Dock Accessories To Improve Life On Your Dock

In the early days, docks were purchased or built mostly just to provide access to deep enough water to get to your boat.  Today, docks provide storage, comfort and an entertainment center at the lake.  They can be a place to draw friends and family to spend their time on the water without taking out the boat, a safe area for the children to play, and a comfortable space for the adults to hang out.  There are quite a few accessories for docks. The basic dock accessories are dock bumpers, dock stairs and seating, such as the dock furniture set available from Lake Area Docks & Lifts and manufactured by Homecrest. ​

Dock Bumpers are Incredibly Versatile

Dock bumpers can provide a place to safely tie up your boat, or a visitor’s boat to the dock.  There are multiple types of dock bumpers for protecting boats.  The most practical bumper is the vertical bumper, which is mounted vertically on your dock, this not only provides protection for boats even when there are fluctuating water conditions and waves, they also provide a place to tie the boat without needing cleats.  In addition, the best vertical bumpers are ones that can be adjusted up or down to accommodate water fluctuations or different boat sizes.  Bumpers can also be mounted horizontally on the dock.  While they provide a longer area of protection the boat may not stay above the dock in waves or low water situations.  Also available are different types of dock edging but once again they can only protect the dock and boat when the water is calm, and the boat sits at or above the level of the dock. ​

Dockside Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Storage

Your dock can also be used to store items, like kayaks, paddle boards and floating pads.  Kayak racks can hold store multiple kayaks near the water but off the dock making it significantly more convenient to get on the water.  Paddle board racks can also be attached to the dock to store paddle board, a kayak rack can also work for paddle boards, but most models should be stored vertically to avoid warpage.  Some docks can also accommodate dock boxes where storage of items like toys, inflatables, skis, knee boards and life jackets can be stored, if your dock will not hold a dock box and you have a lift with a canopy you can get a lift loft for storage. ​

Dock Accessories for Entertaining Right on the Dock

Now comes the fun part, adding accessories to turn your dock into an entertainment center.  A place to sit is the first order of business, in the past the most common option was a bench made with cedar boards, mounted on the deck of the dock.  Today benches come in options that have ergonomic support making them significantly more comfortable to sit on and most have optional hand rests with drink holders.  In addition, they can be mounted off the dock creating more space.  While benches are great for the kids, dock furniture can make sitting on the dock as comfortable as sitting in the cabin and that’s why you are on the lake.  Most dock furniture is sold in sets and can be attached off the deck of the dock.  You can also get Grace Air dock funiture from ShoreMaster that sit right on the dock but are connected so they will not blow off in strong winds. Also consider adding a fire stand for ambiance. 

Dock Accessories for Water Activities and Play

While you are comfortably sitting on the dock you can enjoy activities like the kid's playing basketball, grilling with the dock mounted , fishing and it is always nice to have an American flag on your dock. 

Dock Accessories for Easy Access to the Water

Now while you are spending so much time on the dock you will want to have easy access to the water or your boat.  Dock steps, Ladders, handrail and solar lights can help with that. ​

New Dock Accessories for 2023

A new and exciting accessory we at Lake Area Docks are adding this year is an umbrella that will pivot and can accommodate a screen, because with all these great accessories you may want to spend your evenings on the dock without pesky mosquito's attacking you.