Dock Design

How to Choose the Right PWC Port

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If you’re a new personal watercraft (PWC) or waterfront property owner, nothing beats a fun day riding around the lake during the summer. While riding around the lake is a blast, pulling the jet ski out of water is a tedious chore that nobody wants to do if they don’t have to. Fortunately, there’s a solution to storing your PWC that will leave it high and dry, and out of corrosive water. The EZ Port! The EZ Port series by EZ Dock is the market leader in PWC ports due to it’s ease of use, protection, and durability.

Why You Need A Jet Ski Port

Owning a lift for your personal watercraft is essential to protecting the investment value because it keeps the PWC in the original condition that it was in as the day you bought it. By taking a jet ski out of water after each use, you eliminate the long term problems that are associated with leaving a jet ski in the water. Over time a jet ski will get hull damage by rubbing and banging up against a dock when the wind picks up and the weather worsens. Water will also fade paint on the hull over time due to the acidity in unpurified water minerals. While both of these are cosmetic damage that can lead to a big problem later, they will decrease the value of the jet ski and make it look old quick. People want to keep their PWC shiny and new, and have it last a long time. Water will also damage the internal parts of a jet ski, causing them to rust and gunk up quick if constantly submerged. So a quick way to make your jet ski look old and not run right is to leave it in the water.

A PWC lift or jet ski port will suspend your jet ski out of water, allowing it to be safely stored in a dry location. There are many models of jet ski port on the market including standard crank lifts, foam-filled polyethylene ports, or even wooden lifts but none compare to the EZ Port series. With plenty of adjustable rollers, getting in and out of the water with an EZ Port is as simple as rolling on and sliding off.

How EZ Port Compares to Competition

While the market is full of competing PWC lifts, none offer the durability and ease-of-use as EZ Dock. There’s still EZ Ports from 25+ years ago in the water today! The two most common PWC lifts are stationary and floating. A stationary lift will sit in the water in a fixed location and typically requires a wheel to crank the PWC in and out of the water. Instead of spending time cranking, EZ Port owners are able to use the built-in adjustable rollers to pull on and slide off. EZ Ports face much more competition when compared against floating PWC lifts. A floating PWC lift rises and lowers with the water level, perfect for bodies of water with a lot of fluctuation.

The competition to the EZ Port all lacks a key feature in one way or another. For example, most PWC lift manufacturers also fill their product with marine foam. A foam-filled PWC port will hold up for a couple of years, but after a while they will start to get warped and the plastic will bubble. Those bubbles will fill with water, causing the port to slowly start to sink. Another negative factor of foam is the harm to the environment caused when the beads start to leak. EZ Ports are all hollow and constructed out of durable polyethylene, meaning they will hold up for decades. Another advantage EZ Ports have when it comes to durability is the single unit one piece construction. Some competitors offer their set ups in modular cubes or sections that need to be coupled together. The problem with these designs is the pressure put on them by bending and conforming to the weight of the hull of a PWC. Over time the links will weaken and eventually snap leading to expensive repairs. EZ Port offers the user the most durable construction while being the easiest to use.

Picking the Right EZ Port for Your Lift

Much like there are different sizes and models of PWC, EZ Port offers three different lifts. The EZ Port MAX 2i, the current industry standard, is designed for larger three seat PWCs and features 12 adjustable rollers that can be shaped to match the hull of a PWC. For smaller 2 seat PWC, the EZ Port VXP is designed to accommodate any brand of shorter PWC with a weight limit of up to 1,300 lbs. The newest offering, the EZ Port 280, will be 80″ wide with an additional 10″ walk space compared to the MAX 2i. While the choice may be a little confusing, you can find out more about the different models here.

If you’re interested in an EZ Port, or have any questions regarding PWC lifts feel free to reach out to our team of experts. We’ll work with you to determine the PWC you own and the right lift that fits your needs. As always, you can also call to talk to your local EZ Dock dealer at (800) 654-8168.

The Best Dock for Hotels and Resorts

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Have you ever been to the beach? It’s the spot most families on vacation like to travel to here in the winter time. People want to escape the snow and ice and go somewhere so warm that they forget the cold feeling. If you own a hotel or resort located on water, you can transform your waterfront into a hot spot destination with the right dock. With a dock on the water, your guests will be able to do several water activities: swim, boat, kayak, and of course you can always stop to admire the view!

