Deck and Dockside Living

Two weeks ago we posted a blog with our choice of 4 “boat box essentials.” That sparked a lot of debate about what should and shouldn’t be a must-have when you hit the waves. So we opened up the floor to other people’s suggestions.

Scouring Reddit’s boating section, here’s some great insight:

Frank: “Aside from assorted tools, these have come in handy: A Siphon (a tube with a small attachment so you can easily shift fuel from various containers. I find it cleaner and easier than using a cone or funnel- stops fuel from spilling everywhere), a Socket Set (sized for spark plugs), Lighters and a Bungee chord.”

Anthony: “Depending on what state you live in – I’m in Michigan) – you legally need flares and a working horn. If your boat doesn’t have a horn, then buy a portable air horn. The Phillips head screwdriver gets used a lot on my boat. I would say just buy some sort of multi-tool. Finally, if your running a power boat – even though it isn’t very portable – I would highly recommend a portable battery charger. In my experience, marine batteries are not the most dependable, especially when you have radio, fridge and air conditioning running.”

Afotey: “Neighbor down the road talked me into one of those cheap low end Harbor Freight battery/jumper units. Not only do we have some battery backup power, but also a method to at least get the engine started if the battery takes a poop.”

Brett: “Always pack an extra prop nut and a floating prop tool! It’s already saved me one day on the lake!”

John: “Shroud cutters are a life-saver when you need them. A rubber mallet is ALWAYS good to have too.”

Bob: “Just had an incident yesterday that added a new tool to my list! 5/8 spark plug wrench and (mine happens to be 5/8 also) a socket to fit the crankshaft on the boat! lets just say water in the engine is a very bad/hard fix without the two! Let a teenager drive, he cut the throttle too quickly and flooded the engine. I guess when a boat engine diesels it can suck water back through the risers. Yeah, it sucked….”

Clement: “I stayed out way past sundown this weekend and really wished I had brought a good flashlight. I ended up using the flashlight app on my phone which worked, but boy was it hard to find anything in a messy cabin with that dim light. I also added glow sticks to the list for the future.”

All of these tools fit perfectly into one of our marine-grade fiberglass or polymer dock boxes – and, as you can see from the comments, have helped save more than a few stranded boaters.

What are your “Must Haves” for the boat box? Let us know in the comments below.

Safety should always be a priority as you look forward to enjoying the water this summer.

Tragedies like the America’s Cup capsize demonstrate how essential safety equipment is.

Three weeks ago, the 72-foot catamaran of Sweden’s Artemis Racing America’s Cup team capsized – resulting in the death of Crewman Andrew Simpson.

Coupled with last Fall’s capsize of the Oracle Team USA boat, Officials for the America’s Cup regatta are rethinking their safety standards to prevent another disaster like this happening again – and prompted us to address the issue of safety on the waves.

Normally, we like to focus on how our boat boxes and deck boxes are used for fun and practical things – from a beer cooler to a fishing and tackle box. But one of the most important ways in which you can use one of our marine-grade fiberglass boat boxes is as a safety kit.

There are certain key safety materials every boat owner should provide their passengers with access to – and a boat box is a great place to store them. These include:

• Life Jackets - According to All State, 75% of all boating deaths are caused by drowning – and 80% of those involve people not wearing a life jacket. That should be enough to convince anybody that life jackets are an essential to keep in your boat box safety kit.
• Fire Extinguisher - Ironically, despite being surrounded by water, fires are a serious issue for boaters. Engine malfunctions and the proximity to oil and gasoline makes fires a serious danger; capable of sinking a boat in minutes. That’s why keeping a fire extinguisher on board is vital; and to have it tested regularly.
• Flares - If you run into a problem on the water, your nearest help could be a long way away. That’s why flares – flaming projectiles which shoot hundreds of feet up into the air – can save lives. Flares ensure people on the land, or coastguards and other boaters, see you have a problem and can find you easily.
• Bell / Whistle - Sometimes flares don’t work, like in heavy rain or fog. When that situation arises, the simple and old-fashioned bell or whistle could save your life. For centuries, the humble whistle has been a universal tool for alerting others of your position in the water; that’s why many life jackets come with one sewn into them.

