EZ Dock

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.

Introducing the New EZ Port 280

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The EZ Port line of personal watercraft (PWC) lifts by EZ Dock has been considered by many to be the best line of lifts on the market. Since launching the series in 1996, over time the ports have evolved to include adjustable rollers and self-centering split entry to make getting in and out of the water with your PWC effortless. EZ Dock even invented the in-line port system as a way to store multiple ports in a tight slip. After the recent release of the EZ Port VXP for smaller 2-seat PWC, EZ Dock went back to the drawing board to improve the design of the award winning EZ Port MAX 2i. Today we’re proud to introduce the EZ Port 280, the widest PWC Port on the market!

EZ Port in Action

EZ Port 280 Features:

The EZ Port 280 combines the best of both worlds: The strength and durability of EZ Dock combined with the ease of use of EZ Port. With a width of 6′-6″, the EZ Port 280 is 10″ wider than any other port EZ Dock offers. This allows for more stability and walk room for PWC enthusiasts. The EZ Port 280 is the perfect solution for anyone looking for a way to easily get in and out of the water while storing a PWC safely. With it’s adjustable rollers, the EZ Port 280 can be configured to match any shape or size of hull.

EZ Port 280:

  • Has an additional 10″ of width compared to an EZ Port MAX 2i
  • Makes launching a PWC as easy as rolling off into water
  • Built-in bow stop to prevent overshooting
  • Protects PWC from weather damage
  • Prevents marine growth from building up on hull protecting your investment
  • Features (10) adjustable rollers that can accommodate any PWC
  • Can be attached to any EZ Dock, existing floating dock, or stand alone.
  • Can be installed in any Marina
  • Easy to install
  • Available in Beige or Gray

What is the EZ Port 280 Price?

The EZ Port 280 will be available in the late summer of 2021. However, it is now available for pre-order! For more information about pricing and available contact your local dealer.

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.

Why Do I Need to Store My Boat on a Lift?

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Boat are made for the water, so one might think “Why don’t I just leave my boat in the water?”. While boats are designed to travel on water, leaving a boat in the water either year round or for the entire season will damage a boat. Many new boat owners may be surprised to hear this. Leaving your boat in the water will cause your investment to lose value a lot sooner, leading to more money being spent at some point. Fortunately, there is a solution to protect a boat and leave it out on the water without having to pull it in and out every time: a boat lift!

A boat safely stored on a lift.

Types of Damage Cause by Water

Leaving your boat in the water will lead to everything below the waterline to corrode over time due to the acidic nature of water minerals. Water is very detrimental to a boat’s hull. A couple of the most common damage types caused by leaving a boat in the water are blisters in the hull’s lining or the color fading over time. A boat sitting in water will also have lime and algae cover the hull, so there will be a sticky residue on the bottom. Damage caused by leaving a boat in water can all be prevented by simply lifting the boat above the waterline with a lift.

Benefits of Owning A Boat Lift

A boat lift will pay for itself over time by keeping your boat in the condition that you bought it in. There are many types of boat lifts designed to fit all types of docks and water conditions, it’s just a matter of finding the perfect one that fits your needs. By keeping your boat above the waterline, you’re going to save hundreds of dollars in maintenance over the years. Another big benefit of a boat lift is the stability provided. Having a boat in a secure place where it won’t go anywhere makes boarding much easier.

EZ BoatPort: The Simplest Solution to Boat Lifts

No matter what type of boat you own or what your needs might be, EZ Dock will find a solution. For boat owners, we offer a drive-on boat lift that makes the launching and docking process a breeze: the EZ BoatPort. An EZ BoatPort simply requires the user to drive right on, and back right off without any cranking or labor needed. A BoatPort can accommodate any size boat, except pontoons. With the right configuration for your hull, even a beginning boater will be able to safely store their dock out of water.

An EZ BoatPort in action.

EZ BoatPort is also a maintenance-free option! With its durable polyethylene construction, an EZ BoatPort will never rust, have cables snap, need legs replaced, need a new winch tube, or any of the headaches that come with owning a steel or aluminum boat lift. It can stand on it’s own, be attached to any existing floating or stationary dock, and of course is instantly compatible with any EZ Dock system.

If you’re interested in a new boat lift solution, look no further than EZ Dock! Our EZ BoatPort series can make life easier for any boat owner. No more damage from the water or mother nature to your boat. It’s time to protect your investment and keep it in the shape it was in the day you bought it! Those interested in getting a boat lift near them can feel free to contact us, or give us a call at (800) 654-8168.

The FAQs of EZ Dock

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EZ Dock is one of the best solutions available for waterfront owners. However, after years of traditional steel and wood docks being the most common dock installed people may be a little hesitant to abandon what they know for a product they are uninformed about. 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 (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 Top 5 Reasons to Rent a Floating Dock

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There are many special occasions that can be held on the water or use a boat dock, but they don’t necessarily need a permanent floating dock setup. A great solution for events is dock rentals. With a temporary installation, you get the best of both worlds—a custom waterfront setup without the long-term commitment.

Whether you’re looking to rent a floating dock for work or play, an experienced waterfront services company can help you out with everything from dock design to installation. Rental options can range from one day to a full year. No matter what the occasion is, EZ Dock can build the perfect floating dock option to meet your needs.

Top 5 Events for Dock Rentals

1. Swim Meet Dock Rentals

Marinas and Parks love to rent docks for their one day or weekend athletic events. With a temporary installation a floating dock rental can transform a body of water, such as a small lake or pond, into the perfect spot to host an open body swim meet. A temporary install will help you run any event flawlessly without a long-term investment.

