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Beginner’s Guide to Boating

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Boating is one of the funnest forms of entertainment that accompanies waterfront recreations. However, getting into boating can be overwhelming, and many people don’t know where to start. Today we will be looking at the process required to start boating, and provide information that will be handy for new boat owners.

Dock Inspections

Before purchasing a boat, you should always inspect your dock to make sure it is properly maintained and can handle the task of docking a boat. Begin by inspecting your frame for any damage. Broken bolts, rusted frames, and missing floats are common maintenance problems that arise over the years of owning a dock. After inspecting the frame, inspect the decking on your dock to ensure it is still in good condition. If any repairs are needed, contact our dock experts at Deaton’s Waterfront Services for a free inspection and consultation.

Boat Lifts

There are many ways to dock your boat. You could install a bumper on your dock and tie it up to a couple of cleats, or purchase a boat lift to keep your boat suspended from the water. There are two different types of boat lifts: floating or stationary. Depending on your body of water, choose which lift best fits your needs. Make sure you know the weight and specifications of your boat, as they will be needed to choose the right lift for you. Adding a canopy or cover over your boat lift ensure that your boat will not get wet or damaged during a storm. Contact Deaton’s Waterfront Services for a free consultation about boat lifts, or stop in at our showroom to see our lifts in person.

 

Deaton’s Waterfront Services aims to provide all the necessary equipment to safely store your boat to prevent any damages. We provide many services on the waterfront including docks, lifts, seawalls, and more! For more information, please contact Deaton’s Waterfront Services, or give us a call at (317)747-4933.

Commercial Docks, Dock Products, Ez Dock

ADA Compliance: Making Waterfronts Handicap Accessible

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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.

Dock Inspections, Uncategorized

5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Lake House

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When thinking about buying a lake house, there are a few questions to keep in mind. You don’t want to make such a big decision without considering the most important features. Whether the lake house will become your second home, a rental, your permanent address, or just a place to escape on the weekends, thinking through these details can help you confirm that you’re making the right choice.

1. Is the driving distance reasonable?

You don’t want to commit to a property that’s inconveniently located. Be brutally honest with your calculations on the drive-time. That way, you can avoid the problem of loving a property, but hating the distance it takes to get there.

If you have a few different properties in mind, comparing and contrasting the driving time to each location might help you narrow down your options. Do you want a lake house that’s just an hour away, or can you make do with a trip of 2 or 3 hours? Also consider the traffic. Will you be leaving after work on a Friday? In that case, you might need to add another 30 minutes to your travel plans.

2. What lake house maintenance is required?

Being handy doesn’t necessarily mean you want to have to put in a lot of hard work for your new lake house. A close critique of what’s working and what needs repairing can help you decide whether you want to make an offer on the property.

For example, does the lake house have a boat house or floating dock that needs major dock repairs? If you aren’t sure, you might want to have a waterfront expert come out to do a review of the existing structures. Just like how a home inspector analyzes every corner of a house, a waterfront review can give you valuable information on the structural soundness of a dock or water feature. You don’t want to make the mistake of buying a property without these checks. Otherwise, you might have to foot the bill for an expense seawall repair or other renovation down the road.

3. Do you have access to other amenities?

In addition to counting the miles from the lake house to your permanent address, you’ll also need to study the distance from the lake house to other amenities. How much time are you willing to spend driving to the nearest gas station or grocery store?

Odds are, your full-time home is within close driving distance to everything you need. But your new lake house might have a more remote location. Depending on what your expectations are, you might not be ready to go with an address that’s too far “off the grid.” Think through all the requirements before you move forward with your decision. Do you need a hardware store around the corner? How about a movie theater? What you plan to do at the lake house might help you determine what amenities are necessary, and what are just unnecessary luxuries.

4. Are the lake’s regulations agreeable?

Some lakes that you’re looking at might have strict regulations as part of their homeowners’ association agreements. If you aren’t sure about these rules upfront, it’s important to double-check with the sellers so nothing gets missed.

Are you going to have the freedom you want at your lake house, or will you have to make some adjustments to your plans based on the HOA regulations? For example, are you going to be able to build your own floating dock close to your shoreline, or are there certain restrictions? Knowing about these potential roadblocks upfront can give you the clarity you need to feel confident in your new place.

5. Can you enjoy the lake house year-round?

While a lake house tends to be most enjoyable during the summer months, you’ll want to make sure your investment has year-round appeal. Assuming you can’t get on the water in the winter, will you have other reasons to utilize your property during the “off season?”