Storing these materials in one of our marine-grade fiberglass or polymer boat boxes is a good idea because, in addition to keeping these life-saving materials close at hand, they also protect them from the elements.

Sea water, rain and other inclement weather can rust fire extinguishers and turn flares into duds. Our boxes help protect these important tools and ensure that when you need them most, they’re ready for you.

America is under assault from a predatory fish with nightmarish superpowers – but where many see an environmental crisis, one deckanddockboxes.com customer sees an opportunity.

A Northern Snakehead (photo NY Times)

“I’m not going to lie,” Mike Loem explains, “they sound like something out of a horror movie. They can breath out of water for up to four days, and even crawl across the ground with their fins. And they eat anything.”

He’s talking about Channa argus, more commonly known as the Northern Snakehead. This highly invasive fish species is becoming more and more common across the waters of the United States; and its bringing environmental disaster in its wake.

“Back in 2002, a guy in Maryland released two of them into the Potomac river,” Mike explains, “and they thrived.” These predatory fish are on the top of the aquatic food-chain; eating other fish, frogs – and even unlucky creatures like mice and rats – while breeding prolifically.

“Since 2002, they’ve spread to New York, Florida, California, Maryland, North Carolina and even Arkansas,” Mike explains, “wiping out the native fish species. The Department of Environmental Conservation has taken to poisoning rivers and lakes where they’re found with Rotenone – which kills all the fish in it; which is seen as preferable to letting the Snakehead spread.”

But while many are concerned about the spread of the Snakehead, veteran angler Mike sees an opportunity.

“Snakehead are causing so much concern that local authorities are actually paying a bounty to each one fisherman catch,” he explains. “Down in Maryland, they’ll give you $200 in credit to the Bass Pro Shops” and for a man who loves fishing, that’s quite a reward. And even if he doesn’t end up earning a bounty – there’s another reason for angling for snakeheads: “They’re great eating.” Snakeheads are fast becoming a more ethical alternative to swordfish; and share its same consistency and size.

Durable fiberglass fishing rod box holds up to three rods as well as fishing gear.

“Chasing Snakeheads means I get to combine the two things I love to do most – catch fish, and spend money on fishing gear!”

One piece of fishing gear Mike is especially proud of is his Large Fishing Rod Storage Box. Made from marine-grade fiberglass, it’s the perfect tool for him to store his three professional rods in throughout the year.

“I keep it on my porch,” Mike explains, “and it keeps my rods safe and dry all year round.” Featuring rustproof stainless hardware that’s molded into the fiberglass body, Mike can padlock the box safe in the knowledge that his neighbors won’t be making off with his fishing rods – or the potentially rich-pickings he’ll earn with them by catching Snakeheads.

Building a deck is straightforward, but there are some important things to keep in mind.

As summer approaches, many homeowners starting considering renovating their deck; or building an entirely new one. Here are some tips we recommend to help you get “decked out” for the warmer weather.

1. Set a Budget - One rookie mistake people make when they start on their deck project is to plan first, and budget later. This means when it comes time to lay out money on materials, the cost can be daunting. Instead, work out what you’re willing to spend on your deck and size the scope of your project to match.
2. Find a Plan - There are dozens of downloadable plans for decks available online. Many are versatile enough to fit on most homes, and “permit ready” to meet your towns zoning regulations. One other advantage of these plans is that they tell you upfront the amount of building materials you’ll need – and that will help you stay within the budget you allotted in Step 1.
3. Choose a Material - Once you’ve got a budget and a deck in mind, its time to combine the two. There are a huge variety of deck-building materials available now, from pressure-treated wood to PVC and synthetic wood alternatives. By choosing your material carefully, you can maximize your spend. Higher quality materials mean a smaller deck, but amazing looks – while cheaper alternatives allow you to get the most “bang for your buck” even though they don’t look as lovely as real wood.
4. Consider a Contractor - If you’ve got some basic carpentry skills and a garage full of tools, creating a deck isn’t too daunting a project. However, consider the real “cost” of saving money by doing it yourself. Many times its actually more cost effective to hire a contractor; who can get the project done during the week (while you might only be able to work on it at the weekends) and provide the speed and skill only money can buy. If a contractor is part of your plan, make sure you budget for him appropriately.
5. Keep it Safe - Do you have kids? Pets? If so, make sure to factor in safety considerations. Railings are an important safety tip, especially for those with toddlers. Lockable gates are also really useful for controlling the movement of pets (and keeping them off your deck when food is around.)

