Archive for the ₚBoat Docksₛ Category

Accessorizing Your Pier

Tuesday, June 30, 2009@ 3:05 PM
Author: admin

Accessorizing Your Pier

Pier systems can be accessorized in a variety of ways to suit your personal needs. Several of these pier accessories make it easy to store a variety of items that are frequently used on the water. Investing in a few pier accessories can make your pier space much more functional.

Piers are an excellent starting point for a canoe or kayak ride, and if the canoes or kayaks are stored right on the pier, it makes them all the more convenient. A canoe or kayak bracket attached to the side of the pier gives you a quick, easy place to store kayaks and canoes so they don’t float away.

How can you keep the untrained steering of amateurs on the water from ruining you pier? Consider installing boat bumpers. Vinyl boat bumpers that are easy to clean and cover a good length of the posts on the pier are a good choice. Several boat bumpers on the market can be cleaned easily with acetone so you can maintain the professional look of your pier. Ideally, the bumpers should also be height adjustable to compensate for fluctuations in water level.

Some days you are just going to want to go out on the pier and relax and for that it is a nice idea to have benches on the pier. Cedar or vinyl benches are quite inexpensive and are a nice accent for your pier. Look for benches with galvanized steel frames since they will provide the most durability and be able to withstand the weather conditions near the water.

It is very unsightly when you head out on your pier and look in the water and see all sorts of algae and other vegetation floating on the surface. Several varieties of water rakes are available that can help you to skim this sort of debris off the water and keep your pond or lake clean. An aquatic weed eradicator cuts this type of vegetation away right at the root to prevent its re-growth all without the need for dangerous chemicals that can harm the sea life and wild life near your pond or lake.

All-purpose storage on the pier can be provided in a cost effective manner with lockers attached to the pier. These lockers come in a variety of sizes and are often made of fiberglass so they are resistant to severe weather conditions. A good quality locker will also have some form of shock absorption system to handle any movement of the dock without damaging the items inside of it.

Finally, a good set of high quality steps and ladders are absolutely essential for a functional pier. Steps and ladders allow users to enter and exit the water easily and safely. For deep water, ladders are preferred, whereas in shallow water, a short set of steps is usually sufficient. Be sure to check the weight rating of the steps or ladder to make sure it is sufficient for those who will be using the pier. Most are rated at about 500 pounds. Ladders should be able to be adjusted with the rise and fall of water levels to make sure they are always firmly planted on the riverbed. The proper accessories for your pier will ensure it a place that family and friends will enjoy for many years to come.