Maintenance Costs Are at a Minimum with Your BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch
We often receive questions about the long-term maintenance and durability of our accessible products, particularly the BoardSafe adaptive floating dock system. In many cases, BoardSafe’s floating dock systems are funded through grants and taxpayer-funded initiatives; therefore, customers tend to look for products with long-term durability and minimum upkeep.
With increasing material costs and economic indicators hinting that prices of goods and services will continue to rise in the near future, project funding and tight budgets don’t always include a budgetary line item for long-term maintenance costs.
It’s justified that cities, towns, parks, and recreation departments, are concerned about long-term planning and additional resources it may take to fund, build, and maintain their capital investments. With tight budgets and inflation on the rise, buyers are looking for quality and long-lasting products with minimal long-term maintenance costs.
The BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch empowers adaptive athletes, making it easier to enter and exit their vessel. Their features promote independence, allow adaptive paddlers to experience the freedom of the water like everyone else, and make it safer for the volunteers and family members who are there to assist them.
Adaptive features specific to BoardSafe Kayak Launches
The adaptive features found only in a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch include a gangway with a 1/12 pitch or less. The boarding bench is the same height as a wheelchair, making it easy for kayakers to slide onto the bench. The bench offers a gradual step down to the vessel. The roll cage around the bench offers extra supportive features with the overhead grab bar and optional hand staps.
The paddler can slide down the bench from either side, depending on their preference. There is a stadium-style bleacher seat that pulls out over the kayak. With the paddler seated on the bleacher seat, the overhead grab straps afford adaptive athletes the ability to slide themselves slowly into their vessel.
Boarding Bench Adaptive Features can be seen in this picture
Adding to the stability of the launch is a cradle that holds the kayak securely in place. The kayak fits snugly into the cradle so there is no worry about tipping or moving unexpectedly, which is the risk with roller-type launch systems. Adaptive paddlers have reported that the roller-type launch does not securely hold the kayak in place, and gravity can cause the vessel to shift upon entry, making the entrance less safe than a cradle launch.
Once the adaptive paddler is securely fitted into the vessel, there are appropriately-spaced grab bars on each side of the cradle they can use to pull themselves out onto the water. BoardSafe’s inclusive features are demonstrated to work (see video link below), and the value of these features to an adaptive paddler has no price. The true value is getting them out on the water with family and friends.
Structural features of BoardSafe Floating Docks
While the inclusive features are valued by adaptive paddlers, it’s the structural features that make BoardSafe Docks the premier floating dock option on today’s market. The structural integrity of BoardSafe products sets them apart from the rest of the competition. Anyone who has seen or experienced the launch firsthand can attest to the quality design of their docks, gangways, piers, and adaptive launches.
BoardSafe’s first adaptive kayak launch installed in 2015
In addition to the value of BoardSafe’s adaptive features, the floating dock system also offers value to those concerned about the dock’s long-term maintenance. Understanding the product components and the structural integrity of BoardSafe’s floating dock system helps keep concerns about long-term maintenance costs at bay.
BoardSafe Floating Launches are durable, versatile, and able to withstand the test of time and weather. Not all dock builders have this reputation. The aluminum welded frames, composite decking, and plastic encapsulated flotation, create a maintenance-free system.
Launches may remain in water and can withstand a freeze and thaw, and snow, as long as there are no tidal changes or moving ice jams that may do damage to the launch.
More about Boardafe Dock’s structural components
There are three main components used in manufacturing a BoardSafe aluminum floating dock. The combination of these materials has proven to provide a structural, aesthetically pleasing floating dock system with a life span of 20 to 30 years. The system is intentionally designed for minimum maintenance and upkeep.
The BoardSafe Floating Dock System is manufactured using the following materials:
- Aluminum Frame
- Marine Grade 6061 or 6063
- Welded connections
- Stainless steel fasteners
- Composite Decking
- Rated for commercial use
- Rated for anti-slip in accordance with ADA requirements
- Plastic Encapsulated Flotation
- Foam-filled
- Plastic shell
Why do these durable materials make the system long-lasting and unique?
Welded connections, marine-grade aluminum, and stainless steel fasteners, withstand the test of time and weather and are maintenance-free materials. Aluminum and stainless steel will not corrode or rust. These components also stand up to the elements of weather and changes in tide and temperature, and are durable enough to withstand the test of time.
The composite decking used in BoardSafe’s systems helps make the decking system maintenance-free. The water-resistant, plastic deck boards used on BoardSafe docks have an anti-slip tread that meets ADA standards. Since BoardSafe kayak launches are designed to the highest standards of accessibility with the adaptive community in mind, the safety precautions they take are a standard and not an option.
The plastic-encapsulated floats provide stability by distributing weight more evenly and meet all marine industry standards. The floats will adjust to the water’s changing height and tidal changes and will keep the dock’s freeboard unchanged.
Pictures from the first BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on 10/24/2015
Leaser Lake is the location of the first adaptive kayak launch, which was installed in 2015. The following pictures show a frozen Leaser Lake in 2021 and a picture from the spring of 2022, seven years after its installation. Kayakers will be able to enjoy the launch for many years to come because of its structural integrity and durability.