And, of course, once you’ve got your deck planned out – don’t forget the deck boxes to go on it. Our marine-grade fiberglass deck boxes are available in a variety of sizes, to suit your needs, and a variety of finishes to perfectly match the color of your deck. Whether you use them to store BBQ equipment, cushions, lawn care materials or more – we’ve got exactly what you need.

Joe Schram uses one of our marine-grade fiberglass dock boxes as part of his beachcombing project.

Joe heads out to the beach every morning and every evening to search for “treasure” with his metal detector.

“Beachcombing,” explains Joe Schram, a Deck and Dock Box customer, “is a profitable way to enjoy a nice walk on the beach.” A retired NJ Transit worker, Joe has been using a metal detector to “comb” the beaches near his Seaside Heights home for over fifteen years now.

“When I retired, my doctor told me I had to take daily walks,” Joe explains, “but I wasn’t great at keeping that promise.” He and his wife, Marjorie, had just moved to a home on the shore “and despite the beach being wonderful, I found just walking up and down to be kind of boring.”

The solution came in the form of a Garrett metal detector.

“My wife bought it for me off Craigslist,” Joe explains, “and told me; Give it a go. That first day, I found nearly nine bucks in change; coins people had just dropped in the sand.”

And following that, a hobby bordering on obsession was formed; and Joe’s health improved as well.

“I used to grumble about going for a twenty minute walk,” Joe laughs. “When I got the metal detector, I was gone for three or hour hours at a time.” As a result, Joe lost 20lbs over the course of his first year as a retiree; and his health has never been better. He even invested in one of our marine grade fiberglass dock boxes to keep it in.

“Right there on the deck,” he explains, “so I can just leave the house and pick it up.”

Although the health improvement has been great, for Joe the real benefit has been financial.

Our boat box has kept Joe’s Garrett metal detector in great shape for over 15 years.

“Every summer, thousands of people come down to The Shore and that means there’s a lot of stuff to find on the beach each evening.” Joe normally heads out onto the sand about an hour before sundown; when most of the sun-worshipers have headed home, but before any of the other beach-scourers have started their search.

“You’ll find loose change, mostly – quarters and nickels by the bucketful.” Joe regularly finds around twenty bucks during his summer evenings – “and I figure I’m willing to take a couple of hours walk if I’m getting paid for it!”

On some days, that haul can be a lot higher – and it’s not just coins he finds.

“I’ll pick up jewelry, cell-phones – more car keys that you’d think.” And while Joe likes making a buck, he tries his best to return all the stuff he finds to its rightful owners. “Normally people who’ve lost jewelry will come back the next morning to try and find it. If I see somebody kicking through the sand, I’ll ask them what they lost and if I picked it up, I’ll give it back to them.”

Sadly, that doesn’t happen as often as he’d like.

“The nicest thing I can remember is some poor girl in tears, because she’d lost her engagement ring. She was so upset about having to tell her fiance.” Fortunately, Joe had found the ring the previous evening. “I knew immediately that it was the one,” he laughs. “You don’t find a diamond ring on the beach every day!”

Joe admits that he’s not going to get rich beachcombing “but it is a nice boost to my pension.”

