News

  • 10 Jun
    Considerations for Types of Docks

    Considerations for Types of Docks

    There are various different types of docks available in the industry, and it is basically all down to the type of pond and personal preference that determines the type of dock you get. There are also certain environmental considerations that you should take into account when building a dock. The type of shoreline that you have as well as the lake bottom also plays a role in what type of dock you should you build. So, if you’re looking to build a brand new dock, here are some of the environmental considerations you should take into account:

    Consider the depth of the lake beds

    You may have a lot of skill and experience in building docks, but you need to consider the type of lake bed that you have as well as the depth of the bed. Pay attention to the layout of the shoreline, as well as the bottom of the lake, since it is going to determine, what design, layout or installation you should get for your dock.

    Rule of thumb for lake bottoms

    The rule of thumb you need to follow for the bottom of the lake is that they need to be flat and sandy. The depth of the dock should only be about a few feet away from the shore. If the bottom of the lake is stony and not sandy, then you will experience some problems, and you may need to adjust the depth of your dock according to it.

    That is why it is important that you measure the length and depth of your lake accurately. You should know that most lakes are refilled and drawn down, depending on the seasons and the water needs of the locals. This can cause the depth of your lake to vary over time, and your dock needs to account for this factor as well.

    The demand for floating docks

    Floating docks are in such high demand, because they can move in and out of the lake. You will also not have to worry about the depth of the lake, since you can adjust your dock accordingly. If you haven’t got a clue regarding the environment changes of your lake, you can ask the locals or the neighbors who have their own docks. You should go check out their docks in order to determine how they operate once the depth of the lake changes.

    It is advised that you should speak with the local dock builders, for valuable advice on the type of dock you should get for your lake.

    By admin Dock Lake
  • 06 Jun
    Dock Repairs – Signs Your Dock Needs TLC

    Dock Repairs – Signs Your Dock Needs TLC

    If you have a boat dock that you have built for enjoying activities, such as fishing, boating, or swimming, it is perfectly natural for it to show signs of wear and tear over many years. You may have begun to notice how the walkway has become bent or crooked or the some parts of it have been chipped away due to years of wave and ocean currents.

    The hard part, however, is deciding if it requires a few repairs or gone beyond its use and need a replacement. Having this clarity can help you save a considerable amount of money in repairs. The following are a few warning signs for deciding when to replace your boat dock.

    Dock supports show cracks

    If you notice your dock supports have cracks or are bent, then this is one strong sign that you boat dock needs replacing. The force of strong waves and ocean currents can result in the boat dock structure to bund due to the high pressure. If this is too much, it can even lead the dock supports to become crack and break.

    Another possible reason behind cracks on your dock supports could be the impact of running your boat into the dock structure. If you notice that the cracks are small and on individual beams, you can easily get the damaged parts replaced. However, if these cracks have affected a large section of the dock, then you have no choice but to replace it entirely.

    The waterline foundation has taken damage

    Damage to the foundation under the waterline is another strong indicator. Such kind of damage is extremely dangerous as it is the basis upon which your boat docking structure rests. If you notice any major cracks or erosion, be sure to have you dock replaced in its entirety.

    Rust on platforms and supports

    Due to the dock coming into contact with water so frequently, there is bound to be a build-up of moisture, which can result in rusted dock supports and platforms. This is not a big thing if the affected area is small in size since you can easily get it repaired. However, if it has affected a very large area, then it replacing your boat dock is long overdue.

    Rotting of wood in multiple areas

    If you have a wooden boat dock, it is perfectly normal for it to rot due to water fungus and wear and tear. However, if you find that the rotting has spread to multiple areas simultaneously, you should not try wasting any time for repairs as it will be very expensive and pointless. Simply get your boat dock replaced to be make the most of your boating or other outdoor adventures.

  • 02 Jun

    Seadooing on the Lake

    The sea-doo is a personal watercraft that is also known as a water scooter. It is used for recreational purposes, and the rider generally sits or stands on the ride. There are two categories for sea-doo, the first one is the sit-down ride, while the next one is the stand-up ride. Riders, who are looking to do tricks, usually prefer the stand-up sea-doo, since it is easier and lighter to handle. There are also sea-door rides that are designed for more than one person, but if you’re looking to perform some tricks, then you should definitely go with the stand-up model of the sea-doo.

