Dock Bumpers/Protection - MORE Style - Color - Options

We recently added a selection of beige products to our line of DOCK PROTECTION.  



Now, we are excited that some of our most popular items are available in black.  

  

Dock Bumpers/Protection - Style - Color - Options

Our options in outfitting our docks with protection is getting a style upgrade.  So many new products are available to us that we no longer have to install white bulky bumpers.  Of course, white is still an option and a preferred choice by many, but they are more streamlined and tailored to fit just about every section of your dock.  While the protectors still serve their primary purpose of protecting our dock and watercraft, it's become stylish and an addition to our outdoor setting.

Here are some new or improved products available:

Removable Chafe Guards fit 3/8" to 7/8" line (10 mm to 23 mm). Great for anchor lines or mooring pennants, where chafing through a line could cost you the boat. Velcro® brand hook fasteners on the inside of the guard grip the line securely; no need for additional strings or ties. 

These large, durable bumpers add an attractive and functionally rugged cushion to the leg pipes of your docking system.Place them on dock leg pipes over the mounting brackets to prevent damaging your watercraft from protruding bolts.  Available in the standard white, or Blue (as shown below) and Black.

 

Water Games

Here in Florida we regularly visit sandbars located in the St Johns River where we join dozens of neighboring boaters for a relaxing day on the water.  Music.....laughter and just great socializing among people we know and people we've never met before.

I came across this Inflatable PONGO BONGO Beverage Pong Table that I think would make a great addition to our entertainment and thought I would share it.  Please share if you have other water games that you enjoy.

PONGO BONGO is a floating inflatable game table equipped with 12 cup holders on each side.  Durable thick gauge vinyl construction. Hang it from a ceiling in your game room or tether it to a moored boat or dock with the 4 molded rope holders welded to the sides. When you're done playing, turn it over and use it as a pool float or air mattress.d caption

Vessel Safety check

What is a Vessel Safety Check?

Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a courtesy examination of your boat (vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. The volunteer VSC examiner may also make recommendations and discuss safety issues that can make you a safer boater. No citations will be given if the boat does not pass. The examiner will supply you with a copy of the evaluation so that you may follow up with any recommendations. Vessels that pass the examination will be able to display the distinctive VSC decal. The decal does not exempt boaters from law enforcement boarding but indicates to boarding officers that the boat has been examined and found to be in compliance with safety equipment regulations.

What agency is responsible for performing a Vessel Safety Check?  

The volunteer Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and a member of either the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons, or in some cases state volunteer examiners.

How can I get my recreational vessel inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary?  

Visit the Vessel Safety Check website at: http://www.safetyseal.net. Click on the tab labeled "I want a VSC." Enter your 5-digit ZIP Code and the program will search the database to locate examiners closest to your location.

State Boating Laws

With spring right around the corner many of us are planning to attend a local boat show and become a first time boat owner or maybe just get a look at the new boats on the market.  

With all of this excitement comes a lot of questions around what licenses and courses are legally required to operate a recreational boat.  Some potential and even some experienced boaters are not aware that laws vary by state.  So to help us all adhere to our state laws, below are links to help prepare for a safe boating season and getting those answers we need.

To get specific laws for each state visit http://www.nasbla.net/referenceguide/ and check the state-by-state reference guide, or contact your state’s boating authority.

To register or update your Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) - visit http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov.  

For more information visit the NOAA website at http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/beacon.html

Outfitting Your Boat With LED Lighting

Installing LED Lights to any size and style of boat is an attractive enhancement.  LED Lights come in various colors, styles and sizes and and can be installed practically anywhere.  We just outfitted our boat with LED cup holders, courtesy lights, swim platform light bars and light bars under the bow pockets.  Depending on the lights, you may not want to run with all of the LED lights on as it can be blinding and distracting to your surroundings.  What do you think?

Economical Dock Ladders

Polyethylene Roto Molded Ladders provide a more economical option for Stand-Off or Flip-Up Ladders.  Tough and durable, this roto-molded ladder will not corrode with exposure and will not fade or crack.  Molded-in with U.V. inhibitors and fungicides.   

What Are the Different Types of Dock Ladders?

Dock Ladders can be an attractive addition to your dock, seawall or other surface.  But with so many different types of dock ladders available, how do you know which one is right for you.  It’s important to consider how the dock ladder will be used and where it will be mounted.  Below is a summary of various types of dock ladders and how they are typically used.

Galvalume Ladders

Stainless Steel Fixed Ladders

Aluminum Ladders

KWIK Release Aluminum Ladders 

Weld Free Aluminum Ladders

Polyethylene Roto Molded Ladders

My personal favorite is the Aluminum Flip-Up Ladder.  

Manufactured with heavy marine grade aluminum. These rugged ladders have a weight capacity of 665 lb.  The Flip-Up Ladder is easy to secure in the up or down position with a handy retainer pin.  Available in 3, 4, or 5 steps it is perfect for any dock.

FUN Lighted Walkway Ideas

I found these FUN ideas for lighting your outdoor walkways.  Outdoor lighting is one of my favorite design projects.  These are very creative ideas, yet very simple, and can turn any outdoor area into a conversational, fun social area.