Tips To Select The Best Boat & Personal Watercraft Slips In Tennessee
Whether you own a boat or a PWC, finding an ideal storing location for your craft comes as part of the responsibility. Boat slips are a perfect option to consider that keeps your boat or PWC safe when it’s not being used. However, many boaters and PWC owners are assigned a slip location without taking into consideration the following factors, so they end up having trouble when docking their crafts.
Here are some helpful guidelines when selecting a boat slip in Tennessee. For more tips from our experts, visit us at Boone Lake Marina in Piney Flats, TN. We also serve Bluefield and Princeton, VA.
Easy Access
When searching for the perfect slip, the first thing to be aware of is how easy docking will be. You want a slip that has enough space for you to get safely in and out, without hassle. You may also want to choose a location with convenient hook-ups nearby, such as power and water outlets.
Momentum
When docking, many find the prevailing wind or water current helpful. This assists in the momentum of bringing your craft in the direction of your station. You can keep this in mind when choosing the right boat slip. Some stations have poor wind circulation and less-to-no water current, which makes docking a little bit more difficult.
Water Depth
As water levels constantly decline and rise, be sure to check the water depth of your assigned area. Sometimes the water may not be deep enough for your boat or PWC to safely dock. Keep in mind in what direction you will dock your craft, which involves either docking the bow or stern first. In some cases, there may be enough water depth to dock the bow first, but not the stern. To get an accurate depth measurement, you can use a pole. While you’re at it, make sure the area is free of boulders or large obstacles.
Dock Height
Be aware of the dock height, too. This will depend on the size and model of your craft. For fixed boat slips, it is usually easier to get on and off from the side deck or cockpit side of your boat, since the sheer line is closer to the height of the dock. On the other hand, when choosing floating slips, you may have to add a ladder or a stool to the dock to reduce the height difference. As mentioned above, it all depends on the size of your boat, so choose a boat slip that best suits your craft.
Looking for a boat or PWC slip? Come to Boone Lake Marina and choose your ideal docking station. We will guide you through the selection process, so you are confident when docking your craft. We’re your local boat and PWC dealer in Piney Flats, TN, and we extend our services to those from Bluefield and Princeton, VA.