    There isn’t much you can do on a sit-on, which is why we have recommended a stand-up sea-doo to everyone. It is much easier to perform tricks on, but there are certain levels of tricks that you have to pay attention to as well. For instance, there are tricks for beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders. It all depends on what your skill level is at, because then you can perform a whole host of tricks.

    Different types of tricks

    The first that you need to learn is that there are different levels of tricks, and the next is the type of tricks that you can perform while sea-dooing or wakeboarding. Here are some of the different types of tricks that you can perform:

    • Surface tricks

    • Grabs

    • Spins

    • Inverts

    • Raley-based

    • Handle pass inverts

    It also depends on your athleticism, since if you are athletic, you will be able to perform rotational tricks, and do air grabs much more easily with your wakeboard or sea-doo.

    Your First Trick

    If you want to impress your friends with your sea-dooing and wakeboarding tricks, then here is one simple and enjoyable trick that can be mastered in a few hours. However, you are advised to make sure that the conditions are perfect for taking your sea-doo or wakeboard out for tricks.

    The bunny hop

    The bunny hop is very simple and only involves you dipping the nose of the sea-doo slightly in the water, and then hitting the gas, which will cause it to hop out of the water. Make sure that you’re leaning forward and then jump hard so that your bodyweight allows the sea-doo to hop. This is a safe trick that can be performed by almost anyone on a jetski or a sea-doo.

  • 28 May
    Docks for Different Shorelines

    Docks for Different Shorelines

    The warm heat of the summer season has begun to descend upon us and what better way to make the most of it than to enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating near the shores. If you live in a location near a lake or a river, you need to build a dock to accommodate your summer adventures. However, the task of choosing the right dock for your shoreline is far from easy; there are various factors you need to consider in order to ensure your dock is ideally suited to your shoreline.

    Types of docks for each shoreline

    Floating docks

    These are perfect for lakes in which the water level changes constantly or is very deep. You do not have to worry about removing it during the winter season, as long as it is detached and towed to a safe area. Floating docks are made out of steel tubes or plastic billets, and you can easily find it in a range of shapes and widths.

    Permanent docks

    Permanent docks are well known for having robust stability since they are made out of steel pilings that are inserted deep into the lake bottom. A steel structure is also constructed on top in the form of various decking options. Permanent docks are best suited for lakes that have a stable water level. However, they are the more expensive of docking options and cannot withstand ice.

    Pipe docks

    These are relatively easier to remove during the winter season for preventing damage due to icing. Building from aluminum frames, pipe docks are available in a range of designs and shapes and are also the least expensive.

    Lift-up docks

    These are similar to pipe docks since they stand on legs and can easily be moved and raised during the winter season. By using a winch, these docks can be hooked into it and raised with exceptional ease and made into L and T shapes.

    How to decide which dock is right for you?

    Since there are so many types of docks and configurations to choose from, you need to consider various factors to decide one that best suits your shoreline. First of all, you need to decide the purpose of your dock. This means answering whether you will need it for swimming or boating or whether you will stay during winter?

    Secondly, you need to think about how easily you can install and remove the dock as per your needs. Can you do it by yourself or will you require specialist help? Thirdly, you should consider how expensive maintenance and repair costs are.

    These considerations will enable you to have a much deeper understanding behind your dock building decision.

  • 28 May
    How to Anchor Your Dock

    How to Anchor Your Dock

    When you are choosing the perfect docking system for your cottage, you have to pay proper attention to the type of dock, the exact makeup of your shoreline, as well as the type of waterway that you will be using. All of these factors play a role in determining what dock and ramp system you should get. The main thing that you should focus on is getting something that is both, well designed and structurally robust. Anchoring your dock is n investment, which is why you should heed the tips that are mentioned below:

    #1 Know the different types of anchor docks

    If you have a floating dock, it is obvious that it will require anchoring. Large concrete blocks that weigh from 250 to 3,000 pounds are considered ideal anchors for them. You can attach anchor chains to the blocks in a crisscross style, and when the water recedes during summer you can adjust the chains. People also use guy wires that extend from the shoreline to the side of the dock, and when these 2 systems are combined together, they provide a fail-safe anchoring system.

