Dock Smarts

Get your boathouse ready for the summer season

by Jerry Hale

Summer is upon us. Days are long, sunsets are shirt-sleeve balmy, and water temperatures are inviting. Boating season is here and Lakers are eager to use their docks for water sports and entertaining.

Last spring, we provided hints for getting your boat ready for enjoyment of the summer season (see “Ready Your Rig” in March/April 2006 issue, available on line at smithmountainlaker.com). This year, we look at what the well-equipped Smith Mountain Lake boathouse has at the ready.

Safety First

Everyone wants the summer to be safe for self, family and friends, so make sure your boathouse equipment and practices include the following:

A throw-able flotation device — life ring or cushion — hung in full view. Should a non-swimmer tumble into the water unexpectedly, you want a life-saving float within immediate reach.

A street address sign. The SML Marine Volunteer Fire Company encourages all Lake residents to post their street address on a reflective sign visible from the water approach to your property. Signs are available for $25 through the SML Rotary Club (standard installation, if desired, is $18). Contact Steve Miller at Radio Shack, Westlake (540.721.0017).

A telephone for calling Bedford County Sheriff (540.586.7827), 911 or Lake Watch (800.237.5712). Most of us have cell phones, so it’s a simple matter of remembering to take one to the dock (and with you on the boat) every time. Put it in a float-equipped plastic bag in case it goes for a swim.

AEP’s Shoreline Management Plan requires that reflectors be placed on the outermost pilings of all new docks built on SML. It’s not a bad idea for  established docks, either. Reflectors are inexpensive and easily installed. 

Comfort and Convenience

Make your boathouse and dock more functional and hospitable by adding any of the following:

“Guest lines” and fenders waiting on the floater say, “Welcome, fellow boaters!” and are also handy when you want to tie up your own boat to load or unload passengers, ski gear, etc.

A circle of tape on one of the centering poles of your boat lift will show how far the cradle must be lowered to float the boat. Add an extra inch of depth to allow for passenger weight. The tape line will also indicate whether the Lake level has changed while you’re out on the water. For PWC lifts without centering poles, a dab of paint or a cable tie on one chain will nicely mark the float-off depth.  

Remote lift switches are now available that allow raising or lowering the cradle from inside the boat — very handy for some applications. There are also spring-loaded switches that prevent walking away with the lift running (an expensive mistake) as well as electronic limit switches.

A battery charger kept handy at the boat dock can be very useful for those times when a PWC or boat battery needs juice. Most have a 2-amp trickle charge setting that can keep a battery topped off through chilly nights — especially useful if your batteries are two or more seasons old.   

A closet rod for hanging life jackets can be very practical when space allows. Jackets dry easily and are always untangled, ready for use. Another tip: organize them by size — or even add grand-child names to the hangers.

Those pesky noodle floats are always under foot until you create a dedicated space in the boat house to store them. Configuration of your “noodle rack” will depend on the space you decide to use, but a bin to store them on end is generally the neatest and most functional solution.

A locked dock box is a great place to store skis, paddles, fishing rods, etc. If you’re handy, you can build one out of dock planking. If not, dock builders can custom build one to your specs starting at about $400, depending on size and finish.  

A small dorm-room style refrigerator for beverages and snacks is perfect for the boathouse. Be sure to put yours on a platform a few feet above the dock surface in case of high water.  

So there you have it, a list of proven ideas for getting your dock prepped for a safe and enjoyable summer of boating. Surely there are one or two here that will work for you.