A frozen Leaser Lake in 2021
Leaser Lake Adaptive Kayak Launch in spring of 2022 (7 years later)
“BoardSafe has all the features to provide the most access to the greatest number of users’” said George White, Wetland Biologist and Team River Runner Chapter Coordinator for Lehigh County.
People who enjoy water sports are often subject to climates and locations that experience four seasons. For example, people in New England and the midwest face extremes of heatwaves and frigid blizzards. Many of BoardSafe’s clients in these areas are concerned about protecting their floating docks, fishing piers, gangways, and adaptive accessible kayak launches. Parks and outdoor spaces must winterize their areas by putting items into storage, placing covers over certain items, and spending time to protect objects against the harshness of the winter. Customers often ask if BoardSafe products need to be removed from the water and stored during the winter. The short answer is, “No, BoardSafe’s floating docks, fishing piers, gangways, and adaptive accessible kayak launches do not necessarily need to be removed for the winter.”
User groups in the northern United States and Canada will be happy to know that Board Safe’s docks and launches can remain in the water for the winter as long as there is no fluctuation in the body of water where the launch is located and there are no ice pack movements around the launch system. Unusual situations, like draining a lake or chunks of ice floating down a river, could damage the product. That said, a floating dock, fishing pier, or adaptive launch that has a steady level and flow of water around it will endure the winter and can be left in the water. However, this decision should not be made in isolation without having conversations about winter weather conditions with both park managers and BoardSafe Docks.
BoardSafe’s products use high-quality grades of stainless steel, synthetic lumber, fiberglass, hardware, and other materials that are selected for their durability and ability to withstand extreme elements. However, they cannot control acts of Mother Nature and consideration should always be given to preparation for the most extreme of all possible weather conditions.
Since every location and application is just a little bit different, BoardSafe Docks should always be consulted prior to allowing products to sit in the water throughout the winter. With hundreds of installations across numerous climates and environmental conditions, BoardSafe is an expert in location selection, site work, design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of floating docks, piers, and adaptive launches. To discuss your project and learn more about BoardSafe Docks, their adaptive features, durable construction, and long-term maintenance suggestions, please call us at 610-899-0286 or contact us through our website at BoardSafeDocks.com.
Adaptive Kayak Launch Installed at Rotary Park, Coldwater, MI
A new BoardSafe Docks adaptive kayak launch was just installed at Rotary Park in Coldwater, Michigan, sponsored by the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary and the Coldwater Rotary Club. It was funded through the Coldwater Rotary Club, the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary, and the Coldwater Solar Project.
This BoardSafe Docks launch is the only adaptive kayak launch in the area. BoardSafe designed and fabricated the system, and provided onsite construction supervision, working alongside the city's employees to build the launch.
It will allow all kayakers, including those with special needs, to have easier access to the water.
We Empower All Abilities. This Spring Will Be More Fun for Paddlers at the New Beaver Creek Launch in Powell, TN
Two new adaptive kayak launches have been installed on Beaver Creek! You will find them at Powell High Landing (Brickyard Road) and Roy Arthur Stormwater Park (Harrell Road).
Beaver Creek Water Trail spans the length of Knox County, Tennessee, a 44-mile stretch from Halls to Melton Hill in Hardin Valley, and is a popular spot for paddling; ADA boat dock with kayak put-in behind Powell High School; dock/put-in at Roy Arthur Stormwater Park features a popular route running from the Park to the Northwest Sports Complex with a mix of light rapids and peaceful, placid water.
Beaver Creek is an ideal learning site, especially the area from Halls to Powell or launching at the put-in behind Powell High School and floating to Clinton Highway. You can stand up and walk out of most places in the creek and the gentle current will carry you along.
Learn more about the Beaver Creek Water Trail and how BoardSafe Docks helped them meet their accessibility and deadline goals with these local pieces:
View this video on Facebook:
facebook.com/groups/1682230425349003/permalink/3166073996964631/
Offer ADA Inspired and Adaptive Accessibility at Your Marina
The Village of Fairport on the Erie Canal recently redesigned its waterfront to improve accessibility for its adaptive paddling community. The Erie Canal Boat Company is proudly equipped with a custom BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, part of a complete waterfront redesign at its Erie Canal entry point. GPI, the design engineer on the project, sought out BoardSafe Docks for their assistance in developing a design solution for the Fairport Village Boat Launch and Marina.
The initial plan was to provide universal access to the water. The community is proud to be working together to make inclusion happen. Our customer was looking for an adaptive kayak launch that would be placed in an area that rests next to their newly-designed boat ramp. BoardSafe was able to work with the design engineers on their initial concept and came up with a unique design solution.
The adaptive launch system was designed with a concrete trench at the top of the launch and included a bulkhead angle and a related hinge pin that attached to the floating dock system. The space allowed for the pin to be easily installed and removed if necessary and provided a secure attachment of the floating dock system to the concrete wall.
