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The FAQs of EZ Dock

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.

 

 

 

The Disadvantages of Foam-Filled PWC Lifts

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.

What’s the Best Solution for My Dock?

As the Spring season begins, many are wondering if now is the time to look into purchasing a new dock. However, purchasing a new dock may not be the end all solution to their current problem. Today we’re going to talk about possible solutions to make your dock the hot spot for the summer!

Dock Repairs

As docks age, many problems could arise. Decking splintering, frames rusting, floats sinking, and more are potential problems that cause many headaches. If one of these problems appear, Deaton’s Waterfronts Services will send one of our experts out to diagnose your dock and recommend the best course of action. Sometimes the problems can be fixed with a simple repair, however not all are able to be troubleshooted. Not everyone would like to admit it, but sometimes the best solution for a heap of problems is to purchase a new dock.

Dock Kits

When purchasing a new dock, there are many options to find the perfect dock to fit your needs. Many companies offer dock kits, for the handy individuals to construct themselves. A dock kit typically consists of floats, brackets, sleeves, and connecting hardware. The customer must purchase the lumber to construct the new dock themselves. Several companies offer dock kits, including Deaton’s Waterfront Services.

Custom Docks

There are many different types of custom docks that fit the needs of different situations. Floating docks, stationary docks, or even boathouses are built and designed by Deaton’s Waterfront Services with what’s best for the customer in mind. Our process begins with our sales team determining your needs and passing the information along to our design team. From there, we draw and render your new dock to give you an idea of how it will turn out. After that, we build the frames, attach the floats if needed, and add the decking of your choice to create the dock of your dreams.

EZ Dock

As mentioned earlier, docks can cause many problems over time. Dock kits and custom docks are also available options. Well the great thing is, there is a way to combine the best of all three worlds! EZ Dock is a modular dock system constructed out of high-density polyethylene. This means now more worrying about costly repairs such as rusting, rotting, or splintering! EZ Dock can come in dock packages, or be custom designed to your choosing. With its modular design, the dock of your dreams can easily be achieved. EZ Dock is the last dock you’ll ever need, with a ten year warranty equipped with it. We have still have docks we installed 20 years ago still floating!

Deaton’s Waterfront Services is proud to work with our customers to determine what the best solution for them is. Our team of experts has over 30 years of experience, and our happy to share our opinions with you. Purchasing a new dock should be an exciting time! If you are interested in a new dock, or would like to inquire about any of our services we offer, please feel free to contact us or gives us a call at (317)747-4933.

Floating Boat Lifts 101

As the weather starts to warm up, and boats go into the water, it’s important to keep in mind to maintain and protect your boat from the water. During storms, harsh water conditions can cause your boat to repeatedly hit or rub against the dock and cause hull damage. This could also lead to your boat floating away, or even sinking! These problems all going away with the proper boat lift.

Benefits of Owning a Boat Lift

Owning a boat lift will prevent your boat from receiving hull damage or corroding over time. With a clean bottom, your boat will get better fuel mileage, making your time on the water a little less costly. A boat lift will pay for itself as time goes on. You’ll save money on repairs, painting, fuel, and more! Also there will be less hassle from scrubbing algae off the bottom.

There are two types of boat lifts to look at when purchasing a new one: stationary or floating. A stationary boat lift is recommended for water depths between 5-12′. They can feature cranks, motors, or pneumatic systems. However, if your water depth fluctuates frequently, or is more shallow or deeper than those listed above, a floating lift is better suited.

Floating Boat Lifts

Floating boat lifts are great for shallow water, or deep water. They adjust with a floating dock as the water levels fluctuate, keeping your boat safe and dry at all times. Most floating lifts are developed with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) tanks. Some also have galvanized steel frames mounted on top. Recently, some floating lift manufacturers such as Econolift have developed a shallow-water lift that can hold up to 6,500 lbs. Floating lifts are equipped with a pneumatic system to lift the boat into and out of the water. These systems also come installed with a safety valve to ensure no damage is received to the tanks.