If nothing else, it paid for the boat box he bought – “which is perfect. I keep my metal detector in it so I don’t trail sand all through the house, and it keeps it dry even in the worst storms.” Even better than that, there’s stainless steel hardware molded into the fiberglass which he can attach a padlock to “just in case somebody wants to start beachcombing with my stuff.”

Grab the popcorn! Here are three of our favorite nautical movies, which could have turned out differently if the characters had one of our deck and dock boxes on board.

The Seven Seas is a $200 million dollar yacht, with it’s own movie theater and spa.

Following the epic success of Lincoln, the world’s most famous movie director, Steven Spielberg, is hitting the high seas with his family this summer – and sailing all around the world.

In the Seven Seas, his $200 million yacht, he and his family will trek 30,000 miles around the globe; stopping off in locations from his most famous films, like Hawaii (Jurassic Park) and Sri Lanka (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.)

That got us thinking about our favorite water-based movies. Where could our deck and dock box products have fitted in with some of those stories?

 Jaws

Spielberg’s 1975 classic Jaws gave us the infamous line: “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

A bigger boat box could have helped in Jaws!

In the film’s climax, heroes Brody, Hooper and Quint (Rob Schneider, Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw) take the modest Orca (a small fishing boat) out into the waters of New England to catch and kill a murderous great white shark – only to have the titular “Jaws” turn the tables on them during the hunt.

Our recommendation to the crew of the Orca would be one of our XXL Storage Boxes – more than big enough to pack the extra harpoons, spare radio and hypodermic spears (filled with strychnine) that could have conquered the great white before the Orca sunk.

Waterworld

A commercial flop, Kevin Costner’s 1995 movie Waterworld took place in a post-apocalyptic world in which the sea levels had risen to engulf almost the entire planet. Survivors lived on boats and floating cities; eking out a living from the ocean.

The Deacon and his Smokers could have used somewhere dry to store their cigarettes, in Waterworld.

The bad guy of the movie is played by Dennis Hopper. The sinister Deacon is head of the ruthless Smokers – a band of pirates who roam the seas in the hulk of the Exxon Valdez oil tanker.

In the Waterworld, paper is the most invaluable resource (which, confusingly, begs the question of why so much of it is being used by the Smokers in the form of the cigarettes they casually smoke throughout the movie.)

To us, that suggests that a few dozen Economy Boat Boxes would have been a good investment – as they protect the contents from waves, water and moisture; and would have helped keep the Smokers’ cigarette stashes nice and dry.

Life of Pi

The dream-like 2012 epic Life of Pi features the incredible tale of a boy and a tiger, stranded at sea in a tiny boat.

That awkward moment when you share a lifeboat with one of nature’s most lethal predators.

As they drift through the ocean, 16-year-old Pi eventually gets his lethal boat-mate to trust him; and they work together to survive their perilous journey.

How could a boat box have helped? Well, in one of the most dramatic scenes, a humpbacked whale nearly destroys Pi’s boat; and his loses almost all his supplies.

His hand ax, water supplies and hard tack biscuits are all washed away – and they nearly starve as a result.

A Small Triangular Boat Box would not have only provided a safer place to store these essential supplies, but the shape would have meant it fit neatly into the limited space on their lifeboat; which must have been getting pretty cramped, given that a fully-grown bengal tiger can be twelve feet in length.

Can you think of any more?

Titanic and Pirates of the Caribbean were two other movies we considered writing about. Can you think of another sea-set tale that could have been improved by adding a dock box? Let us know in the comments below!

Before you hit the waves, check your boat is in tip-top working order.

Three essential things to check before you hit the water this spring.

Ready to take your boat back on the water? Well, hold up. Last time, we blogged about your spring boat checklist. Now it’s time to address a couple of important safety issues.

Just like a car, important components of a boat can seize or break during months laid up in the garage, on the driveway, or in storage.

The difference is you might not notice they aren’t working until you’re on the water (when you need them most!).

That’s why it’s important to check the following before you get boating in earnest; and make sure your boat box contains all the tools needed to remedy any problems.