    Lift and pipe docks are generally not anchored at the bottom of the like, as they can be placed strategically on base pads. Concrete anchors are considered as the best way to secure floating docks, so make sure that you use galvanized chains that can be attached to the dock.

    #2 Pick the right option with silty lakebeds

    If the lakebed is silty, you can try 18”x18” concrete pier pads. If you have a lift or pipe dock, which has a boat tied to it, you should then put a large concrete block right under the dock to provide extra stability. This will keep your dock firmly in place even if a storm tries to upset it.

    #3 Not all types of shoreline provide the best fit for a dock

    People generally require floating docks on shorelines that have fluctuating water levels or those that have muddy water. If your feet are sinking up to your knees when you walk to the lake, then it is considered as the best place for a floating dock.

    If you have a solid shoreline or one that drops off quickly, then you should definitely consider a floating dock. Make sure that the floating dock is more than 6 feet wide, since anything less than that can be quire unstable.

    On the other hand, lift and pipe docks are the preferred choices on lakes that don’t have soft bottoms and the water isn’t very deep.

    By admin Dock Lake ,
  • 21 May
    Getting Your Dock Ready for Summer

    Getting Your Dock Ready for Summer

    Spring is here, winding it’s way to summer and visions of fishing, sailing, swimming or just laying out on your dock with a good book as you enjoy the sunshine. Before the summer is in full swing take a look at some things to do to get your dock ready for the summer.

    Things to inspect when getting your dock ready.

    • Check to see whether your dock is level and not tilting one way or the other.
    • Make sure you any loose boards, or rotten ones that need replacing, check to see if they are still well attached.
    • With wood, you will want to apply an annual sealant to protect it from the effects of the sun and water.
    • Are your hinges still in good working order? Are all of the pins attaching them in place?
    • Is your anchoring in place? Make sure your cables are in good shape, not broken or frayed.
    • Make sure your handrails are secure and provide good support for walking.
    • Make sure any boat lifts are still mounted tightly and are in working condition.

    Consider contracting with us for some of your maintenance needs.

    After taking note of the condition of your dock, decide whether you want to go ahead and contract with someone for maintenance, depending on the extent of preparation needed and the time involved. You may contact us to discuss repair and maintenance needs. Give us a call and let us know how we can help you.

  • 16 May
    25 Fun Things to do at the Lake

    25 Fun Things to do at the Lake

    Looking for fun things to do at the lake? The lake is the perfect place to get away for fun, exercise, quiet and to make memories.

    So, What are some fun things to do at the lake?

    1. Swimming, of course.
    2. Water Skiing, which brings us to the next fun thing…
    3. Speeding through the water in a motor boat with the wind whipping in your hair.
    4. Jet-skiing, solo or in groups, like a motor-bike on the water.
    5. Hanging out with friends on a pontoon boat.
    6. Fishing off of a dock or a boat.
    7. Taking a walk and exploring… watching for wildlife.
    8. Taking photographs of the beauty around you.
    9. Paddle Boarding, standing while you paddle gives you a whole different view.
    10. Canoeing or Kayaking.
    11. Sports on the beach (volleyball, soccer, football, frisbee, jogging)
    12. Chatting and singing around a campfire at night beside the lake.
    13. Snorkeling (in clear lakes).
    14. Body surfing if your lake has the waves for it.
    15. Skimming across the water in your sailboat.
    16. Windsurfing, a cross between surfing and sailing.
    17. Kite flying off the edge of the dock or in your boat when the wind is up.
    18. Wakeboarding and kneeboarding.
    19. Kite boating and kite surfing two unique spins on boating and surfing.
    20. Parasailing for those who like speed and heights. Imagine the views.
    21. Jumping on water trampolines in the lake.
    22. Brave enough to try a flyboard?
    23. Rowing in a paddle boat.
    24. Ice fishing (some lakes, but certainly not in the summer).
    25. Sailing in a Catamaran.

    Don’t stop with these ideas, create a Pinterest board to get you ready for the summer. Here is a link to start you pinning. There are an endless array of fun things to do at the lake; your journey has just begun!

    By admin Lake
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