Tag Archives: Deaton’s Waterfront Services

Commercial Docks, Deaton's Waterfront Services News

Our Top Commercial Waterfront Projects from 2017

Leave a comment

As we get ready to wrap up the year, it’s only natural to reflect on how our company has grown. In 2017, Deaton’s Waterfront Services was proud to work on a variety of commercial dock projects. From new floating docks, to kayak launches and boat houses—we love helping making your waterfront experience better than ever.

Working with state parks, government groups, and other commercial clients is a big part of what we do at Deaton’s. Take a look at some of this year’s highlights to get an idea of what our crew is capable of creating for both residential and commercial waterfronts!

1. Paddle Dock at Jacobson Park

The marina at Jacobson Park in Lexington, Kentucky needed a waterfront upgrade, and we were happy to help. Their new floating dock now gives park-goers easy access to their paddle boat rentals. It’s a relatively simple project, but adds great value to their marina.

Although the boat dock is now closed for the season, Jacobson Park is sure to get some great use out of this setup in 2018. A sturdy EZ Dock system was just what this park needed.

2. Boat House at Griggs Reservoir

Building a custom boat house gives commercial waterfronts total control over their setup. We recently teamed up with the Columbus Police Department in Ohio to construct a boat house. The finished project now keeps their gear protected and meets all their needs.

We traveled over to Griggs Reservoir in Columbus, Ohio for the job. Once we assembled the dock, uprights, and purlins, the rest of the construction for this boat house was smooth sailing.

3. Floating Dock at Crab Orchard

Some floating docks are easier to install than others. But this large community dock definitely needed a team effort. Managing the many sections of this commercial dock was a fun challenge for us! The end result is a strong, stable structure—even with its large surface area.

The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge stretches across nearly 44,000 acres in southern Illinois. We were honored to complete this dock over in Carbondale.

4. Kayak Launch at Cowan Lake State Park

This summer we also took a trip to Wilmington, Ohio. Cowan Lake State Park needed a kayak launch for their park visitors and outdoor enthusiasts. We knew that they would love the new EZ Dock kayak launch. The completed install looks great on their waterfront.

Getting out of the water is breeze with this setup. The floating dock and kayak launch have a low-profile to make the site even more accessible and user-friendly.

Commercial Waterfront Services

Making plans for a new and secure commercial dock system can be complicated. But you should never compromise safety. The right equipment for your waterfront can help everyone have a good time. Match that with an experienced team for the install, and you’ll have a winning setup that will last for years to come.

If your commercial site needs a new dock or boat launch, contact Deaton’s Waterfront Services. Our team is proud to serve clients throughout Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee. For commercial dock systems big and small, you can count on us!

Dock Inspections

What to Check for a Winter-Ready Dock

Leave a comment

When the temperatures start to drop, it makes sense to plan for winter. Preparing your dock should be just as important as making your other home arrangements. You want to make sure everything is in order before the real frost, snow, and ice set in. A little planning will help protect your dock through the elements—and give you a jumpstart to getting back on the water in the spring and summer.

Dock Winterization Tips and Maintenance

Organizing your waterfront property for winter isn’t always a fun task, but it’s an important process if your equipment is going to last. The general maintenance checks you do now can help you feel confident that your waterfront is prepped for any ice or harsh weather coming this season.

  • Check for loose bolts/connectors
  • Remove any ladders or ramps
  • Inspect boards for cracks
  • Tie a safety line (for floating docks)

Typically, dock owners can manage these steps on their own. But some cases may require a dock professional on site. If anything looks out of the ordinary with the items listed above, it’s probably time to call in the experts. Your dock might be in need of repairs before the fluctuating water depths and freezing temperatures do more damage.

Protecting Different Types of Docks

Depending on your dock type, you might need to complete a few other winterization steps. Following these general winterization tips is always a good idea as a minimum precaution. To really get specific about what your particular dock needs, pay attention to its material. Different dock types require their own winterization prep.

Stationary Docks

For the most part, permanent docks are designed to hold up against the winter elements. If your dock setup is in a protected area like a marina or cove, you’ll be just fine to leave your dock as-is for the winter. Lakes that are ½ mile across, however, may need to remove their docks for the winter. Open water between the dock and shoreline can cause problems throughout the season, so you’ll likely be better off removing the equipment from the water to protect it until spring.

