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How to Maintain and Clean Your Boat Lift: Expert Tips

Boat lifts are unsung heroes of waterfront living. They elevate your boat out of the water, protecting it from corrosive elements and potential damage. However, like any piece of machinery, boat lifts require regular maintenance to function optimally. Failing to maintain your boat lift could lead to mechanical issues, reduced lift lifespan, and even safety concerns. At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we’ve been the trusted name for boat lifts across the Midwest for over 30 years, and we’re here to share some expert tips on how to keep your boat lift in peak condition.

Regular Inspection

Frequency: Monthly and Pre-Season

The first step in maintaining your boat lift is a routine inspection. Look for signs of rust, corrosion, frayed cables, or damaged pulleys. Tighten any loose bolts or screws, and if you find any parts that need replacement, take note. Deaton’s Waterfront Services offers a comprehensive range of quality replacement parts.

Lubrication

Frequency: Twice a Season

Mechanical parts need lubrication to function smoothly. Apply marine-grade grease to pulleys, winches, and any other moving parts to reduce friction and wear. Make sure you wipe away excess grease to prevent any contamination.

Electrical Check

Frequency: Start and End of Boating Season

Always ensure that all electrical components are in good working condition. Check for any exposed or frayed wires and ensure that the control box is free of moisture or water. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult an expert to prevent any electrical hazards.

Boat Lift Cleaning

Frequency: End of Season

To keep your boat lift in pristine condition, a thorough clean at the end of each season is essential. Use freshwater to rinse off any algae, bird droppings, or debris. For any stubborn stains or growth, use a non-abrasive cleaner compatible with your boat lift’s material.

 

Winterizing Your Boat Lift

Frequency: End of Season

If you live in a region with harsh winters, you’ll need to winterize your boat lift. This may include removing any electrical components and storing them in a dry place. Lowering the lift cradle into the water can also protect it from ice damage.

Professional Inspection

Frequency: Every 2-3 Years

Although regular DIY checks are crucial, nothing beats a professional inspection. Schedule an inspection with Deaton’s Waterfront Services to ensure that your lift is in optimal condition. Our technicians will examine every nook and cranny, making sure that you’re set for seasons to come.

By adhering to this maintenance schedule, you’ll extend the life of your boat lift, ensuring it stays functional and safe. If you ever have concerns or are looking to upgrade your boat lift, the team at Deaton’s Waterfront Services is always here to assist. Reach out today or call our office at (317)747-4933 to keep your waterfront living hassle-free and enjoyable.

Deaton’s Next Chapter: Introducing Our New Headquarters

It’s time for the latest behind-the-scenes update from Deaton’s Waterfront Services! We’re excited to announce that after 5 great years at our previous location, we’ve moved locations to a larger facility! This new location allows us to expand to better serve our customers. Today, we’ll showcase a few cool things about our new headquarters.

A Quick History of Deaton’s Headquarters

Since splitting off on our own in 2011, we’ve rapidly grown from a small shop to a large service provider in the last decade. We started off in our Olio Rd. shop near Geist Reservoir. This building allowed us to serve the local lakes of Central Indiana well, but we eventually began getting more inventory in than we could store there. We moved 10 minutes away into the downtown Fortville Madison St. location. This location gave us a much larger yard, so we largely increased our inventory of EZ Dock and material to make custom docks. However we eventually ran into the same problem as before, we had no room! So we designed this new building that can hold about 4 times the amount of inventory that the Madison St. building could. So hopefully we don’t run into the same problem!

The Benefits of the New Headquarters

As we’ve previously stated, we ran out of space to store EZ Dock at our old shop. The great thing is, this new shop allows for us to store EZ Dock inside! This prevents it from getting rained on and covered in snow during the winter. It’ll help our product appear as if it just came out of the factory.

Another great benefit of this new location is our outdoor storage lot. We now have plenty of storage space for RVs and boats! This will be a great benefit for our customers as we get asked a lot about where to store a boat. In the past we also haven’t been able to winterize boats, but we are now able to.

Before we get too long winded in this blog, let’s talk about one last cool thing but there are plenty more! We installed a retention pond in the front of our new building to be able to showcase our products. We’re going to set up a small display in the pond so curious customers will be able to get a feel for what they’re buying.

If you’re in the area, feel free to stop by and check the new location out! We are located at 3252 W 1000 N, Fortville, IN 46040. As always, if you’re interested in a new dock or have questions regarding any of our products feel free to give us a call at 317-747-4933.