A lake house has to hold up to other measures that just being near the water. The inside of your home is equally important. That’s why you’ll want to do a careful walk-through all around the property. Can you see the potential to enjoy the space during the holiday season? Are the views nice enough that you’d still want to visit even if you can’t go out on your boat? Making sure you’ve got the total package will be a great benefit to you and your family. After all, you don’t want your new space to go to waste!

Uncategorized

Monthly Installation Profile: April 2018

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As the snow started to melt this spring, business started to heat up! In preparation for the upcoming boating season, many customers were in the hunt for a new dock. After working with our skilled design team to create a dock that happily satisfied all the customer’s needs, it was time to put the new baby in the water!

Looking back onto the month of April, there were many exciting projects that were installed. While the weather was all over the place (Going from rain to snow to sunny and back in a week!), we committed to ensuring the customers were completely satisfied with the installation process. Here at Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we love working with customers to create the dock envisioned inside their mind and bring it to real life. Installing new docks and launches on lakes, reservoirs, and other bodies of water is our passion. We look at each installation as a work of art, and we are proud to create the masterpiece!

Jacobson Park Addition

Last July, Jacobson Park in Louisville, Kentucky decided they needed a new dock for their paddle-boats. As showcased in our top projects of 2017,  a new EZ Dock was installed with great success. The park loved it so much, they decided to add a ADA compliant kayak launch onto the dock made possible by the modularity of EZ Dock. With the new kayak launch, kayakers of all mobility are easily able to get in and out of a kayak without even touching the water!

NaCoMe EZ Dock Installation

In early April, NaCoMe Camp & Retreat Center in Pleasantville, Tennessee decided to add an EZ Dock system complete with a slide! Slides are a rarity at Deaton’s Waterfront Services, but the campers are sure to enjoy the waterfront fun this summer! The system is compact and sleek, but perfectly fulfills the needs of the park.

Versailles State Park Installation

 

The last featured installation of April, Versailles State Park in Versailles, Indiana decided on a new EZ Dock installation. Complete with an EZ Kayak Launch, the system is designed to help guests of the park easily access the water. The Low-pro dock section remains close to the water, but allows kayakers to stay completely dry throughout the launching process.

Installations are just a fun part of our job. If you are interested in a new dock system, or require any other waterfront services, contact Deaton’s Waterfront Services at (317) 747-4933. We proudly serve many states including Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri. We look forward to guiding you through the installation process and getting you out on the water!

Commercial Docks, Dock Inspections

Managing Safety Hazards on Public Waterfronts

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Getting ready to enjoy another year on the water is always an exciting time. But you don’t want to overlook the proper safety protocols! Public waterfronts and commercial docks need to be especially careful about their equipment. Regular dock maintenance checks and being able to make necessary repairs quickly can help make the difference between a safe site and a tragic waterfront accident.

Waterfront safety hazards can be easily prevented when you work with the right experts. Here at Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we love helping boat launches and docks on public lakes, reservoirs, and other commercial waterfronts stay up to code. Two types of problems in particular can be a big cause for concern.

Accessibility on Commercial Docks

Our public parks and recreational areas are an invaluable part of our country, and a real source of enjoyment for so many people. In order to protect these sites and help make them available for everyone, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990. These standards cover fishing piers, floating structures, and other local or state facilities.

To be recognized as ADA-compliant dock, both fixed and floating waterfront structures need to be wheelchair-accessible. This helps ensure that people of all abilities can utilize public docks. Sites of all sizes—from small lakes to large marinas—are held accountable. Commercial docks and other public facilities need to pay special attention to these requirements, but sometimes certain features get overlooked.

If you ever need help maintaining your own ADA-compliant dock, just contact Deaton’s Waterfront Services. Our experienced team understands the importance of having accessible ramps, guardrails, curbing on the walkways, and other features for dock safety. We’re always happy to review your site to make sure it meets or exceeds the ADA standards.

Electrical Safety for Waterfronts

Public waterfronts also need to keep a close eye on their electronics. As we look forward to the summer season on the water, it’s important to remember that safety risks can exist anywhere on a dock or marina. Electrical hazards are especially dangerous for waterfronts. Marine industries have to work hard to protect the public against these concerns, but often, there’s a lot left to check.

While some regulations are already in place, electrical safety still makes headlines. Large conferences around the county address marina electrical safety every year—and for good reason. These types of waterfronts often work with a lot of electricity on and around the dock. If these electronics aren’t grounded properly, people swimming in the harbor can be at risk for electric shock drowning. The electrical systems for big marinas and around public lakes definitely need to be up to code. If you aren’t certain that everything is an order, you’re probably due for a dock inspection.