Hotels & Resorts

Benefits of EZ Dock for Hotels and Resorts on the Water

A lot of hotels and resorts are located on the water, and several already have an EZ Dock system installed! EZ Dock is the perfect solution for hotels and resorts. With an incredible line of products that offers guests a way to enhance their favorite waterfront activities, EZ Dock can be shaped and configured into the ultimate set up that perfectly fits your needs. Here are a few of the benefits EZ Dock can bring your hotel. EZ Dock systems are:

  • Versatile: EZ Dock is a modular dock system, allowing you to design a dock to any shape or size you’d like. You can design a dock with multiple boat slips, a dock that just goes straight out, or a dock that looks like a traditional fishing pier. The best part? If you don’t like it, you can always shape it to something else. Designing a great dock for a hotel and resort is made easy with EZ Dock.
  • Safe: With a barefoot-friendly slip-resistant texture on the deck, guests will be able to run up and down the dock with no worries! The durable polyethylene material will never crack or splinter, and you’ll never have to worry about nails sticking out of the decking. Never worry about stepping on a hot deck and burning your feet due to the dock’s UV protection.
  • Low Maintenance: With EZ Dock’s safety comes durability. The construction of the section’s thick walls will prevent rotting, rusting, splintering. This means that yearly maintenance costs to maybe paint decking or replace anything that breaks will be nonexistent. This investment will pay itself off in the long run!

Dock Solutions for Hotels and Resorts

There are many ways to shape an EZ Dock to meet all of your needs. You can go with a L-Shape, T-Shape, I- or E-, whatever works best for the water you are located on. Our local dealers and team of experts will work with you to design the perfect solution for you and your guests to swim, boat, fish, walk, or anything else you can think of. Some solutions that we may suggest include:

  • Swim Platforms: Our floating swimming platforms are safe and accessible for all ages. They can be equipped with a water slide for even more fun! Give your guests a spot to rest a minute before they get back in the water for more fun!
  • PWC and Boat Rentals: A great source of extra income is to rent equipment for your guests to use while they enjoy their stay. Since they’re on the water and far from home, the chances of them owning a boat or jet ski is pretty low! Of course they’d like to be able to fully enjoy the experience, so a dock equipped with a few EZ Ports or BoatPorts will give them a chance to enjoy the water the way they want to.
  • Dock Accessories: In addition to giving your guests access to all the activities that are possible on the water, of course you’ll have a beautiful view that people would like to stop and enjoy. By equipping your dock with accessories such as benches with arm rests, swim ladders, and more, you’ll transform your dock from a place of activity to a cozy place to sit and relax.

More Information About EZ Hotel & Resort Docks

EZ Dock ensures the highest quality of safety with our dock sections. They are durable, stable, and offer slip-resistant grip. Your investment will be will protected, and will last nearly a lifetime. Hotels and resorts fall in love with EZ Dock when they see the weather it can handle, some systems have even held up in hurricanes! There will never be any worries about maintenance, you will not have to worry about repainting and maintenance schedules with EZ Dock. If you’re ready to improve your guests’ experience and waterfront property aesthetic – all while providing a strong return on investment, contact your nearest EZ Dock dealer today.

The Best Materials For Building A Boat Dock

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Designing a boat dock can be intimidating with all the choices you need to make to get the perfect dock for you. The main goal is to design a dock that will last as long as possible that will also fit your needs. One of the biggest factors in deciding how long your dock will last before needing repaired of replaced is the material it is constructed out of. Today we’ll discuss the different materials used for building boat docks and the benefits of each one.

Different Types of Boat Dock Materials

Wood

Wood is one of the two most common materials used for boat docks. If you’re on a budget, wood is by far the cheapest option you will find to build your dock out of. A lot of major hardware stores and marine suppliers even sell dock kits for you to build your own wooden dock. These normally include all hardware needed to fasten and secure the dock, all that would be needed is the wood.

The major disadvantage to owning a wooden dock is it’s short lifetime and all the maintenance that comes with it. Water and wood don’t work well with each other, and over time wood will begin to rot and splinter after several years of being exposed to the water. Wood is treated with chemicals to help resist water absorption, but over time that protective layer will fade away. The average life time of a wood boat dock is between 10 and 15 years. The different types of wood can also increase the life of a dock if a timber such as cedar is used. Great upkeep and maintenance, such as replacing individual boards as needed, will increase the life of the dock. Wood is a good option for budgets, but won’t last as long as other materials.

Steel

The next most common material option for boat docks is steel. Steel is a heavy, durable material that can withstand heavier loads of pressure from waves and traffic than wood. The tensile strength of steel allows it to bend and turn then return to it’s original form. This makes steel a better dock material for community docks or areas with more boat traffic. It is the strongest material that you can make a dock out of. As expected, such superior strength comes with an increase in price.