Wooden Docks

Wooden docks often require more maintenance throughout the year. Fall and winter are no exception. As the weather starts to cool, it’s important to take time to inspect your dock’s sealant. If the boards can’t repel any water droplets, or you know the stain or sealant hasn’t been managed for a few years, it’s well worth it to do some touch-up work before the snow hits. Sand and re-seal any areas of your dock that look splintered, or just re-do the entire dock. Adding a layer of protection against the elements will help the equipment last and guard it against costly repairs and deterioration.

EZ Floating Docks

Docks made with materials like the EZ Dock systems are really great for winter-prep. (That’s one of the reasons we love working with their products!) Unless your dock is located on a river or other un-protected area, there’s really no reason to do anything special for your dock winterization. It can stay just like it is. EZ Dock panels only require a couple inches of water to float, so you don’t need to worry about damaging the underside of your dock. Plus, they hold up fine with ice. Most floating docks can move just fine with ice movements on lakes when they are not anchored—just remember to tie your safety line to a tree or other solid object on shore.

Need Help with Your Dock?

Reaching out to a waterfront company this time of year is an easy way to get ready for winter and the new year. Making plans for a new seawall installation or updated boat lift doesn’t have to wait until spring. In fact, finalizing those details during the colder months will let you jump right in to your new gear when the days warm up again. If you’ve got a project on the backburner, consider making some headway now. Then you can be ready to go for the entire waterfront season.

The team at Deaton’s Waterfront Services is proud to work with residential and commercial clients throughout the Midwest. We travel throughout Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee. If you need any help with your winterizing your dock, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (317) 747-4933 or message Deaton’s Waterfront Services to get started.

Our dock and waterfront professionals are available year-round for project consultations and design work. We know you have dreams for your waterfront property. Let us help you make them a reality.

Dock Inspections, Seawall Installation & Maintenance

The Purpose of Seawalls and Waterfront Maintenance

Leave a comment

Seawalls work on a variety of waterfront issues. They help facilitate proper drainage, work to prevent flooding, and are a great line of defense against erosion.

The most common seawalls are made from either steel sheet piling or rip rap (or some combination of the two). Steel sheet seawalls provide a great durability and help establish a mixed-use area above the shoreline. Rip rap, on the other hand, offers a more natural look. These types of stone barriers create a gradual transition from the land to the waterline. Both types of seawalls can work great on residential or commercial property, but only if they’re properly maintained.

Waterfront Protection and Seawalls

Lots of property owners opt for a seawall because they like the finished look it gives their waterfront. In addition to helping maintain your own property, seawalls can also benefit the shoreline in a some other important ways:

  • Helps maintain proper water depth
  • Works to stabilize the shoreline
  • Adds an attractive transition area for property
  • Provides mixed habitat for local wildlife

Of the two seawall types, rip rap create more variations in shoreline depth. This helps animals like fish and turtles get the environment they need to thrive. But for marinas that experience a lot of boat traffic, steel sheet piling seawalls tend to be best. While these designs aren’t as helpful to the local wildlife, their durability provides an ideal solution for stabilizing waterfront areas that can’t utilize rip rap alone.

Common Problems with Seawalls

Whether you have a seawall on your residential property or the structure was built on a commercial lot or community park, the questions about maintenance are often the same. In general, seawall maintenance is relatively slim. Checking the structure a couple times per year (as well as after major storms) will help you keep an eye on how it’s holding up. Yet, because seawalls don’t usually require much upkeep, a lot of people will forget to inspect them.

Hands down, the number one thing working against your seawall is time. While the seawalls are put in place to prevent waterfront erosion, they can’t stop it entirely. It’s only natural for years of erosion  to disrupt your seawall’s stability. For rip rap seawalls, the most noticeable issues will be dislodged stones, or a general slumping of the barrier. The concerns with steel sheet seawalls can be more complex.

Some of the most common problems people will notice for steel seawalls include: leaks and cracks, corrosion, joint separation between panels, and outward bowing. Any sections that appear misshapen can be a cause for concern. It’s also a red flag if the land near your seawall is showing pits or sinkhole formations. This could be a sign that the wall may be breached or cracked in an area you can’t see. If that happens, heavy rainfall or other water may be drain through the wall itself and cause further damage.

