Dry Spell Keeping Your Boat Out of the Water? Might be a Good Time to Upgrade the Dock

The main concerns associated with the extensive drought in California might be for making sure people have water for showering and getting a drink every time they are thirsty. However, the unreasonably dry spell could end up having a drastic impact on the boating industry. Not only are boaters concerned about whether or not they’ll be able to keep boats in the water all year, many who normally would buy a new toy for the summer aren’t doing so.
“Our business has been off because the attitude is ‘What the hell do I want to buy a boat for? I can’t put it in the water,'” said Don Galey, president of Galey’s Marine. “The lakes are down between 87 and 96 percent. Even launching ramps don’t go down that far. So yes, it is a crisis. The good news is we could play catch-up in a hurry.”
Whether you are lucky enough to be one of the Californians who hasn’t had your boating experience impacted by the drought, want to prepare for next year, or just live somewhere else, now is as good a time as any to upgrade your dock. There are a number of difference accessories that you can add to improve both the aesthetic and functionality of your dock. One of the simplest additions is pile caps.
Simply put, pile caps are used to top the piles that hold up your dock. You might want to add them to help make sure you don’t get splinters if they are made out of wood, to keep birds from landing and making a mess, or just to improve the look of your dock. They are easy to install and the best ones are often made out of polyethylene which is lightweight but highly durable.
Of course, pile caps aren’t the only item you can add to your dock. In addition, you might want to think about adding dock boxes that allow you to store all of your boating essentials so you don’t need to make trips back and forth to the car every time you want to go out. Plus, a power pedestal is a necessity for making sure your boat’s battery doesn’t drain. Regardless of the specific items you choose to install, always be sure to use strong dock hardware made out of galvanized steel to ensure durability in often-harsh marine environments.
Not being able to get out on the water can be disheartening, especially during a hot dry spell when using your boat would be the best way to cool down. But if you can’t get out, it might be the perfect time to upgrade your dock so you’ll be ready to go when water levels rise again.