delivered and installed right away so you can begin enjoying your dock immediately, but in the case that we are out of a product the turnaround time at most can take up to a month.

2. Can you install the dock, or will I have to myself?

Deaton’s Waterfront Services is proud to offer installation for any project our customers see fit. We will give you a quote beforehand to make sure everything is good to go. However in the case of EZ Dock, the installation process is very simple and can be installed within a day. Projects generally require two people for installation.

3. Does EZ Dock require any special tools for installation?

A coupler installation tool (about $40) is the only specialized tool that you will need to assemble the EZ Dock sections. A hammer, ratchet, 15/16″ socket, coupler socket tool (about $5), and a Phillips head screwdriver is all it takes. Consider the fact that the EZ Dock design eliminates up to 60% of the components that other manufactured dock systems need for assembly. It takes only one connection point to make twenty feet of EZ Dock, versus up to seven connection points on ordinary systems. It really is simple and EZ! And, the sections can be assembled on land or in the water.

4. What is inside of EZ Dock?

The EZ Dock one-piece sections contain no fillers or foam for flotation. Their uniquely engineered design forms chambers that displace water and trap air for buoyancy.

5. How hot does EZ Dock get after sitting in the sun all day?

The light color of EZ Dock helps keep the deck surfaces cooler than just about any other deck surface. Shade Structures can always be added to EZ Dock. EZ Dock uses a UV-8 inhibitor in all of its products. These inhibitors range from UV-1 being the lowest protection to UV-8 being the largest protection. We also produce an extremely thick product (about 3/8″ average thickness). The final defense against UV is the light tan color of the dock.

6. How much maintenance does EZ Dock require?

EZ Dock will provide a long-life experience of maintenance-free enjoyment. An occasional wash with soap and water is about all that is required to keep the dock looking new.

7. What anchoring options do I have for my dock?

EZ Dock has several anchoring options including steel pipes, hinge kits, deadweights, and stiff arms. EZ Dock can be anchored in any water condition.

8. Is the deck surface slippery when wet?

The EZ Dock surfaces have a non-skid texture molded into the dock sections. The docks also have grooves to channel the water away. These two items work together to provide safe footing, even when the deck surface is wet.

9. Will the dock damage my boat or personal watercraft?

No. EZ Dock is manufactured out of high-density polyethylene and will not damage any hulls. EZ Dock also manufactures dock bumpers to provide extra security.

10. What gangway options are available?

There are two options when choosing a gangway for EZ Dock: Polyethylene or Aluminum. EZ Dock also offers wooden plank kits.

11. What is the freeboard height for EZ Dock?

Dock sections are 15″ high and will draft about 2″ of water resulting in a really nice 13″ freeboard height.

12. Is EZ Dock environmentally safe?

EZ Dock is just about the most environmentally friendly product that you can put on the water. Our dock sections do not rust, splinter, dissolve, or have any paint or chemicals that can harm the environment.

13. How long has EZ Dock been around?

EZ Dock was started in 1989 by Jack Neitzke and Cliff Vierus. Jack owns a Harbor on the Mississippi near Winoma, MN and had decided to update his entire dock system. As he shopped around and looked at different brands and styles of docks, he felt that everything currently available required too much maintenance, had too many parts, was too difficult to install or change once installed, needed to be taken out in the winter, or was just plain too expensive. Well, Jack explained all this to Cliff, and the two of them set out to design a dock system, which would resolve those issues. In 1991 the first EZ Dock prototype sections were rotational molded and went into use at Jack’s Harbor. Today, those original 78 sections are still in use YEAR ROUND.

14. Is EZ Dock foam-filled? Won’t that cause it to sink?

NO! The Composite Materials Center at Winona State University has performed various tests and measurements on the EZ Dock sections which prove that even if you took a chain saw and opened the dock sections from top to bottom the dock would only lower about 1.6″ further into the water, the interior pylons would each continue to support about 55lbs apiece. This means that the smaller section could continue to support 330 lbs and the larger one would continue to support about 500lbs. Even if you flooded the interior pylons, it still won’t sink under its own load because the density of the polyethylene is less than that of water.

15. Why not use foam? Wouldn’t that be simpler?

While it would have been easier to build a float that contained foam, our advanced structural design has completely eliminated the need for foam. Simply put, our float doesn’t need foam for structural integrity, flotation or for any other reason. Our decision to NOT use foam was based upon the advise we received from water use experts with several different State’s Departments of Natural Resources, and others, like the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. Their concern was for the long range detrimental effects on the environment of foam which could potentially escape if a float is damaged.

16. What happens if my dock becomes damaged?

First, consider that the average wall and deck thickness is anywhere from two to four times thicker than ordinary foam filled floatation devices. So, it’s very unlikely that even under extreme conditions the EZ Dock float/deck would develop a leak. But, if it did, you would simply drain the water and repair the affected area with a heat source like a soldering iron.