It helps to realize that seawalls don’t last forever. A number of factors can affect your structure’s stability. Good seawall installation is of the utmost importance, but if you’re starting to see some wear and tear, it’s best to act sooner rather than later. Working with a quality waterfront contractor will help you assess the damage and complete repairs, as needed. The right crew should be able to repair seawall cracks or even re-install the seawall footer if the damage is serious enough.

Deaton’s Seawall Construction and Seawall Repair

A good seawall should be built to last, but every waterfront will experience its own set of changes over the years. If you think your seawall has seen better days, contact the experts at Deaton’s Waterfront Services to come take a closer look. We’re proud to handle seawall repairs, as well as new seawall construction services for Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee.

Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (317) 747-4933 if you have any questions about our seawall services. We’d be happy to go over any concerns you have before scheduling an on-site visit. Seawalls should be an asset to your property. At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we’ll help you keep them that way!

Dock Rentals

Floating Dock Rentals: Benefits for Waterfront Events

Leave a comment

Floating dock rentals can be a great way to get your waterfront ready for its next big event. That’s because renting your dock lets you get the equipment you need, without the long-term investment.

An experienced waterfront services company can help you design and install the perfect dock rental for any occasion. Odds are, you’ll need different products if you’re preparing for a fishing tournament instead of a regatta. The same goes for over-water walkways and platforms. When you plan early and work with the pros, you’ll be set up in record time!

Floating Dock Rental Benefits

There are plenty of reasons why private parties or even public waterfronts may want to rent a dock for their event. Smaller marinas, for example, may not want to have a dock installed year-round. Even sites with a rowing club may need additional floating docks when they’re hosting an event.

Whatever the motivation, finding a reputable floating dock rental company is key. The best docks will be safe and stable—which is even more true for a rental dock. That’s where a waterfront services team can help you out.

Low-Profile Floating Dock

Because low-profile floating docks are closer to the water, they’re the preferred product for boat races like regattas. These types of floating dock rentals play a vital role for your participants and athletes as they enter and exit their shells. Dock rentals even allow you to customize your layout to suit single shells, 8-person shells, and even kayaks or canoes.

Custom Floating Dock Design

Other modular dock products work great if you need a more specialized design for your event. Adding on  platforms or an extra observation section can help  give everyone a great view of the action. A dock expert can help design a system that’s perfect for your event size, water depth, and other key features. Carefully reviewing all those factors will make you dock rental safe and secure (and help your event go off without a hitch).

Dock systems should be accessible for a variety of events—not just boating. You may even want a floating dock for a firework display. Or perhaps you need a more expansive, temporary dock system for another weekend event? Either way, it’s important to find a company you can trust.

Rent a Dock for Your Next Event

Safety is key at any public or private event, especially when you’re on the water. The types of products your contractor will use can make a big difference in your guests’ overall experience. At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we only work with the best. Our rental dock units will help you create a secure system for your upcoming regatta, boat show, fishing tournament, or other waterfront event.

We often prefer to work with EZ Dock products because their construction is durable and versatile. The modular design makes it easy to customize the layout to fit your needs, and you’ll feel confident knowing that the material has a good grip. (Some are even barefoot-friendly!)

From start to finish, the Deaton’s Waterfront Services team is here to help whenever you want to rent a dock. We’ll collaborate with you in the design, delivery, install, and removal to make your rental experience easier than ever. Please give us a call at (317) 747-4933 to get started, or send us a message to reserve your dock rental dates today!

Boat Lifts

How to Choose the Right Boat Lift

Leave a comment

There’s no one boat lift that’s hands-down “the best” because every boat and waterfront is different. Boat lifts are all about protecting your watercraft, so in a lot of ways, any lift can be a great investment. As long as it safely removes or stores your boat out of water, you’re getting a good deal. You just have to know which size and features are right for you.

Types of Boat Lifts

For simplicity’s sake, we’re talking about four different types of boat lifts for this article: stationary, floating, hydraulic, and cable. Each of these styles come in various sizes, but the general model is the same. The different boat lift styles all come with their own benefits, too. Finding the right one just depends on your personal criteria.

Stationary Boat Lift

Boat lifts that are stationary typically do best with low water fluctuation. Sites that have under eight feet of water often go with stationary boat lifts because these smaller models are relatively easy to install, especially for your PWC.