There are many different types of floating lifts. Deaton’s Waterfront Services provides four different types: Sunstream, Econolift, Poly Lift, and EZ Dock’s EZ BoatPort. If you are interested in a new lift or would like to know more information, please contact us or gives us a call at (317)747-4933. Boating season is starting soon, so make sure you are equipped for a summer full of enjoyment!

History of the EZ Port 101

EZ Dock was industry pioneer to create a drive on PWC docking system that utilized rollers.  The award winning EZ Port features rollers that assist in loading and launching a PWC craft and the operator.

Industry Leader:

Ports make up the fastest growing segment of lifts or dry docking for watercrafts under 15′. This is opposed to stationary cable lifts, davits, or pneumatic hoist styles. Other benefits of ports are the integrated combination of a dock & a lift. This creates usable square footage to walk around the docked watercraft.

No Maintenance:

The benefit of a drive on system is there is no winching, cranking, or hoisting. This creates a more maintenance free product, that is more reliable, stable, and carries a 8 year warranty. From 1992 to 2017 Ez Dock has the longest record of drive on pwc ports utilizing rollers to help the end user. In fact some of the original Ez Port 1’s are still in use today across the entire world, being used in many different marine environment’s.

Memory Lane:

Lets take a sneak peak at the original Ez Port, and the more modern generations of the EZ Ports, and along with the newest designs for the future of drive on docking features; conception date, weight capacities, part number, dimensions, weight, and number of rollers.

Ez Port 1! The first ever pwc port/ dock to utilize a roller for easy loading, and unloading. Recommended for 1 seat pwc, and standup skis.

Specs: Created in 1992, weight capacity 750 lbs, p/n #206010, dimensions 5′ x 117″, weighs 185lbs, and (1) center roller.

Ez Port 2.Ez Dock’s updated version of the Ez Port 1, added rollers and weight capacity for easy loading, and unloading. Recommended for 1-2 seat pwc, Yamaha Super Jet, or Sea Doo Spark’s.

Specs: Created in 1995, weight capacity 1000 lbs, p/n #206011, dimensions 5′ x 127″, weighs 225lbs, and (3) center rollers.

Ez Port 3. Ez Dock’s updated verison of the Ez Port 2, added a roller and more weight capacity for easy loading, and unloading. Recommended for 2-3 seat pwc, Yamaha Waverunners, and Kawaski Jet Ski’s.

Specs: Created in 1999, weight capacity 1,300 lbs, p/n #206013, dimensions 5′ x 151″, weighs 255lbs, and (4) center roller.

Ez Port & Stow. Ez Dock’s updated verison of the Ez Port 3, added a roller and more weight capacity for easy loading, and unloading, also featured a front storage compartment. Recommended for larger 3 seat pwc, Yamaha Waverunners, and Kawaski Jet Ski’s.
Specs: Created in 2002, weight capacity 1,600 lbs, p/n #206016, dimensions 5′ x 168″, weighs 305lbs, and (5) center roller.

Ez Port MAX. Ez Dock’s updated verison of the Ez Port generation, added more rollers and more weight capacity for easy loading, and unloading, also features side by side roller, built in bow stop, and integrated pipe sleeves. Recommended for larger 3 seat pwc, Yamaha Waverunners, and Kawaski Jet Ski’s.
Specs: Created in 2008, weight capacity 1,380 lbs, p/n #206032, dimensions 5′ x 149″, weighs 296lbs, and (8) total rollers. Available in beige or grey.

 

Ez Port MAX 2i. Ez Dock’s updated verison of the Ez Port MAX, added more rollers and more weight capacity for easy loading, and unloading, also features side by side roller, built in bow stop, and integrated pipe sleeves. Recommended for larger 3 seat pwc, Yamaha Waverunners,  Kawaski Jet Ski’s, and Sea Doo GTX.
Specs: Created in 2012, weight capacity 1,700 lbs, p/n #206036, dimensions 5′ x 168″, weighs 324lbs, and (12) total rollers. Available in beiger or grey.