Bulkhead angle attached to launch
The scope of this customized project included an 8-foot-wide gangway that fit into the designated launch space. The kayak chute was designed to be 8 feet in length. The adaptive system included an 8-foot by 20-foot floating dock and Clip-a-Launch 20S (designed for entry from one end). The loading and unloading area was designed to accommodate multiple wheelchairs and is welcoming to adaptive paddling groups. The cost of this project was in the $50,000 range, and it was installed at the location of the Erie Boat Company, Inc., operated by Peter Abele.
8-foot-wide aluminum gangway
The beauty of a project like this is its ability to be used in almost any unused marina slip. BoardSafe Docks will work with its customers to design the floating dock system to any length and width to add these accessibility features to your existing marina. The desirable features of the BoardSafe inclusive launch system are that it offers boaters the ability to kayak, canoe, or SUP, safely and easily from the launch, and serves the widest range of users, from those who are able bodies to those who are in wheelchairs. It will allow your guests another option to see and explore the villages and towns surrounding your marina.
What draws boaters to this marina
The Erie Canal Boat Company is known for its kayak rentals and excursions along the Erie Canal. There are plentiful walking and bike trails along the canal to explore. The boat company offers accessible kayak, canoe, paddleboard, pontoon, and bicycle rentals to people of all abilities. The launch offers universal access for its residents and visitors, making it a popular tourist destination and a solid revenue stream for the town, marina, and businesses located along the canal.
Boaters may dock their boat in one of the marina’s boat slips and use all of the additional recreational opportunities available at the marina. The additional activities beyond boating take visitors to places they may not be able to get to with their boats, and allow visitors to enjoy the sites, both on and off the water.
The BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch supported the Erie Canal Boat Company with its mission and has helped make Fairport an inclusive destination for boaters and paddlers of all abilities. Tourism is on the rise in Fairport, and it’s receiving many praises, being recognized for its ability to provide universal access.
Not far from Fairport, the Village of Brockport also installed a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch. The adaptive system is located in downtown Brockport along the Erie Canal, and the popularity of the launch has been good for the town as showcased in this link: http://ow.ly/rSEv50IRMIm.
You can learn more about BoardSafe's exclusive adaptive products here.
Take a video tour of the Fairport accessible kayak launch at the link below.
Village of Fairport, NY Accessible Kayak Launch with ADA Features
Contact BoardSafe Docks at 610-899-0286 if you're looking for ideas on making your marina more accessible to your users or for using an existing boat slip to offer an adaptive kayak launch.
Cleveland Metroparks Adds Kayak Launch and Gangway
Established in 1917, Cleveland Metroparks spans more than 24,000 acres across Northeast Ohio including 18 reservations, more than 300 miles of trails, eight golf courses, eight lakefront parks, dining and retail venues, and nationally-acclaimed Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The Park District offers thousands of education and recreation programs and events each year across the 49 communities it serves, helping to create connections to nature and promote conservation and sustainability. Cleveland Metroparks is the recipient of the 2021 National Gold Medal “Best in Nation” Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management.
Cleveland Metroparks has been operating the East 55th Street Marina since 2013. Conveniently located off of I-90 on the shores of Lake Erie at a 1,200-foot fishing platform and one exit away from the popular E 72nd Fishing Area and Gordon Public Boat Ramps, they have everything you need for a successful day on the lake! Stop in by car or boat for bait, tackle, coffee, snacks, and beer to go. Full-service ship store covering all of your boating needs.
Visit their site at clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/parks/lakefront-reservation/east-55th-street-marina.
BoardSafe Docks has recently engineered, built, and installed our unique ADA-inspired adaptive kayak launch to make boating accessible to adaptive paddlers. We also installed a 50-foot, heavy-duty aluminum gangway to provide access to the launch.
Click here to read more about BoardSafe's accessible kayak launch.
Click here to read more about BoardSafe's aluminum gangway.
How Much Does a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch Cost?
One of the first questions our customers ask is, “How much does a BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch cost?”
Let me explain some of our general pricing guidelines and the different components of our launch that directly affect pricing. The purchase of an adaptive kayak launch is much like the purchase of a vehicle or even a home — With so many options available, price ranges can vary depending on the options you select. Like a car, you’ll want to select the options that will make your excursions safe, comfortable, and easily accessible.
BoardSafe Docks manufactures a number of standard-size kayak launches, gangways, chutes, and floating docks. These components can be arranged in countless configurations to meet the site conditions and needs of our customers.
Click here to view the different kayak launch layouts that will affect your pricing.
There are 20 different configurations that BoardSafe Docks has put together to meet customers' unique needs and to ensure usability for adaptive paddlers. Our goal is to make sure our launch system provides the necessary features that accommodate the widest range of user abilities. We’ve evaluated hundreds of launch sites and have learned what’s needed to enable our customers to safely and easily access their vessels and get out onto the water.
BoardSafe’s sales team members are available to evaluate your waterfront and make recommendations about the launch system that will work best for your application and your intended users. After your site has been evaluated, our sales professionals will guide you on the layout that will be the best option for your users and your access point. They will also assist you with budgetary numbers for your site’s design.