Steering:

The most important part of a boat’s control system is often the most overlooked! We’ve heard more than a few horror stories of boaters hitting the waves only to hit the dock or jetty moments later when they realized that their steering wasn’t working!

When you’re in the water, turn your steering lock-to-lock to make sure there are no jams or kinks in the connection to the rudder. Check for flat spots, resistance or ugly noises.

• Boat Box Essentials: Lubricating grease/oil, power steering fluid

Engine:

You’d be surprised how many boaters don’t check if their outboard is working until they hit the water! First off, make sure your engine starts and idles – if you have a problem here it might have to do with the ignition system, or the carburetor in pull-start boats.

Then check the throttle – make sure the RPMs climb smoothly and in a controllable manner. Issues here are commonly related to the fuel lines.

• Boat Box Essentials: Spare spark plug, WD40 spray, screwdriver and wrench

Hull:

More than a few hobby boaters have had the unfortunate experience of learning their boat’s sprung a leak only after they’ve lowered it into the water! Avoid that mistake by giving your boat’s hull a thorough examination before you take it off the trailer – and then check thoroughly for twenty minutes after you hit the waves to ensure there are no leaks in the seams or joints.

At this point, also check the rest of the on-deck fixtures and fittings. Really important items to check are the swim ladders; as if those have a crack or break in them they can come clean off and leave people stranded in the water (has nobody else seen Open Water 2?).

• Boat Box Essentials: Silicon caulk, marine grade adhesive, screws/nails, hammer

Although these checks seem like “no-brainers”, you’d be surprised how many people skip them year after year. Don’t make that same mistake – it could prevent you from an embarrassing (or even potentially dangerous) incident once you hit the water.

As the warmer weather appears on the horizon, it’s time to get out your boat box and sort your ship for spring.

Is it time to get your boat ready for spring?

They say March comes “in like a lion, out like a lamb”; which means warmer weather is almost certainly on the way.

That’s inspired many of our deck and dock box customers to haul out their boat boxes and start prepping their own craft to hit the water again this spring.

No doubt you’ve got your own checklist of tasks before you consider your boat ready for the water – but make sure you don’t neglect the basics:

• Swab the decks! Get started with a general cleaning of the hull, deck and topside using regular detergent and a mop and/or sponge.
• Clear out the drains and scuppers – these can often get clogged with fallen leaves during the winter.
• Wax on, wax off. Channel your inner karate kid and put a fresh coat of wax on the topside and hull.
• Prevent rust and corrosion by cleaning and polishing your metal fittings and fixtures with a metal polish
• If your boat has wood on it, clean it and oil it ready for the water. This will look great, and help prevent corrosion and rot.
• Wash the windows! This is often overlooked; but giving windows and hatches a spritz with Windex can make your boat feel like new.
• Clean the canvas, bimini and dodger, wiping away mildew and dirt.
• Spring clean below deck! This involves giving any cabin space a vacuum and spritz – but also cleaning out the bilges and chemical toilet.
• Check your spare parts, restock your boat box and get your tools ready. You don’t want to be missing any of these when you’re on the water. One of our economy boat boxes is ideal for storing maintenance essentials.
• Check your registration. Make sure it didn’t lapse over the winter, and be sure have it on board when you take your boat on the water.

Every Winter, beaches and lakes across America prepare for the Polar Plunge – charity events in which brave souls wade into near-freezing water for an invigorating – if icy – experience. And waiting for them once they emerge? Dock Boxes make the perfect place to store towels, food and other warming relief.

This isn’t Jess above but the picture is typical of Polar Plunge events across America.

“My first Polar Plunge was in 2005,” says Jess, a New Jersey resident who proudly participates in her local event, in Seaside Heights, each year. “I love doing it – I reckon I’ve raised over three thousand dollars for the Special Olympics over the years.”

Jess is a passionate supporter of the Polar Plunge® because her disabled brother has dreams of one day reaching the Special Olympics himself – the charity which Polar Plunges all over the country support. As such, she takes each year’s challenge very seriously.