*Winner of 2012 NMMA Innovation Award

Ez Port VXP. Ez Dock’s latest port release, designed for smaller 2-seat PWCs. Carries many features of the MAX 2i, such as integrated pipe sleeves and a bow stop. Recommended for Yamaha EX, Sea-Doo Spark and Trixx, and the Kawasaki SX-RSpecs: Created in 2018, weight capacity 1,300 lbs, p/n #206037PW, dimensions 5’x12’8″, weighs  296lbs, and (8) total rollers. Available in beige or grey.

Ez Port MAX Inline Series:

M.A.X. stands for Modular Adaptable expandable. THis allows the one of a kind inline system to support multiple pwc while fitting in your certain application. By utilizing the Ez Port MAX entry, the Ez Port MAX extension, Ez Port MAX easy lift tail, Ez Port MAX full bow stop, and Ez Port MAX small bow stop we can create a ideal docking system to fit tighter slips, or pwc rental fleets.

1. EZ Port MAX® Entry
Specs: 149″ L x 60″ W x 11″ H
315 lbs.
1,380 lbs. capacity
Part #206030PW

2. EZ Port MAX® with Entry Extension
Specs: 146″ L x 60″ W x 11″ H
328 lbs.
1,400 lbs. capacity
Part #206031PW

3. EZ Port MAX® Easy Lift Entry
Specs: 42″ L x 60″ W x 15″ H
95 lbs.
400 lbs. capacity
Part #206033EX

4. EZ Port MAX® Full Bow Section
Specs: 39″ L x 60″ W x 10″ H
60 lbs.

Part #206033EX

5. EZ Port Max® Small Bow Section
Specs: 33″ L x 10″ W x 16″ H
12 lbs.

Part #206027BS

For more information about EZ Ports, check out EZ Dock’s website here.

If you are interested in purchasing an EZ Port, check out our online store for pricing information, then feel free to contact us.

Introducting Deaton’s Online Store

Deaton’s Waterfront Services offers many products for boating enthusiasts to choose from. While customers may see a product they’re interested in on our website or social media, most of the time there isn’t any information about pricing available. Thankfully, we are proud to announce that we have officially launched our brand new online store!

Deaton’s Online Store Products

To begin launching the online store, we have listed several EZ Dock products. From new dock accessories to new EZ Ports, we offer it all.  Most accessories are available for shipping, while the larger items are available for pick-up or delivery.  One benefit of the store for potential customers is the available pricing. It gives customers an idea of how much a new product will cost. From there, a customer can either contact us about a product or buy it directly.

Accessing the New Store

To access the new online store, you may either click here or go under the products tab and access it there. We have broken our products down into several categories. Currently we are offering cleats and EZ Dock products. We will in the future offer floats, bumpers, and more. Once the store has been accessed, you may sort by low to high, high to low, or most popular.

We at Deaton’s Waterfront Services believe the best way of serving our customers is to keep them informed. We would like our customers to have a little knowledge on how much our products cost, so there’s no shock we it comes time to pay the bill. As stated earlier, there will be several new additions coming to the store over the next few weeks. So stay tuned. If you have any inquiries about our products, or would like to know more about the larger selection we have feel free, to contact us or give us a call at (317)747-4933. Our team of experts will gladly assist you and make sure you find the product that will fit your needs.

 

The Benefits of Visiting a Boat Show

It’s that time of year again! While the water is too cold to be enjoyed, the winter season is the best time to set everything up for a great summer! Expanding your waterfront to prepare you for a boating season can include anything from building a new dock to buying accessories. Many people wish to see a demonstration of a product, and there’s no better way than to see it in person! One way of doing so is to visit a boat show!

Visiting a Boat Show

When visiting a boat show, first locate a map of the vendors and determine which are the ones you would like to see. There’s a great chance that something else will catch your eye, but you will at least have a little preparation. When visiting a vendor, inform them of your needs. They will be happy to help! You will be given plenty of information regarding their products, and you’ll be able to make a choice based off what you have seen. The best part is… there’s no need to rush!

Benefits of Boat Shows

While our local customers are free to visit our office to see a demonstration of any of our products, we do serve 7 states meaning not everyone has this privilege. Good news for them however, is they get a chance to see a product in person at a boat show.  Deaton’s Waterfront Services displays products at many boat shows across several states, so these customers have a chance to come talk with our experts.