Floating Boat Lift

Going with a floating boat lift is often good for shorelines with a rapid drop-off, as well as docks that have over eight feet of water. Floating boat lifts work best for areas with lots of water fluctuation—which makes them super versatile.

Cable Boat Lift

Manual boat lifts, also known as cable boat lifts, are ideal for watercrafts of varying sizes. These lifts can safely handle boats all the way up to 5,000 lb. or more. (We’re big fans of the cable boat lift Wheel Lock Mechanism from ShoreStation.)

Hydraulic Boat Lift

Hydraulic boat lifts are great for their low maintenance and convenient boat entry. If you have a boat house or a large watercraft, a hydraulic lift is probably the way to go. These powerhouses can lift and lower your boat in about a minute, just with the touch of a button.

For long-term investment, it often helps to look at lifts that can be easily customized to fit any hull type. Boat lifts that come with multiple options and interchangeable features will usually deliver the best results for your money. They should work with the site and boat you have now, and still give you flexibility if you decide on getting any new watercrafts.

Finding the Right Boat Lift

The best boat lift for your watercraft must be suitable for your water depth and your boat’s weight and width. Knowing those measurements will automatically rule out a couple of boat lift options you might be considering. But if you still have trouble deciding, be sure to talk with a local waterfront services company. They’ll help give you an idea of which direction to go in—both for your needs now, and down the line.

Discussing your options with a boat lift professional can help you know what your best boat lift options might be for your area, watercraft, and lifestyle. You don’t want to make any mistakes calculating your dry weight or dock compatibility. A waterfront services company can help you find the right fit and even get you a great deal on used boat lifts.

Boat Lifts from Deaton’s Waterfront Services

Deaton’s Waterfront Services is an authorized dealer for the best boat lifts on the market today, including ShoreStation, Sunstream, and Poly Lift. We’re also proud of our used boat lift inventory. Whether you want a new lift or a used boat lift, we’d be happy to help you out.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Deaton’s Waterfront Services if you have any questions about installing a boat lift or would like to request a quote. Our experienced team of waterfront experts is here to make the process simple and streamlined so you can protect your boat for the long-term and enjoy your time on the water.

Dock Inspections

Pitfalls with Used Dock Equipment—and How to Avoid Them

Leave a comment

Buying waterfront property is a great when you love spending time on the water. Having a dock already installed can be really convenient, too. But try not to get ahead of yourself. Just because there’s water and a dock, the property may not be the best fit for your lifestyle.

Home inspections help tell you whether the house you’re looking at is structurally sound and built to code. Checking out a property’s used dock equipment works the same way. When you’re aware of the possible problems you can get with used docks, it’s a lot easier to save yourself from financial upsets—or even safety hazards—down the road. You might be in for a rough ride if the dock wasn’t installed properly.

Check for Dock Damage

It’s normal to do a home tour when you’re thinking of buying a new property, so don’t skip out on walking the used dock. Dock equipment ages just like anything else around your property. You’re looking for two things in the beginning: rot and rust. Noticing either of these signs could mean long-term trouble for your waterfront.

Used wood docks can develop rot for any number of reasons. The planks might not have been treated properly, the wood could be poor quality, or it’s just been neglected for too long. Because wood rot can spread, it’s important to take care of the issue early on. The same goes for rust. Metal supports or other components that appear to have rust may jeopardize the integrity of the structure. With enough damage, the dock may not be safe enough to use. Seeing either rot or rust should definitely be a red flag.

Professional Dock Inspection

Whether or not you see rust or rot problems, you might still consider taking a closer look at the dock equipment. A professional waterfront specialist can come out with the proper equipment to assess the durability and construction of the dock from every angle. It’s a great way to get true peace of mind before making an offer or purchase.

For starters, a professional dock inspection will let you know whether the support beams on a stationary dock have any problems with warping or cracks. These supports need to be strong if the dock is going to survive long-term use. Any indications of damage might lead to bigger safety issues.

Buyers should also be aware of the risks of foundation deterioration or sand band erosion around waterfront properties. Hiring a waterfront expert can help give you an unbiased opinion of the dock’s surroundings. Again, like home inspections, a dock inspection will offer you an in-depth analysis of the structure. If you’re going to make a well-informed decision about a new property or dock, you’ll want to have all the facts. They’ll either point out a couple concerns, or tell you it’s good to go!