Memorial Day: The Ultimate Guide To Enjoying The Lake

The big weekend has arrived! Memorial Day weekend is here to kick off the summer. While people makes plans for the weekend, many people will find themselves on the lake to enjoy the water for the first time this year. The lakes will be very busy. With a big increase in traffic this weekend, there will be a lot of things to watch out for too. Make sure you have a fun and safe Memorial Day experience by following our tips for safety on the lake.

Pro Tips For A Safe Memorial Day Weekend on the Lake

1. Always Bring A Life Jacket

Drowning is the #1 cause of death in boating accidents. Over 86% of people that drown weren’t wearing a life jacket. Make sure to have appropriate sized life jackets available for everyone on board. Children 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket at all times while on a boat.

2. Don’t Drink and Drive

Alcohol is one of the leading factors that contribute to a fatal boating accident. This is a very busy weekend for lake traffic, so there is sure to be inexperienced boaters on the water. If you’re driving, stay sober.  Driving while intoxicated at night time is even more dangerous as well due to low visibility. If you plan on having a few drinks with people on board, make sure someone is the designated “Sober Skipper”.

3. Know Your Surroundings.

If you’re an inexperienced boater going on a lake for the first time, make sure you know the area well before you go out boating. Know what the speed limits are, and where the No-Wake zones are. Watch the weather to make sure no storms are expected to come into the area before hand. If you’re on the water and a storm rolls in, make sure to get to safety quickly. Keep an eye on other boats at all times. You never know what someone else is doing, and they could be coming at you fast. Being aware of the environment and intent of other people on the lake is one of the keys to having a safe boating experience during a busy Memorial Day weekend.

4. Prepare Your Crew

Be sure to educate your friends and family about some of the dangers that are present when boating. Make sure they know where the first aid kit is, where the life jackets are, and the expectations of how they should behave while on the boat. Be sure to tell your guests not to be standing while the boat is moving.

5. Keep Your Equipment Safe

While most of the traffic on the lake this weekend will be from visitors, residents of the lake want to make sure their equipment is kept safe. Make sure your boat lift is in working condition to keep your boat out of water and safe. For new boaters, be sure to learn about the launching and docking process and how to tie your boat to a cleat for safety if needed. Having an accident that will cost thousands of dollars to fix is not something anyone wants to encounter this weekend.

This weekend is the first time to get out and enjoy the lake for a lot of people since the Coronavirus pandemic started. Over the past year, the interest in boating and other waterfront activities has soared to an all time high. There will be heavy traffic on the lake this weekend, so be sure to keep aware of your surroundings at all times and stay safe. If you or anyone you know is looking for service on their dock, boat lift, or sea wall feel free to contact Deaton’s Waterfront Services at (317) 747-4933 or contact us and we’ll get back to you as quick as we can. As always, have a great Memorial Day weekend!

 

 

6 Family Friendly Activities to Do Around Morse Reservoir

We’re starting to see the weather warm up around central Indiana! The ice and snow has melted, and now people are looking for activities they can do to help keep their family entertained while we still deal with the effects of coronavirus. Fortunately, a family won’t have to go far to find fun on the water! Located in Cicero, Indiana, Morse Reservoir offers several fun things that will leave you with a fantastic time on the water. Today, we’ll look at a few ideas to get your family out on the water!

6 Morse Reservoir Family Friendly Activities

1. Visit the Beach

We couldn’t start a blog about Morse Reservoir without mentioning Morse Park and Beach. Located on the border of Cicero, this small 20 acre park offers many activities to fulfill a fun day. There’s a playground, disc golf course, and a small beach! Get away from the stress of the world and relax on the warm sand. Morse Beach is the only spot designated for swimming on the reservoir.

2. Go Kayaking

Kayakers will love Morse. It is the only body of water in Central Indiana with an EZ Dock Kayak Launch. Located in Red Bridge Park in Cicero, the launch allows for kayak or small canoe owners to safely launch into the lake without accidentally slipping into the water. There’s no cost to use the launch, so don’t be too intimidated to get out on the water and go paddling!

3. Fish Like A Pro

Morse Reservoir offers many great spots to go fishing. The best spot to cast a line, is located right next to the Kayak Launch! Right next to the launch in Red Bridge Park is a large fishing pier. There is plenty of room for several people on the pier, so overcrowding shouldn’t be a problem.

4. Have A Lakeside Meal

There are several good restaurants located on Morse that will give you a beautiful view while you eat. The two that we’ll highlight today are Wolfies, and the Boathouse. Wolfies is located right next to the Morse Public Launch Ramp, and offers tons of great food options that are priced decently. The Boathouse allows for boaters to dock right at the restaurant! So if you’re out in the boat for a cruise, stop by and eat some delicious food.