Deaton’s at Boat Shows

As previously mentioned, we do visit several boat shows. Our upcoming schedule for the next year will include stops in many states. We first begin with the Ohio Parks and Rec Association Conference on February 4th and 5th. Next up is the Indy Boat Show from February 12th-25. Then we’ll visit the American Camp Association in Nashville, TN from February 19-22. Next we visit the Missouri Parks and Rec Association Conference from February 26th-March 1st.

If you would like more information about our boat shows, feel free to contact us or give us a call at (317)747-4933. We will be glad to give you our upcoming schedule, or answer any product inquiries you may have. Stay warm everybody!

Great Gift Ideas for Boating Enthusiasts

We all have someone on our list who can be tricky to shop for, but we’ve got your bases covered for a thoughtful boating gift. Before you throw in the towel and settle on another ho-hum present, take a look at this list. There are plenty of great gift ideas for boating enthusiasts out there! From fishing, to water sports, or just family outings on the water, you’re sure to find something here that will be a winner.

1. Handy First Aid Kit

Having an extra first aid kit around is always a good idea. You never know when you’ll need a bandage. Most people forget to buy these supplies for themselves, so giving them as gifts is nice and practical. Look at smaller packs to fit in kayaks or canoes, or go with a full set to keep on the boat or at the lake house. Hopefully they’ll never have to use it, but they’ll be glad to have it around if they do.

2. Floating Fishing Pliers

Cutting through braided fishing line or removing hooks from a fish requires the right tool for the job. But you don’t want to spend money on something just to lose it in the water. Floating pliers are great because you don’t have to worry about dropping them—never to be seen again. Since these are on the smaller side, they also make great stocking stuffers.

3. Boating Shoes or Flip-Flops

It’s easy for sandals to wear out over the years, especially for growing kids. Buying another pair is smart this time of year because you’ll be ready to go as soon as the temperatures kick back up. Just make sure you have the right shoe size, and you’ll be on your way to a great boating gift.

4. Portable Phone Charger

A backup charger is super handy when you’re on the water. You don’t want to miss out on any photos just because you drained your battery. Again, this is a gift that most people may not think to get on their own. Portable phone chargers are great because you don’t even need an outlet to use them. Just plug them to your phone, and watch the charge get refilled.

5. Fish Cleaning Station

Surprise! Not everyone likes the smell of the day’s catch in the kitchen. That’s when a portable fish cleaning station saves the day. These tables can get set up next to any outdoor spigot. If your gift recipient doesn’t already have a designated area to clean their fish, this gift can be a great two-for-one. You might be making multiple people happy with just a single present!

6. Waterproof Dry Bag

Tossing your valuables into the base of your kayak or canoe can be risky. To keep those items safe, a dry bag is the way to go. These packs are also great for other outdoor activities, too. They can definitely help out during day hikes, or any other day when there’s a chance of rain.

7. Walkie Talkies

Even with a dry bag, some people might not trust the kids to handle a phone in the kayak. And other gift recipients may not want to bring their phone on the water either if it isn’t waterproof. When you’re out paddling for the afternoon, walkie talkies can be a great way to stay in touch with people on the dock, up at the lake house, or elsewhere on the water. It’s not complicated technology, but it’s still quite a bit of fun.

8. Outdoor Sound Speaker

Boat lovers know you don’t need much to have a good time enjoying the water. Some food and drinks and good company are about all you really need, but a little music can always make things better. A portable sound speaker can be a nice gift for any family member or friend. They’ll be able to take it with them anywhere and use it to share music off their smart phone with the rest of their group.

9. Headwear or Shades

If you want to think outside of the box, a neck gaiter can be another good fit. These versatile pieces let you make your own headwear. You can use it to protect your neck from the sun, or keep it on your forehead to keep any sweat away. When nothing else seems to be just right, you can always go with the tried and true gifts of hats or sunglasses. There are plenty of options that have a nautical or outdoor theme.

Any one of these items can be a great boating gift for someone who loves being on the water. With the right gear, you’ll help them make the most of their time outdoors when the weather warms up!

Beginner’s Guide to Boating

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.

5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Lake House

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!