There are also some disadvantages with steel. The biggest concern you’ll have with steel is rust. As with wood, steel over time will degrade when exposed to wet conditions. To combat this and expand the life of a dock we dip steel dock frames into a mixture of molten zinc to give it a protective layer against corrosion. This process is called hot-dipped galvanization. The average life time of a steel dock is around 50 years. Compared to wood, steel is a far superior option.

Aluminum

Another form of metal that is great for docks is Aluminum. It is a lightweight material that has nearly the same strength as steel. The greatest thing about aluminum compared to steel is the resistance to corrosion. Aluminum doesn’t lose its strength while in the water oxidizing, meaning it lasts considerably longer than steel and requires next to no maintenance. However, aluminum is more expensive than steel. The lifespan of aluminum is higher than steel, so you’re looking at around 65+ years of use with this material. If you’re looking for a durable, cool-to-the-touch, lightweight material then aluminum is the best option for you.

Polyethylene (EZ Dock)

A great material for the water that will never rot, splinter, or rust is plastic. Plastic, such as polyethylene, can be used to create durable, floating dock sections that will last longer than any of the materials listed above. It features the durability and longevity of aluminum, without the high price. In addition to its durability, EZ Dock sections also offer flexibility when it comes to design and budget. With EZ Dock, you’re able to expand, reconfigure, or remove sections of your dock with ease. No other material offers this flexibility in the design. You also won’t have to worry about decking and floats with EZ Dock, so it’s pretty budget friendly compared to the other options. Overall if you are looking for a dock with the least amount of headaches that will last the longest, then EZ Dock is your option.

If you’re interested in building a new boat dock, or have any questions regarding the materials discussed in this blog feel free to reach out to our team of experts for more information. We’ll make sure to understand all of your needs and come up with the perfect solution for you!

Best Water Features for Camps and Parks

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Every dock has a different layout depending on its use. A dock can just be used for accessing your boat, but there are so many other activities out on the water! It’s always important to have the activities that you plan on doing kept in mind when buying a new dock. Activities such as fishing, swimming, and kayaking are just a few fun activities that are needed for summer camps and parks to enjoy more of what their waterfront has to offer.

Enjoying a nice kayak ride is a great way to spend a day in the summer!

The Top 3 Waterfront Features for Parks and Summer Camps

Most people would choose to spend a hot summer day out on the water if they could, in our opinion. Summer Camps and Parks love to offer kids and families a chance to experience the fun on the water, but they often don’t lack the proper dock layout for all the activities. A good dock layout plans on the activities that it will be used for, such as a fishing pier for catching fish. Here are some great ideas for dock layouts that will greatly benefit your summer camps and public parks.

1. Swimming Platform

If you’re on a lake or pond, or any other body of water that has little flow and fluctuation, then a swimming platform is a great idea. It allows for campers to be able to jump in and out of the water with ease. The great thing about swimming platforms is they’re pretty budget friendly! Platforms can also feature addons such as a waterslide. A swim platform is a great investment that will increase your swimming activity on your water for many years.

2. Kayak and Canoe Launch

Kayaking is another popular summer activity, with many people paddling up and down lakes and rivers. Most kayakers will know, getting into your kayak or canoe from a dock that’s high above the water is no easy task. Fortunately, EZ Dock offers many great kayak launch options. These allow for kayakers to safely enter and launch their kayak with ease. Plus there’s no risk of them falling into the water! There’s other methods for allowing kayaking access as well, such as having a low profile dock. With a dock close to the water height, these dock sections are great for small boating activities and they’re great for rowing teams!

3. Fishing Piers

Having a public fishing access is a great feature for parks and camps to offer those that don’t own a boat, but love the water. If you’re interested in a fishing pier it’s best to consult your local marine construction expert for planning and design. They’ll help determine what solution works best to allow people to access the water without having to get in.

Keeping Your Waterfront Safe with ADA

While your dock is being installed, make sure you keep the safety of your users in mind. As always, make sure the right anchoring method is used to ensure that your dock is stable and secure. Make sure your swim platform is far out and deep enough that nobody will get hurt if they jump in.

If you’re interested in a new dock for your summer camp or public park, look no further than the easiest solution available: EZ Dock! EZ Dock is a modular dock system that can be shaped into any type of configuration. Not only is it easy to adapt, but it’s also durable! With a lifetime rating of up to 60 years, EZ Dock will be the maintenance free solution your park or camp needs. For more information, feel free to contact us.