Resorts & Marinas

Spring Dock Checklist to Get Your Waterfront Ready for Boating Season

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When the temperatures start rising again and we say so-long to winter, that means it’s time to do a little prep work around your waterfront. If you’re going to enjoy your dock right away, everything needs to be in good shape!

An Easy Checklist for a Great Season

The cold weather, fluctuating water levels, and ice from winter can cause problems around your waterfront that may not be noticeable right away. That’s why it’s important to take a little time for a spring inspection. You want your dock to be safe and functional for the months ahead. Here’s our best advice to stay in the clear.

1. Start with the Dock Anchoring

The first step is easy. We always recommend walking the entire structure of your dock at the first sign of spring. You want to look for any wear or damage that might have happened during winter, like connections getting loose or shifting dock sections. The decking should feel secure and stable. If things seem off, you might want to call on our team. A dock is only as reliable as its anchoring system. Catching small issues early can help you avoid larger repairs later on in the season.

2. Inspect Any Dock Accessories

Spring also needs to be the time for you to check out the equipment connected to your dock. If you have a boat lift, kayak launch, or swim platform farther out, be sure to take a minute to run through a quick inspection. You can look for signs of corrosion or loose components, and then figure out a time to get things fixed before the season really gets underway.

3. Quickly Clean Up Your Dock

Over the course of winter, a lot of docks can get covered up with leaves and algae. A little cleaning will get things looking good again, and can also help with safety. Wash off your dock to get rid of any slippery buildup and extend the life of your decking.

4. Evaluate Your Shoreline

Your shoreline probably experienced some changes in water levels during the winter months, and there might be some general erosion issues that need attention. Look for signs of soil loss or shifting riprap, and confirm that you don’t have any seawall sections getting weak. Making repairs early can keep your shoreline from any extra damage that might come when the boat traffic picks up during summer.

5. Make Sure Your Dock Layout Still Meets Your Needs

Maybe your family is growing or you’re exploring some new recreational activities. That might mean you’re ready to make some upgrades! Adding an extra slip, easier kayak access, better swim areas, or a new space for entertaining could be great for getting the most out of your waterfront. You can always talk with us about making some expansions or reconfiguring your layout this spring. Just drop us a line!

Partner with Deaton’s Waterfront Services for Dock Repairs and Upgrades

At Deaton’s Waterfront Services, we work with homeowners, marinas, and municipalities throughout the Midwest to keep their waterfront structures safe and functional for the long-run. From dock inspections and layout adjustments, to new installations and shoreline improvements, we bring decades of marine construction experience to every project.

If it looks like it’s time for some repairs or upgrades after your spring inspection, our team is here to help. We’ll work with you to evaluate your options and create a plan that works for your goals and budget. It all starts with a quick consultation. Contact us today!

How to Properly Use A Public Boat Ramp

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During the boating season, public boat ramps are a high traffic area that can be a little intimidating to new lake goers. Frustration usually runs high on the public boat ramp due to long waits and owners wanting to ensure they safely get their boat in and out of the water. If you have someone that doesn’t know what they are doing take up the ramp, it’s going to back up traffic and increase frustration. Today we’re going to go over some guidelines to make sure you have an easy and stress-free launching process.

How to Use A Public Boat Ramp

Using a public boat ramp is actually a simple process once you’ve gotten the hang of it. Most boat ramps are a big parking lot, so there is plenty of room to park somewhere to make sure your boat is ready for the ramp. Check the drain plug and make sure the motor and battery are working before getting to the ramp to help prevent a clog at the ramp.

When ready to launch your boat, back up straight until your boat’s motor is just deep enough in the water for you to back off the trailer into it. It really helps if you have someone with you during this process, but it can be done by yourself. Once you’re all set in the water, tie off to an area out of the way while you go park your vehicle.

Pulling your boat out of water is a bit more difficult than getting it in, but the process is very similar. Back your trailer into the water where the boat will be able to drive up onto it. On your boat, slowly throttle forward until you are pulled up on the trailer and your motor is barely in the water. Strap your boat down then crank up the winch to pull it out of the water the rest of the way.

Proper Public Boat Ramp Etiquette

There are a few things to keep in mind while using the boat ramp to be mindful of others. As stated earlier, tempers usually run hot at the boat ramp so do what you can to avoid an unnecessary confrontation. Some things to make sure you do while using the ramp include:

  • Make sure your boat is running properly before putting it in the water.
  • Stay in your lane to avoid hogging the boat ramp all to yourself. Remember others are using it too.
  • Don’t take all day getting set and prepared at the ramp. Quickly use it to launch your boat and secure it.

If you are respectful of those around you, everything should be fine. It doesn’t matter if you take a little time or not as long as others have a chance to get their boat in and out of the water and they aren’t affected by you.

By keeping this information about using a boat ramp in mind, your trips to the lake will go smoothly! If you’re interested in EZ Dock feel free to contact us, or give us a call at (800) 654-8168. Our team of dock experts will work with you to design the perfect solution for your needs.

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.