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Four Steps to Control Mold in Your Boat
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Water, humidity, and closed spaces make it easy for mold and mildew to grow in unwanted places like your boat! As a boat owner, knowing what to do to prevent mold is extremely important.
1. Ventilation
Making sure your boat is well ventilated is the first step in preventing mold and mildew. This is not complicated. It is as easy as opening hatches, seats, or anything else that can be opened up. If there is a time where you plan to be away from your boat for a long period of time you may want to consider a ventilator to keep the air moving.
2. Remove Mold
To remove mold and mildew mix together bleach, water tri-sodium phosphate, and powdered laundry detergent. If you do not want to make your own solution, there are ones you can buy off the shelf. Once you find your product to remove the mold begin by spraying it and wiping down all areas with mold. Be cautious when doing this: wear gloves, a mask, and protective clothing.
3. Fumigate
After removing the mold it is best to follow up with a product to help get rid of the mold you may have missed along with the smell. Mildew Odor Control Bags are a great way to follow up. They work for up to three months and are reasonably priced.
4. Mildew Blocker
Mildew blockers do not solve the problem forever, but they do work temporarily. Using one will make it so you are not battling the mold 24/7.
Conquering the mold and mildew will keep you and your boat happy!
To read more on how to control the mold in your boat, visit our blog.
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Ladders For Your Dock
Jumping off your dock into the water on a hot summer day is the perfect way to cool off and refresh! In order to do this, you need a safe and effective way to get out of the water. A ladder that fits your needs will do just that.
WetSteps
WetSteps are one of a kind, and the story behind why they were created is wonderful. They are made completely out of aluminum and are made safe and easy to get in and out of the water. They are lightweight so you are able to easily lift them out for dry storage. Unlike a regular ladder, WetSteps has technology for you to walk out of the water instead of climbing out. Even dogs can use the WetSteps safely! They come in 4, 5, and 6 step options to fit your needs.
Pivoting Dock Ladder
This ladder comes in 3, 4, and 5 step options to fit your specific needs. The vertical pivoting action and locking pin allows for easy in and out when you are not using it. It is ideal for all those swimmers out there!
Heavy-Duty All-Aluminum Ladder
This ladder is simple, but is everything you need. It is constructed of 1-1/2" square aluminum to resist corrosion. It comes in 4 and 6 step sizes to fit your own personal needs.
Dock Steps with Handrail
The dock steps include handrails so you can safely get it in and out of the water. These steps can be mounted anywhere on your dock. These are great for people of all ages
*To learn more about ladders for your dock visit our website.
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How to Prepare your Dock and Lift for a Storm and Check for Damage Post-Storm
Boat docks and lifts are made to withstand the water and weather conditions, but in some cases the storms may be very strong. Sometimes these strong storms can lead to dock or lift damage that can lead to costly repairs or even replacements. It is always smart to take some time to prepare for storms and check for damage.
Protect Your Dock & Lift
When you know a storm is near, it is important to raise your boat on the lift as high as you possibly can and also cover your boat. This will help keep your boat protected!
Signs of Dock Damage
An aluminum boat dock is strong and easy to maintain, but that doesn't always mean it will withhold every storm. Regularly inspecting your dock for damage is as easy as looking for any loose or damaged cables. If you happen to come across any be sure to contact a licensed electrician if you see something wrong. You can also check to make sure everything is fine with your ladder and other dock accessories you may have. After all, everything on your waterfront is relying on your dock to be strong and secure.
Signs of Lift Damage
Once the storm has passed you also need to be sure to look for any lift damage you may see. Look for bent or twisted beams, damaged drivers, or broken bunks on your lift. Also look for bent or loose bolts, and check the cables for kinks, abrasions, frays, or breaks. If your lift has shifted, you may need to contact your local lift dealer to get it squared up. Always make sure you look at these things before operating your lift after a storm.
Contacting your Insurance
In the times where a bad storm hits and does a number on your dock or lift, insurance may cover it. The majority of homeowners insurance plans tend to cover damage to your dock or lift from a storm.
Here in the Midwest you never know when Mother Nature is going to take a turn. Be safe and keep your lift and dock as safe as possible!
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Aluminum vs. Wood Decking For Your Dock
You can't have a dock without decking! Choosing your dock decking options can be one of the hardest and most important decisions when designing your dock. Wood used to be one of the only options you had when designing your dock, now so much has changed.
- Budget: Decking materials for aluminum boat docks are typically 25% to 50% of the budget when purchasing a new dock. It is always going to be worth it to consider the higher cost for the decking. It will end up paying for itself in the long run as you will save time and money maintaining your dock every season. Wooden docks are prone to rotting, warping, and cracking, which makes for a troubled situation. They will likely require annual maintenance and won't last you as long.
- Dock Plans: When thinking about the type of dock you may want, think of what your dock will be used for. You also need to figure out if your dock will need to be taken down in the off-season. Wooden docks have a natural look, but can be hard to stand on if it is a hot sunny day. Aluminum decking is light and easy to move and stays cooler in the sun.
- Maintenance: In general, wood decking requires much more maintenance than aluminum decking. Wooden decking requires annual power washing and a finish or stain every few years. It is also prone to warping, decaying, rotting, or twisting over time. Aluminum decking does not require much work at all. Even with little to no maintenance it performs well and looks great even over time. It also does not get damaged easily!
There are so many options of decking for your dock. We promise, you won't be disappointed in the long run when you say goodbye to your wooden decking!
*For more information about dock decking, visit our blog.
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Tips for Taking Your Dog Boating
Nothing beats a boat ride, right?! What makes a boat ride even better is taking your furry friend with you! Before you decide to take your dog on the boat with you, remember to consider these special tips to keep that dog of yours safe!
Get a Life Jacket
No matter what kind of dog you have and how good of a swimmer he/she is you want to make sure you have a life jacket for them. There are too many instances they may not be able to swim in like in rough water for example. When picking out a life jacket for your dog think bright colors so you can always see them. Finding one with a handle is also ideal in case you ever need to lift your dog out of the water.
Fresh Water & Shade
Dogs can get overheated just like humans do. That is why it is important to always make sure there is fresh water for your dog. Collapsible dog bowls make this easier than ever since they are easily packed in your bag! Also allow your dog to sit or lay down in a shady spot. This can be under a seat or under an awning.
Sunscreen
We know sunscreen for your dog sounds a bit odd but dogs can also get sunburnt. Light colored dogs and dogs with thinner coats of hair are more prone to sunburns. Apply sunscreen to your dogs ears, the bridge of their nose, and any other area where their skin shows. Make sure you use appropriate sunscreen for your dog, not all sunscreens are safe for them such as sunscreens containing zinc oxide.
Dog Overboard Plan
No matter how careful you are, there is always going to be a chance your dog could fall overboard. If this were to happen the first step is to circle back to your dog and cut the motor when you get close. Once you get close do not jump in. Some dogs may panic and try to pull you under with them. Instead, call your dog over and then help them out of the water.
Now get out there and go boating with your dog - they will probably thank you with lots of those puppy kisses!
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