Can I save money by purchasing a BoardSafe Kayak Launch system now and adding the adaptive kit when additional funds become available?
The BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch has features that can be purchased separately or together. These features include the gangway and accompanying kayak chute, floating dock, adaptive kit (step-down bench, overhead roll cage with grab bars and straps, and signage), saddle launch or Clip-a-Launch. Each of these components can be personalized to your launch site with the features you find most important for the safety and accessibility of your identified users. The launch can be designed for the components in the adaptive kit to be added at a later time.
To keep the initial cost down, the kayak launch can be purchased with or without the Adaptive Boarding Kit (bench with pullout seat, overhead grab bar with hand straps, and instructional signage).
The length of the gangway and accompanying kayak chute is another feature that will affect pricing. Depending on the location and placement of the floating dock, the gangway and chute will be designed in varying lengths. The floating dock structure of an adaptive kayak launch needs a minimum water level of 18 inches in order for the encapsulated floats to remain floating in the water so the gangway, chute, and floating docks are not sitting in the mud.
This is one of the reasons that BoardSafe Docks offers multiple solutions and layouts. Their design capabilities will assist you with choosing the best configuration.
How quality and longevity affect the cost of a BoardSafe Kayak Launch system
BoardSafe launches are manufactured using aluminum welded frames, composite deck lumber, encapsulated flotation, and proprietary extrusions that make their system durable and able to withstand the test of time. Our launches are also designed to be used with canoes and stand-up paddleboards, making their versatility very desirable for many user groups.
The approximate price range of these configurations is between $30,000 and $55,000, depending on the size and options you select.
BoardSafe understands that you want your kayak launch to be around for a long time — longer than you might keep your car, and possibly as long as you plan to live in your home. Picking the right kayak launch with the right options and configuration the first time is critical to ensure maximum enjoyment with minimum maintenance. Because of this, most of our customers end up selecting the launch that will make them happiest in the long run.
Unfortunately, when customers only focus on the price of the kayak launch and are solely focused on finding the cheapest launch, they also sacrifice quality, warranty, low maintenance, and aesthetics. This can inevitably lead to regret — especially considering that, unlike a vehicle, a kayak launch cannot be traded in when someone is dissatisfied and disenchanted with their product or performance.
BoardSafe Docks is a trusted expert in the location, selection, site work, design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of floating docks, fishing piers, gangways, pedestrian bridges, rowing centers, marinas, and the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch.
Our adaptive launch provides a truly accessible experience for the adaptive paddler as well as all able-bodied paddlers. To discuss your project, and for assistance with finding your optimal waterfront solution, please call 610-899-0286 or visit us at BoardSafeDocks.com.
How Much Does an Adaptive Accessible Kayak Launch Cost?
Across the nation, many people — from park rangers to city engineers — are seeking to improve access to their local community’s water and marine features. This is an extension and outgrowth of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with the objective to provide access for all abilities to all amenities. Access to nature for the disabled has been long overlooked, but now parks, towns, and clubs are clamoring for ADA-accessible picnic tables, bathrooms, and walking trails, as well as adaptive kayak launches.
With any new product, one of the first questions asked is, “How much does it cost?” The appropriate answer is almost always, “Well, that depends!” So, how much does an adaptive or accessible kayak launch cost? The answer is inevitably found within the range of quality, features, and durability. This can mean a few hundred bucks for an accessory to bolt onto an existing wood dock or tens of thousands of dollars for an elaborate commercial-grade adaptive floating kayak launch and dock system.
System vs. Accessory
A quick Google search finds accessibility accessories to attach to existing docks. The less expensive the item, the less utility it offers to those with a disability. Hanging a large hook from an algae-encrusted wooden dock to stabilize a kayak is not helpful to individuals who are unstable on their feet. It may be useful to hold the boat for Grandma or a daredevil teen, but it is not suitable for one with mobility challenges. As the price for those bolt-on accessories increases, so do the engineering and thought put into the design of the part to ensure safe and easy transition in and out of vessels.
An accessory’s usefulness is contingent upon the quality and durability of the existing dock to which it is attached. For example, a BoardSafe Clip-a-Launch can be bolted onto the aluminum frame of an existing rigid or floating dock, and costs a few thousand dollars. Depending on the range of abilities of the users, a Clip-a-Launch alone may not suffice to assist paddlers in and out of boats. A person’s needs may require additional bars, straps, a transition bench, and other adaptive features to enable the paddler to easily enter and exit their craft. These features can be added to an existing dock, and are also sold as a package or full adaptive kayak launch system.
A fully-accessible or adaptive launch system is not an accessory that can be attached to an existing dock. The best option is, depending upon the need, a floating dock, gangway, and other accessories that facilitate water access.
Adaptive Kayak Launch System Features
The gangway must offer an adaptive paddler a way of moving the kayak from the land to the launch area and vice versa. The gangway should have a maximum pitch of 1/12 (meeting ADA slope requirements and features) and a parallel boat chute where the vessel is placed in alignment with the kayak launch.