The best floating docks come with a modular setup that makes renting cost-effective too. Our expert design team will work with your to customize the perfect temporary solution for your event. Designing the dock that fits the needs of your participants and event crew is easy! Just rent whatever dock pieces you need, and there will be plenty of space to be able to walk around or dry-dock for a safe and professional event.

2. Dock Rentals for Regattas

Another popular athletic event for dock rentals is boat or canoe regattas. With EZ Dock’s modular floating dock system, many colleges and universities transform their indoor pools or Natatoriums into the perfect spot for rowing participants. Most rowers prefer EZ Dock’s Low Profile dock sections which allow for safe entry into a canoe due to its low freeboard height close to the water.

3. Construction Platform Rentals

When performing construction near the water it can be difficult to maneuver heavy operating equipment into the proper position. But there’s a way to access everything from the water – with a floating construction platform! Due to their durable construction, EZ Dock sections can support a heavy load. While renting a barge is always an option, EZ Dock can design a floating platform in an economic way.

EZ Dock systems are durable and weather resistant. Constructed out of High Density Polyethylene, EZ Dock sections are built to last for many years to come. Our dock systems are even able to withstand hurricanes and tropical storms! With EZ Dock, you’ll never worry about maintenance from rotting, splintering, or rusting.

4. Summer Camp Floating Docks

The top priorities for a summer camp when searching for a dock solution are safety and cost. While most would usually think of a wood dock as the best affordable option for a camp, there is always a safety concern with wooden planks rotting. Fortunately, EZ Dock is the perfect choice that combines the top two needs. With a slip-resistant decking texture, no other option offers the safety that EZ Dock can. The sturdy polyethylene surface is a great upgrade on the old classic wood docks, and renting can be a lot most cost effective than replacing an outdated setup.

5. Dock Rentals for Summer Events

There are many more activities that can be listed on this blog, but we have to narrow it down to 5. Our last great reason to rent a dock is for any summer event you may want to have on the water. Obviously this is a very broad topic, but it can include anything from a concert, a movie theater, or even church! Our modular dock system can be shaped to the perfect arrangement for whatever you may think of. With the durable material, you’ll never have to worry about weather causing damage to the dock while you rent.

If you’re interested in renting a dock for your next event, feel free to contact our experts to get you started. We will work with you to determine your needs for the event, and come up with a solution that will leave you to focus on other planning. Make your next event the hot spot to be!

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!

The Top 5 Accessories Dock Owners Need

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Owning a boat dock serves more than just one function besides being a stable platform to get in and out of your boat. There are many activities and fun to be had on the water, but some can be difficult if they aren’t the first thing in mind when designing a dock. Some people don’t think about having a ladder as an access point for swimming for example. Today we’re going to look at some great accessories a boat dock owner needs to get the most out of their dock!

EZ Dock System Equipped with Many Accessories

1. EZ Dock Bench Kit

On a platform where so much action is performed, maybe there should be a spot to rest for a little inaction? Look no further than the EZ Dock Bench Kit. Featuring two polyethylene planks that will never rot, splinter, or rust, the bench kit from EZ Dock is a great investment for people that just love to spend time outside soaking up sun! This kit can come included with armrests with built-in drink holders too! The EZ Dock bench kit will make your dock the hot spot to go relax.

2. EZ Dock Swim Ladder

For those that love to get in the water for a dip, the EZ Dock Swim Ladder makes getting in and out easy and safe. Getting in the water is hardly a problem for swimmers, but without an access point it can be difficult. Mostly people with a lot of upper body strength are going to be able to pull themselves up onto a dock, and it’s a pretty unsafe method of doing so. With the EZ Dock swim ladder, everyone is able to safely get themselves in and out of the water. The ladder has no exposed hardware, and is capable of a weight capacity of up to 400 lbs.

3. EZ Dock Pocket Filler Lights

With this great accessory your dock becomes more than just the go-to spot during the day, but it will also become the hot spot at night! EZ Dock Pocket Filler Lights fit right into the pockets on an EZ Dock meaning there’s really no installation required. These solar lights are a great way for you to light your dock up and not worry about wiring and electricity.

4. 8″ Nylon Cleats

The main purpose of a boat dock is to have a place to safely and securely store your boat. Without a way of keeping it anchored and secure, it’s going to float away. With our nylon cleats, you’ll have a method of tying up your boat so you’ll know exactly where it will be the next time you come to look for it. EZ Dock nylon cleats are simple to install, just simple screw the 2 screws down to hold it in place!

5. EZ Dock Bumper Kit

Some boaters overlook the protection needed to keep their dock and boat safe from weather and wind damage. Without bumper or some other form of protection, wind will cause a boat to be blown into a dock where waves will cause it to repeatedly crash into the dock causing damage to both the dock and the hull of the boat. Thankfully, EZ Dock bumper is easy to install with only a few screws, and provides a large barrier of protection to help keep your boat and dock good as new!

If you’re interested in more of EZ Dock’s accessories be sure to check out our accessory page here. We offer much more than what’s listed in this blog including several storage box options. If you’re curious as to what would be the best solution for your dock, reach out to our team of experts and we’ll gladly assist you with any questions you may have. If you’re interested in a new dock solution, look no further than EZ Dock! Call today to find out about the best modular dock system currently on the market today at (800) 654-8168.

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.