17. Aren’t all floating docks tipsy and difficult to walk on, especially in waves?

While there will always be a floating sensation on any floating dock, there are differences between dock designs. The EZ Dock being one long, continuous, float, reduces these effects considerably. Consider the fact that when you walk on a conventional floating dock which uses decking to span between floats, your weight is mostly concentrated on only one float which has about 13 square feet of water-to-float surface contact. But, when you walk on an EZ Dock your weight is distributed over a minimum of 35 square feet of water-to-float contact area. That’s nearly 3 times more area! With regard to wave action, consider that the EZ Dock float/deck section, must because of its length and connection to other sections, rise to the top of waves and therefore bridges them. EZ Dock doesn’t act like a sea serpent trying to be high and low at different points.

18. Can I leave my EZ Dock in during the winter?

Ice, and extreme cold weather do not affect the EZ Dock float/deck. The polyethylene remains flexible to -90 degrees Fahrenheit and the floats are only drafting about 1.5″ of water, meaning that ice pressure will force the float upward, not inward. If you know however that there will be an ice pressure push affecting your installation, we recommend that you remove the pipes or pilings so that the pipes won’t be bent by that force.

19. Is EZ Dock expensive?

It has been said that there are two costs involved with any purchase. The initial cost to buy a product, and the cost of ownership. While there may be other systems available for less money, there are certainly just as many available for more money as well. We never intended for the EZ Dock system to be the cheapest to buy, only the least expensive to own! Our design provides for a long (25 to 30 years expected) and trouble free (rubber couplers provide for flexing and eliminate component fatigue) lifetime of usage.

20. What is the warranty provided by EZ Dock?

EZ Dock provides an 8 year warranty on the floating docks (see warranty). If a dock section should fail due to a manufacturing defect the dock is replaced with a new dock, not a prorated amount but a new replacement dock. EZ Dock provides extended warranty services for up to twenty years based on customer requirements.

While this will answer some questions, we understand that there are many more. If you are interested in EZ Dock and have any questions concerning it, feel free to contact us or give us a call at (317)747-4933.

 

 

 

Dock Inspections, Dock Repair

3 Common Dock Repair Problems and Fixes

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Routine dock inspections can help your waterfront investment last long after its installation. When you can catch minor dock repair issues early, you’re protecting yourself from more costly projects down the road. If you aren’t sure what to look for, these common dock repair issues are a good place to start.

Common Dock Repair Issues

Your water fluctuation, build process, and how your dock does in winter all play a role in what kind of repairs your dock might need. Just keep in mind, every dock has its own unique characteristics. Wooden docks will have different concerns than a stationary aluminum dock. Custom floating docks are different still.

1. Dock Deck Splintering

For wood docks, one of the biggest issues we see are that the deck boards start to splinter. Fortunately, this can be a relatively easy fix. You might need to sand down certain sections to prevent further breaks. In other cases, you might need to replace the entire board.

Obviously wood docks don’t last forever, but staying on top of the smaller dock repairs can help it stay sturdy through the upcoming seasons. If you want to avoid these maintenance details, you can always upgrade your dock to composite boards. These materials won’t splinter, plus they still have that natural look with a wood-like texture and design.

2. Dock Frames Rusting

Just as dock boards can splinter, other materials on your dock can have their own issues. Some types of docks can run into problems with their metal parts rusting. That’s why it’s so important to do regular checks for signs of rust around your dock. A quick inspection for rusted frames can help you feel better about your waterfront setup—and keep you safe!

If you see any problems around your dock frames, you’ll probably want to call on a local dock builder or waterfront company to come take a closer look. You might only need to replace a few parts for broken or rusted bolts. Then again, it might be time to upgrade your frame. Rust around your dock means it’s just a matter of time before something gets worse or snaps.

3. Dock Floats Sinking

Dealing with a floating dock means you might need to replace a float here or there over the years. On the bright side, these issues are pretty easy to spot. Noticing a sinking section is usually a clear sign that something is going on underneath your dock.

Reviewing the warranty for your encapsulated dock can help keep your repair costs to a minimum. You should also be able to reach out to your local dock builder to see if they can research that information for you.

Turn to Deaton’s for Dock Repairs!

Whenever you run into problems with these common dock repair questions, you can always count on our crew at Deaton’s Waterfront Services. Some dock repairs are easy to DIY, but others might require a little more expertise. If you give us a call, we can help give you some advice on how to move forward.

We service all types of docks and are always happy to work with you on your repair needs—for both commercial and residential waterfront properties. Let us be your go-to dock company! Send us a message, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

Uncategorized

The Disadvantages of Foam-Filled PWC Lifts

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Owning a PWC has never been easier than today due to the introduction of floating PWC lifts. Many varieties of PWC lifts are offered by many manufacturers, including EZ Dock‘s EZ Port series. These lifts are designed to be stand alone or attached to a dock, and can have a jet ski simply drive on when docking and roll off when getting out on the water. However, a customer might become overwhelmed by all the choices available when buying a PWC lift and purchase one they end up regretting down the line. Today, we’re here to help offer our advice on what type of PWC Lift you might be looking for.

