Waking up every morning in a lakeside home is not just about the great location. Meeting the sun as it rises over the orange hued waters of the lake is a refreshing and beautiful way of life that encourages great times and wonderful memories. Everything you need for a peaceful life can be found on the washing shores of the lake. Maintaining the lifestyle, however, can be a little more complex. That's why Pontoon and Deck Boat magazine has worked together with boat dock and boat lift companies around the country to provide a comprehensive and detailed list of the necessary equipment needed to take all of the potential hassles out of lakeside living, so all that's left to do is bask in the warmth of the sun with your toes dipped in the cool, rippling water.
Floe International
We had the opportunity to talk with Cindy Gray, vice president of sales and marketing at Floe International, located in McGregor, Minn., who gave us her insight on the benefits and advantages of lakeside living, as well as the necessary equipment for the perfect life on the water.
“Lake front property provides a calmer and quieter neighborhood,” says Gray. “There's more privacy and a calmer environment. You get to experience resort-style living every single day.”
Gray also went into detail on some of the products Floe offers consumers who are looking to get started at their first lakeside home. Floe offers docks that come in 16-foot sections for easy transportation. Each one of these sections is also equipped with wheels, so moving each piece of the dock around is incredibly fast and simple. To level the dock when installing in the water, a simple cordless drill—which levels the legs from the surface of the dock section—is all that's needed to create the perfect level for the dock.
Just as important as owning a dock is owning a lift. Floe also offers boat lifts to keep the maritime investment safe and out of the water while it's not surfing along the swells. The boat lift is leveled using the same simple method as the dock, and will efficiently protect any boat from the long-term damaging effects of water.
Gray also commented on the remarkable possibilities of owning a dock and lift. While some people drop their boats in the water, the dock offers all of the luxuries that are inherent in water activity. Whether it be tying off the canoe, or sitting on the dock with your fishing line in the water, a dock provides an easy and comfortable dynamic to the lakeside living experience that just cannot be had any other way. The lift also eases the stress of towing and allows boat owners a quick and simply way to lower their boat into the water
American Muscle Docks and Fabrication
At American Muscle Docks and Fabrication, one of the important subjects that came up was using the proper hardware for dock construction and maintenance.
“Going down to your dock with a wrench, screwdriver and hammer following a busy weekend will help insure your dock remains in top condition and ready when you are for your next outing,” says American Muscle Docks CEO Luke Diserio.
Diserio also stressed that just because everything looks in proper shape, it doesn't mean that's the case. Repeated use can loosen fasteners and a few short months in the water can lead to rust and corrosion. These factors will ultimately lead to less than desirable problems with your dock in the future. Because American Muscle Docks understands this, they offer a myriad of hardware, as well as docks, floats and accessories for every owner’s needs and wants. While having a dock is necessary, having a picnic table on hand is a great luxury to consider, and American Muscle Docks has just what you need to enjoy a smooth and comfortable boating season on the water.
HydroHoist Boat Lifts
HydroHoist has spent years of research and development to create a lift that can rest in the water and give that fiberglass or aluminum hull structure some of the best protection from corrosion and water damage. HydroHoist's diligence and innovation led to the development of the UltraLift: a hydro-pneumatic lift system that within 2-3 minutes can safely lift a vast range of watercraft into the air for safe, dry docking. Mick Webber, president and CEO of HydroHoist, discussed the necessity and incredible convenience of the UltraLift.
“Once you fill the damage-resistant polyethylene tanks with air, your boat is safely lifted from the damaging effects of water for fast, easy dry, storage,” says Webber. “This allows the boater more time on the water, and less time cleaning and maintaining the boat.”
Along with the safe and clean storage, boaters are also afforded the opportunity to save invaluable time during the boating season. With no need to trailer the boat or bring it on shore for dry storage, boating is quick and simple. Webber also commented that living at the lakes gives home owners more time to enjoy the simple pleasures at the waterside and less time dealing with the hassles of travel and docking.