Talking with a waterfront services company can help you verify your dock’s safety features. In other situations, though, you might need to bring a marine electrician to your site. Regularly testing your setup can keep your guests safe.

Get Your Dock Up to Code

If you want to minimize the safety hazards on your public dock or waterfront, Deaton’s Waterfront Services can help. We have experience working with docks of all sizes. When you aren’t sure if your site is up to code, give our team a call at (317) 747-4933. We can either send someone to your location for an in-person tour, or schedule a video call to review your current setup.

Some of the best ways to make your site safe and secure are pretty easy to do. Make sure your wheelchair ramps are at the right angle, and update your rails and curbing to protect visitors from accidents.  A review of your existing electrical equipment is also important this time of year. For a truly successful season, don’t ignore waterfront safety. Partner with Deaton’s Waterfront Servicers to keep your site up to code and ADA-compliant all year long!

Commercial Docks, Dock Inspections, Uncategorized

Mother Nature

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Mother Nature (vs) Waterfront Equipment

When engineering or designing a waterfront system, multiple factors are taken in to account to make sure the system works flawlessly in the short term, and the long term.
Factors such as:
• Wind Load
• Snow Load
• Earth Shifting
• Sink Holes
• Ice
• Temperature
All should be considered when planning the docking structure, and accessories such as ports, lifts, kayak launches, slides, ladders, and other amenities.
With our 30 plus years of experience we can verify, and ensure worry free installations that are on the
Waterfront. This includes docks, walls, and boat lifts. Lets take a look at the different components of boat docks, and boat lifts that need to be factored in with weather.
Boat Docks:
A.) – Floating Boat Docks: Any floating dock can carry “X” amount of weight. 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 floatation 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.
B.) Stationary Boat Docks: 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 attueators, 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 you have any other questions on this subject, feel free to reach out. Deatons Waterfront Services, 317.747.4934, sales@deatonsdocks.com, www.deatonsdocks.com, or 215 South Madison, Fortvillle, IN 46040. Estimates are free for Boat Docks, Boat Lifts, and Sea Walls! _DEBO_

Dock Parts

Dock Parts

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Dock Parts

Look no farther if you are need of dock parts. Building a new dock, adding on to an existing dock, or repairing an older dock. Deaton’s Waterfront Services is the one stop shop for dock parts to your weekend project.

Deaton’s Waterfront Services can whole sale all components of the dock from the bottom to the top, and all makes and models of pre assembled docks. If you are in need for

  • augers
  • bolts
  • galvanized dock frames
  • cleats
  • encapsulated floats
  • rubrail
  • screws
  • Pipe collars
  • Pipe sleeves
  • dock winchs

we keep all of this in stock for pickup or all can be shipped through standard carriers.

With our 30 years of experience Deatons Waterfront Services can be able to “coach” or advise through any upcoming repair, project, or concept you are considering. All of our parts that are available come with manufacturers warranty and have self help guides to installation and long-term maintenance.

Repair

DWS offer the highest quality of stationary dock parts, floating dock parts, and gangway parts. These items are proudly made in the USA, and are suitable for residential docks, commercial docks, or temporary rental docks.

A lot of the parts we provide will help extend the life and functionality of your dock usability. Adding bumper to the perimeter, or cleats to certain spots will help protect the dock and boats that could be mooring up to the dock structure.

Adding dock parts could help provide stability to the dock frame, by adding some additional augers or pipe supports that make the structure more sound or safe.

With our online store, and our office locations its easy to see what dock parts will help you the most for your upcoming dock restoration.

“WE are here to help”

DWS can ship to Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, and Michigan. Feel free to do a live skype with us or call our office 317.747.4933. Happy to help with all dock parts, and makes/ models.

https://www.facebook.com/DeatonsWaterfrontServices/?ref=bookmarks

 

Dock Inspections

Dock Repair Prevention with Spring Maintenance

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As residential and commercial waterfronts are getting ready for the spring season, there are a few key things dock owners need to watch. It’s a lot easier to enjoy your time on the water when you know that your equipment checks out. Just follow our checklist to confirm that your dock made it through the winter safe and sound.

Signs Your Dock Needs Maintenance

Early spring is the best time to check out your dock to make sure you’re ready for the upcoming season. February, March, or early April, are good times for assessing your waterfront.  Plus, if you used a bubbler in the winter to actuate the water, now’s the perfect time to take it out and put it back into storage.

Checking your dock in early spring is a good idea for both commercial waterfronts and residential properties. Homeowners, public docks, and other commercial sites on the water want to make sure their dock is safe for the years ahead. Regularly scanning your dock for loose connections and keeping an ear out for loud noises around your dock can help you catch any issues long before any major repairs are needed.