Types of Floating PWC Lifts

To start off with, let’s talk about the material that a floating PWC lift is typically made out of. Most floating lifts on the market today are made out of a high-density polyethylene plastic. This means they can come in many different sizes and colors, including beige, grey, blue, or brown. When purchasing a PWC lift, you’re going to want to be sure that you’re buying a product that is made to last. You don’t want to buy something that is not durable, has thin plastic walls, or design defects that will lead to that plastic cracking or splintering due to stress. Here at Deaton’s Waterfront Services we offer EZ Dock, a dock that is made to last 20 years. EZ Dock will not only be maintenance-free, but also worry-free.

The next thing to look at when deciding on what product is perfect for your PWC to sit on is the rollers. You want to make sure that your lift will have plenty of well placed rollers that fit your hull to make it easier to slide on and off. For example, the EZ Port MAX 2i features 12 adjustable rollers that can be made to fit any make or model of PWC. This makes sliding your PWC on and off the dock easy as sliding a sock on and off your foot!

Finally, the last thing you want to know about is the material inside the lift. The best ports are constructed out of durable material and are roto-molded. A roto-molded port will be durable to hold up throughout the worst weather, but won’t be too heavy to sink. This is where we are going to talk about the other type of PWC lift, a foam-filled one.

Disadvantages of Foam-Filled Ports

A foam-filled port will bring nothing but worry along with it. While they may claim to offer more durability than a port without foam, we have found the difference to be minimal. A foam-filled port will have a lot of extra weight to it, which will lead to the port gradually sinking into the water to end it’s lifetime. In our experience, foam-filled products typically work great for a year before the problems begin. We often find that the air pockets between the port and the foam will get filled and start to sink it.

A foam-filled product also will have negative effects on the environment. Typically the foam will eventually start leaking out of the product and leaving thousands of tiny foam beads in the water. Fish will see these beads and try to eat them, causing them to get ill.

Expert Advice From Deaton’s

Whenever you are in the need for information regarding improving your waterfront experiences, you can always turn to us at Deaton’s Waterfront Services. Our expert staff are ready to help you make the right decisions regarding boat lifts, docks, or sea walls to help you come away knowing you made a great choice. If you are ever in the need for assistance, feel free to contact us or give us a call at (317)747-4933.

Dock Design, Ez Dock

Outdoor Education Ideas for Water Nature Trail Setups

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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.

Commercial Docks, Dock Inspections, Ez Dock

What’s the Best Anchoring for My Dock?

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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!

Dock Parts

Dock Hardware and Parts for DIY Dock Repair

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Not every set of dock problems requires a total rebuild. Sometimes all it takes is a couple new parts to get things back on track. If your dock installation needs a little help, check out our selection of dock parts. When you have access to the right gear, it’s a lot easier to do your own repairs.

Top Dock Hardware for Your Project

Even docks that are installed correctly can use some upgraded parts now and again. Whether your dock repairs are from normal wear and tear or the unfortunate result of a major storm, we can help get you what you need to fix things up. If you aren’t exactly sure what that might be, just give us a call at (317) 747-4933.

1. Dock Anchoring Parts

Your dock needs to stay secure against wakes and wind. Swapping out broken brackets can help keep everything in the right place. We routinely work with EZ Dock anchoring components for floating docks. We can also help with your stationary dock parts. Our supplies include everything from standard pipe brackets to adjustable piling brackets and more.

2. Encapsulated Dock Floats

Having trouble with your dock floats? Deaton’s Waterfront Services can get you squared away. EZ Dock products are covered under a limited warranty. This makes it easy to repair cracks and leaks. Swap out your old dock floats for these models to extend the life of your floating dock.

3. Bolts and Screws for Docks

Older docks can struggle with rough weather. If you’re dealing with a bolt break, you know you need to get it replaced fast to keep everything else in order. New nuts and dock bolts can help you restore your system for another good season.

4. Hardware and Cleats

We’re proud to offer high-quality dock hardware for every type of dock setup. Consider adding extra dock cleats to give your dock more options for boat mooring, or look into other augers or pipe supports for a steadier build. Our dock parts shop can ship supplies to most any Midwest residential dock owner or commercial dock site.

5. Rubrail and Dock Bumpers

Making sure your dock has bumper around the perimeter can help protect boats and your dock from getting knocked around in choppy water. Damaged bumpers and old rubrail don’t usually work like they should. Give us a call if it’s time for an upgrade.

6. EZ Dock Accessories

Deaton’s Waterfront Services proudly represents EZ Dock in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri. When you need replacement parts for your EZ Dock setup, let us be your go-to shop. For general repairs, additional stability, or dock expansions and upgrades, we have the parts you need to keep your EZ Dock looking great.

Need Dock Parts? We Can Help!

Our team is always happy to consult with you on your dock project or new concept. We have over 30 years of experience to guide you through your designs and repairs. Let us help save you some time.

Tell us a little more about your current problem or what you think you need. Then we can recommend the right part for the job. Our parts include manufacturer warranties, and we can walk you through the process to do the work on your own. Or, you can have us come out to do the dock repair project for you. To learn more, feel free to give us a call or send us a message. We’re ready to help you fix anything!