Deaton’s Waterfront Services

You may have fallen in love with a waterfront view, but if the dock is severely damaged, you might need to think twice about making an offer. Will the dock last well into the future? Are you willing to pay for dock repairs? The structure needs to be stable and secure for you to truly enjoy life on the water. Talking with a dock expert can help you decide ahead of time whether the setup is right for you.

For more information or to schedule your own dock inspection, you can always call on Deaton’s Waterfront Services. We’re proud to serve the waterfront needs of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, and Tennessee. Contact us today to get started!

Deaton's Waterfront Services News, Midwest Boat Shows

The 2017 Midwest Boat Shows and Event Details

Leave a comment

Mark your calendar—this year’s boat shows are already underway! There’s no reason to only visit the event in your home-state. Each of the 5 big Midwest boat shows are worth checking out. Review the details below, and then get ready for a great year of outdoor fun.

Midwest Boat Shows for 2017

Cincinnati Boat Show

Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show 2017
When: January 13-15 & 18-22
Where: Duke Energy Convention Center
Admission Cost: $12 for adults
Reduced admission when you purchase in advance online

The 2017 Cincinnati Boat Show runs for a total of 8 days that are spread across 2 weekends this January. For stress-free parking, guests can even make online reservations. Just secure your guaranteed parking spot ahead of time to park near the Convention Center.

To celebrate their 60-year anniversary, the boat show is offering FREE admission on January 13th from 5:00-9:30pm. This is one party you won’t want to miss! With over 20 different marine dealers on display, there will be plenty to see at this year’s event.

Nashville Boat Show

Progressive Insurance Nashville Boat and Sportshow 2017
When: January 19-22
Where: Music City Center
Admission Cost: $12 for adults
Free admission for active military & veterans, and ages 15 & younger

The 2017 Nashville Boat Show runs for 4 days. The best parking access can be found at the 7th Avenue and Demonbreun entrance. Once you’re in, there are plenty of new boats and booth exhibits to check out.

If you plan to stop by this event, be sure to swing by one of the educational marine seminars. These 30-minute talks are a great way to learn more about your boating equipment and get some practical maintenance tips. You can even pick up a few tricks about easy camp cooking.

Louisville Boat Show

Progressive Insurance Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow 2017
When: January 25-29
Where: Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center
Admission Cost: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors
Free admission for active military & veterans, and ages 15 & younger

The 2017 Louisville Boat Show runs for 5 days. The Exposition Center has plenty of parking for $8, so it should be easy to find a spot.

Outdoor enthusiasts love this event because it features all the top gear for boating, fishing, and camping. In addition to the education seminars, guests will have a great time checking out this year’s featured products. There’s something here for everyone—whether you’re interested in dock equipment or the latest kayaks and watersport gear.

St. Louis Boat Show

Progressive Insurance St. Louis Boat & Sportshow 2017
When: January 26-29
Where: America’s Center & The Dome
Admission Cost: $12 for adults
Free admission for ages 15 & younger

The 2017 St. Louis Boat Show runs for 4 days at America’s Center & The Dome. Parking lots around the facilities will be available for $10-$15/car. Discounted parking spaces and a free shuttle service are located half a mile away.

This family-friendly event has lots of fun for all ages. There’s a paddle sports pool, catch-and-release trout pond, and even a make-believe pirate ship to explore. Other featured activities include professional casting demos and fishing tips seminars.

Indianapolis Boat Show

Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show 2017
When: February 17-26
Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds
Admission Cost: $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $8 for ages 6-12
Free admission for children ages 5 & younger

As the last event of the season, attending the 2017 Indianapolis Boat Show should definitely be high on your list. There’s always lots to see and do—which is probably why the show lasts for 9 days.

The speakers list at this year’s boat show are sure to impress the crowds. Fishing experts will teach visitors about new techniques and even share some advice on using different baits. No matter your skill level, there’s bound to be something new to learn!

If you’re planning to go to the Indianapolis Boat Show this year, please be sure to reach out. Deaton’s Waterfront Services is proud to be one of the 2017 exhibitors, and we have plenty of event tickets to share! Just send us a message—we’d be happy to set you up with a free pass.