One sure sign that your dock will need spring maintenance is if you hear any obvious, loud noises when waves hit your dock. This is cause for concern because that racket could relate to metal-on-metal activity. If your dock equipment is knocking around too much, something can eventually break off and fall in the water.

Common Springtime Dock Repairs

In the Midwest, ice on the waterfronts typically comes off around Valentine’s Day. Scheduling preventative maintenance with a waterfront services company can help verify that all of your equipment survived the winter in one piece. If anything did go wrong, spring storms will just make those waterfront problems worse. Without preventative maintenance, some docks can even break in half. Then those parts can either sink to the bottom, or float away and go over a dam.

Some of the most common springtime dock repair problems relate to anchoring. Checking each one of your anchors, cables, and pipes is key for having a sturdy, stable dock. Spring is also the time to take a look at any floats that sit underneath your dock for support. These floats can sometimes pop out during winter, which can cause the dock to fall into the water later on. A thorough check will also cover the connections between your dock and bridge. These parts may need to be tighten every now and again, and spring is definitely the time to check.

Getting a Dock Repair Quote

A dock repair will happen at just about every site eventually. But if you’ve completed the necessary preventative maintenance, these problems are pretty easy to address. In general, the same rules apply to the small lakes in Northern Indiana, as to the huge lakes Kentucky or Tennessee!

If you need a professional to weigh in on your dock setup, you can always count on Deaton’s Waterfront Services. We take care with each dock inspection so you can get the information you need to make an informed decision. First, we review any weak points on your dock and let you know if there are any possibilities of failure in the next year. Then we can share suggestions on updates, as well as any short-term or long-term tips that might be helpful for your site.

A lot of times, you don’t even need to schedule an on-site visit with us. So if you’re on fence about whether you need a dock repair, please don’t hesitate to give Deaton’s Waterfront Services a call. We can easily get a clear vantage point of your site with a quick video-call. That way, you’ll get all the suggestions you need (whether you need new floats added, more screws down, etc.) and a dock repair quote with a much faster turn-around time.

You can even send us pictures of your dock to talk over your options. Our crew at Deaton’s is always happy to provide you with recommendations for custom dock updates or other repairs. We can even send you links and images to other dock projects we’ve worked on with past clients. Getting maintenance is great for your peace of mind around the water. If you have any questions, be sure to send us a message. We hope you have a great season ahead of you!

Ez Dock

Kayak Launch

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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.

Deaton's Waterfront Services News, Seawall Installation & Maintenance, Uncategorized

Shoreline Stabilization

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Shoreline Stabilization

Creating a shoreline stabilization sounds super easy? Right.
However it can be extremely labor intensive and require specialty equipment. Special heavy duty equipment can be brought in to reinforce the embankment. This can be established by installing steel sheet piling along the exposed area, or providing a layer of protection with rip rap.
Depending on the body of water and location, it could come down to the lake authority for the permitting to make sure the proposed solution will be in compliance with the waterfront regulations.

“What’s to gain from Shoreline Stabilization?”

There is a lot to gain from Shoreline Stabilization. Throughout the entire United States waterfront property is always more expensive per acre in comparison to property with zero waterfrontage. Therefore erosion control is protecting your investment. No more loss of property due to erosion.

Erosion of a shoreline can happen from numerous aspects most commonly from waves crashing into the shoreline, as this occurs it begins to undermine the foundation of the shoreline. Thus causing the bank to not be stable. When a bank is unstable its not safe and unusable.

There are several different ways to “shore” up a shoreline. The two most common ways that Deaton’s Waterfront Services suggests is to utilize rip rap limestone, or steel sheet piling.

The rip rap method consists of using 3-5” large size rocks to completely cover the exposed areas on the shoreline. Doing this allows the waves to physically break on the rocks and not be able to come in contact with the bank. This allows for a short-term solution to any waterfront owners shoreline stabilization. This method can last 2-5 seasons depending on the grade and the wave volume.

The steel sheet piling method consists of using a 7 gauge engineered panel that comes in lengths of 24”. We will install this panel using the 50/50 formula. This accounts for however much panel is out of the lake bed will need to have that much into the lake bed. For instance a 12’ seawall panel will need to be installed at least 6’ into the bottom of the lake bed. Then after installing the enforcements, and top cap you will have a lifelong solution for your erosion control.

Be sure to call Deaton’s Waterfront Services if you would like any more information pertaining to design, permitting, or estimates on erosion control. Our email is sales@deatonsdocks.com, and phone number is 317.747.4933. By: _RUN_PMD_

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Sea Walls