Docking and Anchoring Accessories
Having the right docking and anchoring accessories helps you create your ideal boating experience. Docking accessories can help enhance the looks and the functionality of your boat dock. Having a good boat docking setup ensures that you can have more stress-free time out on the water. Anchoring accessories ensure your boat is secure on the water. There are many docking and anchoring accessories to choose from, and Anything Boating is here to help you build your ideal experience.
Dock Boxes
Dock boxes can serve multiple purposes - whether you need storage for your towels and sunscreen or for tools, choosing the right dock boxes is essential. There are different types of dock boxes for different purposes including standard, triangular, upright, low-profile, and seat top boat boxes.
- Standard Dock Boxes - Usually made from fiberglass or polyethylene to improve durability in the wet environment.
- Triangular Dock Boxes - Great for if you have a lot of foot traffic on your dock to put in a corner.
- Upright Dock Boxes - Great for holding gear such as wakeboards and fishing rods.
- Low Profile Dock Boxes - Long and narrow rectangular dock boxes are great for narrow boat docks.
- Seat Top Dock Boxes - Great option for if you need extra seating on your boat dock.
While the type of dock box you choose is really up to you and what functionality and style you are going for on your dock, there are some key features to look for in your dock boxes.
- Weatherproof and Waterproof
- Lockable
- UV Gelcoat
- Smooth Interior Finish
- Marine-grade Polyethylene or Fiberglass
- Gas Shock Lid Lifts
- Stainless Steel Latches
Ladders
Boat docks aren’t just a place to store your water toys - but can also be a great place for relaxation and entertainment. If you plan to swim off of your boat dock, then a ladder is a necessity. There are a variety of options when choosing a boat dock ladder, so here are some basic things to consider when choosing the right ladder for you. The first thing to consider is the material. You need a durable material for your dock ladder to avoid corrosion. Many ladders are made out of aluminum, but galvanized steel also works for freshwater docks. Stainless steel is often used in saltwater applications , but is also a very durable option for freshwater. The next step is to determine how many steps you will need. We recommend having 2-3 steps below the water. For a floating dock, you can determine how many steps you will need by measuring from the top of the dock to the water and divide that by the ladder’s step height. For a stationary dock, you will measure from the top of your boat dock to the bottom of the body of water and divide that number by the ladder’s step height.
Now that you have decided on a material and how many steps you will need, you need to choose what style of dock ladder you prefer.
- Straight Dock Ladders - Straight dock ladders are usually the most inexpensive option because they are the most standard. Straight dock ladders are a good choice for stationary docks, especially if the water level fluctuates.
- Stair Dock Ladders - Stair dock ladders provide an extra wide stepping area, making it easier for people and pets to get in and out of the water. Stair docks are a great choice for those who use their ladder often, and for those with mobility issues.
- Lift Dock Ladders - Lift dock ladders are able to be lifted out of the water while still staying attached to the dock when not in use. This is a great option for stationary docks, and can help keep your ladder in good condition for a longer period of time since it doesn’t have to sit in the water constantly.
- Finger Pier Dock Ladders - Finger pier dock ladders are a great choice if you are trying to save on space as they are compact and do not have handlebars.
Anchors
Anchors dig into the water bed to hold your boat in a certain place. Anchors allow boaters to park their boat for fishing, a meal, swimming, or even staying overnight while keeping your boat safe and not letting it float into the shore. There are a few things to take into consideration when deciding on the right anchor for your boat - strength, weight, and bottom conditions. You want to ensure you have enough strength and weight to hold your boat in place - usually if you are going between two choices we recommend choosing the larger option so you can be sure your boat will stay safe in any condition you may come across.
There are different types of anchors to consider. A fluke or danforth style anchor is lightweight and the most popular amongst recreational boaters. They have great holding power for their size and are easy to stow on your boat. Fluke style anchors are best for boaters who mostly anchor in mud or sand. Grappling or grapnels anchors are a good choice for smaller boats such as canoes and kayaks. A navy style anchor is the more traditional style anchor, and is strong enough to be used in rocky or grassy areas. If you are traveling and unsure of what type of bottom the water you’re in may end up having, a claw style anchor is your best option. Claw style anchors have a lot of holding power and can be used with various types of bottoms.
Anchor Chains and Ropes
Ideally, you will have a chain and rope to support your anchor. The recommended material for anchor ropes is nylon because it is light and flexible, sinks, offers good shock absorption, and has good strength. The style of anchor rope, braided or twisted, that you choose is pretty much up to your discretion as they are both excellent choices. Twisted anchor ropes have more stretch than braided and are generally less expensive, but they are more stiff than braided anchor ropes. Braided anchor ropes have less stretch, but are less stiff and are easier on the hands. Braided anchor ropes are generally stronger than twisted anchor ropes. A general rule of thumb for what size of anchor rope you should get is you should have 8 feet of anchor rope for each foot of water you are anchoring in, and your anchor rope should have ⅛” diameter for every 9 feet of boat.
The kind of anchor chain you need will depend on if you are using a windlass or not. If you are not, you can pretty much choose any marine chain, but if you are using a windlass the kind of anchor chain you will need should be provided by your windlass manufacturer. When it comes to determining how much anchor chain you need, the general rule of thumb is a foot of anchor chain per each foot of the boat. If this isn’t possible, it is recommended to have at least 10-15’ of anchor chain. The anchor chain width should be half the size of your anchor rope.
Boat Fenders
Boat fenders are essential to protect your boat from contact with other boats and docks. There are various types of boat fenders to choose from including round, two eye cylindrical, transom mounted, rafting cushions, low freeboard, tuff end, v-shaped freedom, and pontoon fenders. You can choose from multiple colors and accessories to help make your fenders match the style of your boat while protecting it.