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.

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.

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!

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-R. Specs: 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.

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.

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!

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.