The chute and launch area should be large enough to accommodate kayaks with outriggers. However, it shouldn’t be too wide or it will create too great a distance between the boarding bench and the cockpit of the vessel.
Ample space on a floating dock As the paddler rolls up to the bench to begin the transition from the chair into the cockpit, sufficient space is required to maneuver the wheelchair, especially if there is more than one adaptive paddler leaving their chairs on deck. The floating dock should also have a toe kick around the perimeter as an added safety feature. This prohibits a wheelchair from accidentally rolling off the dock into the water.
A tiered bench allows the user to easily transfer from the wheelchair. The top step of the bench must be equal to the height of a wheelchair in order for the user to transition from their wheelchair over to the bench. The steps should be minimal in height (approx. 3”) to allow the paddler a small shift from step to lower step.
The bench must be equipped with a pull-out seat that slides out over the kayak and directly above the vessel’s cockpit. This allows the adaptive paddler to slide down into the vessel with a limited drop and shimmy himself or herself into their kayak.
The roll cage must provide support for an overhead grab bar as well as optional hand straps. Adaptive paddlers have varied upper-body strengths and varied preferences as they enter and exit their vessel. Some paddlers prefer the grab bar while others prefer the hand straps. There should be no obstructions on either side of the step-down bench, allowing the paddler to choose the side they prefer and are most comfortable using to navigate down the bench.
The pull bars on either side of the launch must be at the right elevation and distance from the paddler, making it comfortable and easy for a disabled paddler to pull himself or herself down the chute and into the water.
Stabilization saddles and launch area Too often, the launch area is sloped and includes rollers. When a kayak, canoe, or SUP, is placed into the launch, gravity will dictate the action of the vessel. If a kayak is not level in the chute, it will roll into the water and will not remain securely in place for the disabled paddler to board or disembark from. Remember, the design needs to accommodate the return of paddlers as well, and rollers can actually make this condition worse because they prevent the vessel from sitting securely and remaining in place. The width of the launch area is also a factor — if it is too wide, it makes it more difficult for a paddler to make their way from the step-down bench in order to transfer into their vessel.
Quality and Durability
With most products, value is inevitably determined through quality products enduring the test of time. Most entry-level accessible kayak launches consist of molded plastic floating docks and accessories with some metal features. While they may not be as aesthetically pleasing or able to survive severe storms, they are an affordable way to test the waters (so to speak), launch a program, and engage new paddlers without a large investment. These launches require regular maintenance and have a short product life. For organizations that desire a high-quality adaptive kayak launch and have the budget to match, a BoardSafe kayak launch system should be considered.
BoardSafe’s entire system has been engineered for paddler performance and product durability. This includes commercial-grade aluminum, stainless steel, weather-resistant and slip-proof composite decking, encapsulated floats, and many other design features that facilitate safe transfer in and out of the water. These systems last for many years and are the preferred products of clients who don’t want to remove the docks in the winter or who have fluctuating water levels or who are susceptible to heavy storms.
Accessible vs. Adaptive
Although often used interchangeably, the terms “accessible” and “adaptive” are distinct and need to be properly understood. In the traditional sense, “accessible” denotes something that is easy to get to, where barriers such as steps have been removed. It can also include features stipulated by ADA guidelines, like a 1:12 gentle pitch, specific height handrails, and alternative handrails. Accessible launches are great for able-bodied kayakers, beginners, children, seniors, and people with minor limitations like joint issues, arthritis, and developmental delays. An accessible launch may even work for a small number of paddlers with moderate disabilities. However, for adaptive paddlers with greater mobility challenges, an accessible launch alone does not meet their full range of needs, and will not get them into the water safely or easily.
An “adaptive” launch is an enhanced accessible launch. Adaptive kayak launches are engineered and designed with features that accommodate paddlers of all abilities. The adaptive kayak launch designed by BoardSafe Docks was created based on the input of physical and occupational therapists and adaptive paddlers. Adaptive kayak launches are feature-rich to empower all users to overcome any mobility challenges.
Value
Many kayak launch buyers determine the value of a kayak launch relative to its ability to assist a number of paddlers over a period of time. Most people are aware that a product that outlasts a similarly-priced product offers greater value. In a similar way, but often overlooked, a product that accommodates a greater number of users will offer more benefit to more people, and therefore be more valuable. Feature-rich adaptive launches could help three or four times the number of users than a standard accessible launch. Each potential buyer needs to calculate this cost of ownership and return on investment. Many buyers go beyond the basic quantifiable measures of determining a kayak launch’s value, because helping those who live with the most severe handicaps is priceless. Some inferior accessible launches keep many with mobility issues from even considering their use, but allow an organization to check off the “ADA” box. On the other hand, those who desire to empower all users — especially those who typically do not enjoy life’s simple pleasure of roaming access — do not equate an adaptive launch’s value to the ROI because helping those in our communities with the greatest needs is, as they say, priceless.
