If you've spent any amount of time around the water, you know that having enough storage room is super important. It can be a real pain to tote all of your fishing tackle, life vests, extra towels, kid's floaties, water skis, and everything but the kitchen sink down to the dock every time you want to go enjoy a day on the water. And of course, there never seems to be enough room on the boat to store everything. That's where a dock box comes in handy.
Related Blog: The Benefits of Having a Private Dock for Your Boat on Your Property
What Is A Dock Box?
A dock box is a lockable storage container that keeps everything you need for fun in the sun right there on the dock, which means that you won't have to waste half your day running back home for things that didn't fit in the car. A dock box is also used to create a secure place for storing your important belongings like purses, watches, wallets, and phones while you're busy having fun, so you won't have to leave your stuff unattended. Some models can even be taken aboard the boat with you and turned into an extra seat!
What Are Dock Boxes Made Of?
Although dock boxes can be made out of several different materials, the most popular compositions are polyethylene (plastic), fiberglass, and wood. Each material has its pros and cons. However, when you invest in a dock box, you want something that's going to last you for years to come if you take care of it. With wooden dock boxes, they do eventually start to shed splinters. They also tend to rot after a period of time. So, before you purchase one made of wood, consider a dock box made to withstand a lot of moisture, such as one made of fiberglass or polyethylene composite.
Dock Box Types and Sizes
You can find almost any size of dock box you can think of, from just a few feet wide to big enough to fit fishing poles and water skis. And you'll find lots of shapes to choose from. Standard rectangular and low-profile are popular choices, as well as triangular (which are great for corner storage, although not quite as spacious as the rectangular options).
What To Look For In A Quality Dock Box
Anybody can build a dock box, but there are several key things to look for when you purchase one to ensure that you are buying a product that is worth your hard-earned money and built with quality in mind. We've made a checklist for you below:
- Lockable lid - To make sure your valuables and belongings are safe and secure, you want to look for a dock box with a sturdy lockable lid.
- Shock lid lifts - While not a necessity, these will ensure the lid of your dock box stays firmly open even while you're cruising on the water.
- Waterproof - Considering the purpose of a dock box, it's probably best to be certain the one you invest in is waterproof.
- UV gel coat - A UV gel coat on your dock box will help to provide it with an extra layer of protection from harsh weather and exposure to sunlight.
- Stainless steel hardware - Choose a dock box that has stainless steel hardware and latches. This will help prevent the hardware from rusting.
Dock boxes can really come in handy to solve your waterfront storage issues and protect your belongings. But you don't have to own a boat to find a dock box useful. Whether you enjoy spending time by the ocean, lake, or river, you can use it to tote your gear from the garage to the water. Consider investing in a dock box for your next adventure!