“I wear a bikini for the plunge itself,” she explains. “That part is the easy one. The trick is warming up when you get out.”

That’s where her boyfriend – who is a keen boater during the sunnier months – comes in so useful.

“He takes one of your Medium Polymer Dock Boxes off his boat and loads that up with all our supplies – fresh towels, a dry track suit, some chips and snacks for energy and – of course – a six pack of beer.” Cold beer after a freezing plunge might seem counter-intuitive; “but I’ve never tasted anything better.”

While even Jess would balk at the idea of buying a dock box purely for the sake of her plunges, she’s the first to admit that her boyfriend’s box is beyond ideal.

Our dock boxes are perfect for securely stowing all Jess’ plunge-worthy possessions.

“My first year we used a regular old cooler, and it sucked,” she recalls. “The top fell off, my clothes got all wet – I was miserable.” That’s why her boyfriend offered to let her use his dock box the following year. “It’s light, and big – and it’s got a top that’s hinged and lockable, which means I can throw my cell phone and pocket book in there as well.”

And while her old cooler only lasted one year of Polar punishment, her boyfriend’s box has seen every plunge since – “and many, many more,” Jess laughs.

This year’s winter might not be as mild as the last one – but that hasn’t stopped some boaters prepping to get back on the water.

Brian’s new boat isn’t impressive; but he hopes to use that, and our boat box, to help him earn a larger one.

“I hit the waves on January 1st,” Brian Linger told us. “I was part of a ‘polar plunge’ in my town, to raise money for charity.”

And running into a freezing lake was only the first of Brian’s water-born plans for the new year. Even as snow is still on the ground in his native New Jersey, he’s getting ready to get back on the waves for the new year.

“I spend as much of the year as I can on the water,” he explains, “and I’m going to make sure I make the most of it this year.”

Brian’s enthusiasm extends from a sad fact. He, like many people on the shore of New Jersey, lost everything in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Our economy boat boxes have many of the exact same features as our marine grade products.

“I had a 25″ fishing boat and thousands of dollars worth of equipment,” he tells us. “Stuff I’d spent years collecting.” But when the hurricane hit, he lost it all – washed out to sea “and God knows where now.”

Compounding Brian’s tragedy was the fact that he was only partially insured: “But I’m not going to let that stop me.”

So instead, he’s saved up enough to buy a replacement boat and is the process of rebuilding his fishing gear collection.

“This year, I’m starting small,” he admits – with a 16′ Lowe Sea Nymph V he bought for the price of a second-hand car. Why so small? “Because I’m going to use it to save up enough to buy a new boat.”

In addition to his Sea Nymph, Brian invested in one of our Economy Line Low Profile Small Box and a good collection of free reel fishing equipment. “I’m going to offer fishing lessons,” he explains.

“I had built up a pretty good list of clients over the last few years,” he explains, “and with their help, this summer should give me a chance to save up enough to buy a bigger boat.” And in some ways, Brian’s almost excited by the challenge. “It’s kind of like testing myself,” he explains. “Seeing how good I really am.”

One of the ironies, he points out, is that his new boat box cost a third as much as his new boat.

“But that’s not so dumb when you think about it,” he explains. “I’ve got a lot of expensive equipment in there, and the box will come with me when I can afford another boat.” He figured it out this way: “If I bought a cheaper box, I’d be having the buy a new one of those when I get a bigger boat, as well.”

Our Economy Line of boat boxes offered Brian a lot of the features of our marine-grade fiberglass boat boxes, but at a keener cost. “But the things I liked about your products are still there,” he explains. “The stainless hardware and vents especially.”

“Ultimately, a fisherman’s only as good as his tools,” he explains. “So I’m going by that old cowboy mantra of sticking a $50 saddle on the $5 horse.” Come next year – when Brian hopes he’ll be hitting the shore in a boat at least as big as the one he lost in Hurricane Sandy “that boat box will have done me proud.”