To discuss your project and evaluate BoardSafe’s adaptive kayak launch options, contact us on our website or call 610-899-0286.
The Supply Chain Impact on Floating Docks and Kayak Launches
What This Could Mean for Your Project
The supply chain shortage has affected every business and consumer on the planet—and over the past year or so, we’ve all seen and experienced what happens when it breaks down.
You have probably walked through your local grocery store and seen the empty shelves. Whether it’s toilet paper, paper towels, foodstuffs, or toiletries, the supply chain shortage has also caused havoc with the materials used in manufacturing.
These days, you’re more likely to see shortages of parts, materials, and stuff that makes other stuff, like building materials and mechanical parts. For example, car lots are empty and both new and used car prices keep climbing higher. We’ve all heard about the chip shortage that every car manufacturer is experiencing. Demand has overrun supply, which is unprecedented in the auto industry. The chip shortage has limited the production of every make of automobile.
The marine and boating industry has been impacted by the same issues in massive ways as well. This is why BoardSafe Docks wants you to understand how the supply chain may affect the manufacturing and pricing of your kayak launch, marina, rowing center, gangway, or pedestrian bridge. A confluence of two major factors has created a situation for everyone where demand is greater than supply.
- The interest in kayaking, paddle sports, and adaptive recreation has seemed to reach an all-time high as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Paddlesports have proven to be a wonderful exercise for the mind, body, and spirit. Paddling is a way for people to be together yet remain safely distanced from each other. Its interest took off when the pandemic was shutting down our world.
- The entire country and every industry is now working through a serious supply chain shortage. Our most critical materials used in the manufacturing and fabrication of our aluminum floating docks, gangways, and bridges, are in high demand with low supply.
For more information and better understanding, keep on reading.
First, let's take a look at the major components of the parts and materials we use in the production of our floating dock systems.
- aluminum
- composite deck lumber
- concrete decking
- plastic encapsulated flotation
- our proprietary extrusions
- protective rub rail trim
- tools used in the fabrication and maintenance of these systems
- and much more
Material shortages have not only stretched out the timetables on many of our projects but they’ve also (unfortunately) made many elements of these projects cost more than originally anticipated. The increase in the cost of these materials has been passed on to us and also our customers.
We wrote this article to help you understand the specific reasons behind the longer timetables we’re experiencing as a manufacturer and to explain the higher costs you might be experiencing in 2022.
All dock manufacturers, including BoardSafe Docks, have been dealing with the same supply chain issues, which we’ll explain in the rest of this article.
Material shortages and price increases exist in all facets of our production (aluminum, composite and concrete decking, flotation, extrusions, rub rail)
Aluminum, which is used to manufacture a wide range of durable waterfront products, suffered a severe production downturn when the initial lockdowns swept across the world about a year ago. Deliveries of raw aluminum are in short supply and prices for aluminum have been steadily increasing over the past year. To keep our pricing accurate, we’ve been tracking the steady increase in the price of aluminum starting back in 2021. Beginning in January 2021, and up through April 2022, we’ve seen the cost of aluminum increase 75 – 80% over last year’s prices. While inflation has caused prices to rise everywhere as we know them, an 80% increase is shocking to us all.
The reserve aluminum supplies across the USA are depleted. We used to be able to call our aluminum supplier and arrange for a next-day or 2-day delivery. Not anymore.
As a result of the pandemic and material shortages, product delivery of our custom extrusions orders can be as far as 8 months out. Our distributor’s products are stuck out at sea on shipping containers, waiting to be unloaded and delivered across the country. Before the pandemic, we all took the supply chain for granted; we didn’t even think about the logistics industry. The supply chain shortage has changed the way warehouses, manufacturers, trucking companies, and distribution centers, conduct their business. The Wall Street Journal recently noted that aluminum producers are now seeking new avenues to get their hands on scrap metal like old cans.
Composite decking prices have increased by about 25% since January 2021. However, we’ve been very fortunate in that our composite decking supplier has been able to meet our order requests in a timely manner. With decking, our only concern has been the increase in its pricing.
Plastic encapsulated flotations are the floats that are attached under our floating docks and gangways that keep them afloat. From the time of order, we’re now experiencing 8 – 12 weeks in lead time, about 3 months. Flotation has also experienced a 25% price increase since we began tracking these costs.
Rub rail is the rubberized trim attached to the perimeter of our dock systems that serves as the protective guard around our floating docks. Our supplier of this extruded product has informed us there’s about a 12-week (3-month) turnaround for them to get the rubber compounds they use to make the custom extrusions for our systems. The pricing for our rub rail insert has increased by 20% since 2021.
Unexpected disruptions
The COVID-19 lockdown felt like the mother of all supply chain disruptions when businesses were forced to shut down early in 2020. Only those deemed “essential” were allowed to remain open. We’re all paying the costs for it now. Everyone continues to experience the consequences of the pandemic with no real end in sight. Inflation is on the rise and we’ve seen increases in the price of homes, cars, gasoline, and food. Our products are not immune to these increases.