Hewitt Rolodock
Hewitt specializes in deck and lift designs that suit any number of lakeshore terrains. Potential consumers have the choice between roll-in and sectional, traditional and floating docks, and when the day is done and it's time to secure the boat for the night, Hewitt offers a wide-range of lifts for dry, safe storage. Gary Sandstrom, a retired sales manager of 31 years at Hewitt, gave important and insightful knowledge on why lakeside living wasn't just a luxury, but a practical and hassle-free way of life.
"When you trailer your boat now, there are always regulations to keep in mind,” says Sandstrom. “You can't take water from one body of water to the next, so you have to drain and clean your boat regularly. Moving around from lake to lake takes a lot of hard work and time.”
Sandstrom also talked about the social benefits to living on the lake. With a close sense of community, lakeside home owners share closer friendships with neighbors and other home owners in the area, giving each other lasting relationships and memorable experiences during time spent together. Sandstrom summarized that with close friends and the beauty and excitement found on lakeside property, buying a home near the shore was more than just a great idea, it was the obvious one.
IMT, Inc
Many people hate the hassles associated with harnessing a cover over their boat. For lakefront property owners, covering the boat is just another part of daily life. Thankfully, IMT has created the Touchless Cover, a simple, fast and effective way to easily cover a boat in a matter of seconds. A simple touch of a button is all it takes to cover up the boat and get on enjoying the day. What makes it even greater is that it can be completely custom fit to your boat and it’s compatible with most boats and lifts. Bonnie Coker, administrative assistant at IMT, explained how this aids lakeside home owners in enjoying the spectacular lifestyle.
"A lot of people don't like to use their boats, especially retirees, because covering the boat at the end of the day can be so troublesome," Coker explained. "I grew up on the lake and could wake up and see the water from my back window. The idea of seeing the lake in the morning over a cup of coffee is something I can't even put into words. No one wants to spend their time hassling with something like a boat cover when there is so much beauty to enjoy every day."
Coker's personal experience with lakeside living may have made her insight somewhat subjective, but no one could blame her. Being a part of that kind of natural beauty every morning is reason enough to sell that city home and find a new life at the shoreline.
Shorestation
Shorestation understands that a standard dock setup will not simply fit into everyone's lifestyle. While a simple dock may do the minimum tasks, Shorestation offers two versatile docks that are sure to fit into any lakefront property owner's idea of a perfect setup.
First, the classic sectional dock design allows owners to choose the perfect arrangement for their dock. The feet simply rest at the bottom of the lake and are suited to a wide variety of terrains, from even and smooth to rocky and unbalanced. The second choice is Shorestation's Shorebridge dock system. This style of dock allows owners to choose between rolling, freestanding and pile and pipe legs, which can drastically change how the dock is installed. Each dock style is capable of being fully customized and accessorized, giving owners an opportunity to set up their docks with just about anything. All that the owner needs is a vivid imagination and Shorestation can make it happen.
Renee Mason, advertising manager at Shorestation, knows how important a dock can be.
"We want to help lakefront owners create their dream waterfront,” says Mason. “Whether they want a family fun center, or a place to spend quiet evenings, it's important for Shorestation to make a dock that fits anyone's lifestyle.”
It Just Makes Sense
After talking with the professionals, it's pretty clear that lakeside living offers too much to simply pass by. If your passion is boating, why not live where your heart is? These companies have taken the guesswork out of what is needed to comfortably live the lifestyle, and are constantly looking to innovate new and amazing products to make living at the lakeside a better experience. Instead of spending Fridays and Sundays traveling, lakeside homeowners can simply walk out with a cup of coffee and step into their beloved pontoon or deck boat for a peaceful morning ride through the water. When you live right there, at the lake, you have the potential of an amazing and memorable life right at your fingertips. The only thing that should be holding you back should be your decision on which lake to make your home.