5. Go Hiking on a Trail

Located just 10 minutes east of Morse, Strawtown’s Koteewi Park offers several activities for family fun. Among these activities includes their beautiful nature trail. Using an EZ Trail system, the nature trail allows hikers to enjoy the parks scenic prairies and wetlands.

6.  Have Fun Horseback Riding

Also located in Koteewi Park is an equestrian trail for riding horses. No experience is needed because the park offers guided tours! Riding on a horse is a sure way to create a memory that will last a lifetime.

Morse Reservoir is a great lake to keep the family entertained. So plan your trip, and make sure you make the most of your visit!

If you’re a homeowner in Morse and need service on your dock, boat lift, or seawall feel free to give Deaton’s Waterfront Services a call at 317-747-4933! Our team will send an expert out to give you a free estimate and come up with a solution that perfectly fits your needs.

 

Things To Keep In Mind When Buying a Waterfront Home

Buying a home on the water is a great investment that will provide great views and hours of fun. However, the process of finding the perfect property is difficult. There are several factors to consider when inspecting a waterfront home. You need to make sure that the waterfront is in good condition, and will fit your needs. Real estate agents have no problem selling someone barely passable marine equipment to make a quick buck. Today we’ll look at a few things to keep in mind to make sure that you aren’t getting duped into buying a home that isn’t the right fit.

Waterfront Home

Factors to Consider When Inspecting A Waterfront Home

The Water

When buying a home on the water, you’ll first want to make sure that you’d like to live on the lake you’re looking at. You’ll want to make sure the water quality is good, the traffic isn’t too crazy, and check to see what the water levels typically are at every year. This step requires the most research but it’s important to see if you are the right fit for the lake community. In housing divisions and coves, it’s a good idea to watch the traffic of the lake during the evening hours. If there’s a lot of boat traffic, it’ll prevent you from having a peaceful evening if that’s what you seek.

To make sure the water is up to your standard, don’t be afraid to take a quick dip to decide. If the water stinks, is very murky, and full of algae you probably wouldn’t to live there. Obviously it’s a lot easier said than done to find the perfect lake, but patience is always key. The main takeaway you’ll need to see no matter the quality of water is the depth. Make sure your water is deep enough for boats to drive through. This is usually around 5′ – 8′. If the water is too shallow you won’t be able to own a dock or boat lift.

The Dock

The main reason someone would want to pay a premium to live on the water is because they want to get out and enjoy it. Part of that equation requires a boat dock, which needs to be in good condition or you’ll spend thousands more to replace it. When looking into a waterfront property, make sure to inspect the dock. Look at the decking, frames, and floats. If the decking is starting to warp, wood is starting to splinter, or nails are sticking out, then the decking will need replaced. Floats are also going to need replaced if they are barely holding a dock above water. Having to replace the decking or re-float the dock is the thing you’ll have to worry the least about as they are small repairs. If the frames are rusted, you’ll need to replace the dock entirely.

The whole point is to make sure you’re not spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a house to have to spend thousands more to get on the water. If you find a great house but inspect to see that it has a terrible dock, the price should reflect that. It shouldn’t be the same price as a fully operational waterfront.

The Seawall

The final factor to consider when buying a waterfront home is the shoreline. Over time, water will erode sand and dirt away causing a shoreline to recede. This might not sound like a big problem, but losing land on your property is going to hurt your investment. To help protect your investment, check if the property you are looking at has a seawall. If it does, make sure that the wall is in good condition by looking for gaps or warps. You obviously don’t want to pay full price for a property if the seawall is going to need replaced. There is another form of protection that is cheaper and more natural, rip-rap. By placing stone down along the shoreline, it provides an extra layer of protection to prevent erosion. So if you don’t see a wall but do see a layer of rock, you’ll be OK. For more information about shoreline protection, check out our page here.

Buying a home on the water is a difficult process that you need to be prepared for. If there are times when you feel overwhelmed during the process, just think about the beautiful payoff on the water. Make sure that everything on the property is in working order and in good condition. If you need any equipment inspected, our expert team will do so free of charge and recommend a plan to restore working condition. Feel free to contact us for a free quote, or give us a call at (317) 747-4933.

Boathouses 101: Why You Should Aim for the Very Best

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!

How to Prepare Your Floating Dock for Winter

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!

 

 

The Best Waterfront Features for Parks and Camps

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.

Safe Social Distancing During Dock Repairs

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!

Beginners Guide to Seawalls

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.