Severe weather, hurricanes, and employment shortages, add to the consequences of the pandemic. Since many of our producers of raw materials are overseas, the shipping standstill has deprived manufacturers of our most critical supplies.
Aluminum is in the middle of the greatest demand surge ever seen or experienced in its industry. This high demand is happening despite its 80% increase in cost. And prices continue to go up without lessening its demand.
What this means for manufacturers and their customers
In short, the market for kayak launches, marinas, gangways, and rowing centers, (with their main material being aluminum), has been hit by the perfect storm of perfect storms. However, we’ve survived the pandemic shutdowns, COVID, employee shortages, weather disruptions, supply chain shortages, and increased pricing for our main materials.
If you look at these events as a whole and look at the big picture, none of us ever imagined we’d experience events like these in our lifetime.
Like other dock builders and producers of goods and services, we’re working as hard as we can to design and manufacture each individualized project that we’ve planned with our customers. The simple reality is that we can’t work any faster if we want to maintain our industry-leading standards that BoardSafe is very proud of. Nor can we overcome supply chain issues and increased costs when they’re simply out of our control — regardless of our desire and efforts to prevent them.
One change we’ve been forced to make as a company regards the bidding and quotes of our marine products. We can no longer hold the price of our bids for longer than 30 days. In the past, when there weren’t drastic changes and increases in the cost of raw materials, our bid remained the bid. While we work hard to keep our prices fair, we must keep a close eye on what we’re paying for materials and their delivery fees.
Educating our customers and communicating these changes are important to us. If at any time you feel you need more information to make an informed decision about your product’s pricing, our sales team is always available to answer your questions.
How customers can help keep our industry moving forward
If you're planning to do business with us, we've explained the length of time it’s taking to get our materials for production. The length of time is not something we or any other dock builder can control. Please don’t wait until the last minute to confirm your order with us. There’s a new game in town, and with demand being so much greater than supply, aluminum suppliers are requiring upfront payments for their orders, as well as a customer’s signed purchase order to show evidence that our order is designated to a specific job. You see, demand for aluminum is so high, suppliers do not want to see manufacturers stockpile aluminum like many people were doing with toilet paper, paper towels, and disinfecting wipes in 2020. The price increase of manufacturing materials has also caused material suppliers to proceed with caution to ensure they’re getting paid in a timely manner for the materials they sell.
Working together on payment terms
The deposits we need to pay to material suppliers guarantee our place in line for the raw materials we need to build your job. Our deposit helps keep our supplier’s cash flow flowing. And since we need to pay for your materials in advance of receiving them, a deposit from you on your project is a reasonable request in today’s market. We understand that this can sometimes create hardship for all parties involved. However, due to increased material costs, we want our customers to understand why a deposit and clear payment terms are necessary.
BoardSafe Docks has absorbed a massive increase in up-front costs for all of our jobs. Therefore, our ability to be flexible with our terms has been greatly reduced. Final payment for our projects is expected upon delivery and installation. Our employees need to be paid, our overhead costs need to be satisfied, and our trucking companies and installation teams expect the same courtesy from us. Therefore, we appreciate you working with us to support these terms and prompt payment for the quality products and services that BoardSafe stands behind.
We’ve already entered the spring season of 2022. Kayaking and rowing season is just a few weeks away. We know our customers want their launch, gangway, bridge, rowing center, or marina project, to be installed in a timely manner and ready to go for the approaching summer season.
Every dock builder and manufacturer is doing their best to meet customers' installation wishes. But the obstacles identified in this article will likely continue to affect our entire industry (and many others) for the foreseeable future.
So, whether you’re planning on getting your launch, gangway, pedestrian bridge, rowing center, or marina from BoardSafe Docks, we can only say this:
Let’s keep pushing through this together, with everyone doing what they’re responsible for to get the job completed in a timely manner. BoardSafe offers high-satisfaction products that can improve the quality of life for those who like to kayak, canoe, row, or SUP.
At BoardSafe Docks, we manufacture world-class aluminum-framed floating docks, adaptive kayak launches, rowing docks, marinas, gangways, and pedestrian bridges for our customers all across the USA. If you're shopping around for quality, feel free to take a look at, or request custom pricing through, our website: BoardSafe Docks.com.
Mandarin Park Florida Adaptive Kayak Launch
The City of Jacksonville, Florida, recently installed its fourth BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch at their Mandarin Park location in December 2021. The fully-accessible launch is located at 14780 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32223-2650.
Jacksonville is home to the largest urban park system in the nation, and is committed to making its park system an equitable and inclusive destination for its city’s residents and visitors. Enjoying the outdoors and taking advantage of the available activities offered through the city’s parks and recreation department have been a priority for the city’s administration.
Jacksonville is proud of its accomplishments in supporting adaptive recreation. Their rivers and waterways also support a wide variety of outdoor activities that include boating, fishing, bird and wildlife viewing, and a slew of special events that now can include and be attended by everyone. History and tourism also attract visitors to their city. Over the last several years, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department has striven to improve its park facilities by making them equitable and inclusive destinations for people of all abilities. They’re hoping others will help spread the word about their adaptive facilities and recreation programs, including their adaptive kayak launch systems that can be found at the updated Mandarin Park facility and other parks around the city.
Last year was the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Jacksonville was pleased to share where they stand in supporting people with disabilities. The city created a video highlighting its efforts and identified adaptive recreation as a major initiative as part of its mission to make Jacksonville an accessible city for everyone. Adaptive paddling with the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch is highlighted 5 minutes and 30 seconds into their showcase video (below). Jacksonville is a river city as well as a beachfront destination, and they continue to find creative ways to be at the forefront of providing access to their natural resources, rivers, and the ocean, for people with disabilities.
Americans With Disabilities Act 30th Anniversary celebrated in Jacksonville.
Mandarin Park is located in the southeast section of Jacksonville, adjacent to Julington Creek. In addition to an adaptive kayak launch, there are accessible picnic shelters, walking trails, and ADA-compliant playground equipment.
How BoardSafe Docks helped improve Jacksonville’s accessibility
The original Mandarin Park amenities included a boat ramp, floating docks, and a fixed fishing pier. However, prior to the existence of the ADA and Jacksonville’s accessible initiatives, its parks were not originally designed with inclusivity in mind. The Mandarin Park site contained a large amount of vegetation along the shoreline and was not conducive to safe or easy access to the water. While people were drawn to the beauty of the area and its waterfront destination, the pre-ADA facility made accessing the water very difficult and challenging. Access wasn’t safe for the adaptive paddler or their friends, family, and paddling groups who had to carry, lift, and maneuver an adaptive paddler into his or her kayak or canoe.
The upgrade to the Mandarin Park facility included increasing the number of aluminum floating docks in the boat ramp area and adding an accessible walkway along the shoreline that invites people in wheelchairs to a site they were previously restricted from using.
The BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch allows paddlers a way to access their kayaking vessel and canoe both safely and easily. The facility update allows for people with disabilities to participate and enjoy the park, its facilities, pavilions, walking trails, and adaptive kayaking on the water along with their friends, family, and other user groups who may require specific adaptive features. It’s become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The height of the new walkway and mean low water elevations (that spanned 48 inches at its lowest and widest point) dictated that the length of the new gangway and chute be 53 feet long. Jacksonville mandates the slope of the gangways in their city to be no greater than a 1/20 pitch. Their required slope is actually more stringent than the 1/12 slope mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under ADA guidelines, the gangway would normally have been acceptable at 32 feet. However, Jacksonville’s more stringent requirements increased the gangway length to 53 feet, thereby ensuring accessibility. What most people fail to realize or understand is that ADA standards identify minimum guidelines and standards. When structures are only designed and built to those minimum standards, they often exclude people with the most severe limitations and do not offer access to everyone.
The length of the 53-foot gangway was necessary to accommodate the 48-inches of elevation difference from the top of the water to the top of the gangway’s connection point and allows for fluctuations in the rise and fall of the tide.
Where you can find other BoardSafe Adaptive Launch Systems in Jacksonville
The City of Jacksonville has contracted with BoardSafe Docks for four waterfront projects for their city. Brian Burket, Waterfront Project Manager for the City of Jacksonville, has headed up all four of these adaptive projects. Brian has recognized the high level of accessibility a BoardSafe Kayak Launch offers to the City of Jacksonville and its adaptive paddling community. Other BoardSafe Adaptive Launches installed by the city that align with their mission of making Jacksonville an inclusive and accessible city can be found at:
- Bethesda Park, 10790 Key Haven Blvd., Jacksonville, FL, 32218
- Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, 500 Wonderwood Dr., Jacksonville, FL, 32233
- Southbank Riverwalk, 1001 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL, 32207
BoardSafe’s versatile launch system can also be used with canoes and standup paddleboards — there’s a center void down the middle of the launch saddle that will also accommodate an SUP’s rudder. The launches may be used by anyone but offer specific adaptive features so the launch can be used and enjoyed by everyone.
The cost for this inclusive and versatile launch system was approximately $85,000 and included an 8’ x 20’ aluminum floating dock, the adaptive kayak launch kit with multiple adaptive features, and a 53-foot gangway.
BoardSafe Docks is a trusted designer, engineer, and manufacturer, of all types of aluminum floating docks and fishing pier systems. Their adaptive kayak launch and design knowledge about specific adaptive features that are necessary for paddlers in wheelchairs help make inclusion happen for many cities, towns, lakes, and riverfront communities.
BoardSafe also specializes in designing and manufacturing rowing centers for national collegiate rowing teams all across the USA. You’ll find their gangways located all across the United States in places like the TD Garden in Boston and Battery Park in New York. They find solutions to design questions that can leave architects and engineers scratching their heads.
BoardSafe is the go-to source for any project on the water. Their sales team is always available for questions, consultation, and to assist you with finding your optimal waterfront solution.
The most accessible kayak launch
To learn more about our projects, please visit our website, BoardSafeDocks.com, or call us at 610-899-0286.
5 Most-Commonly-Asked Questions About Floating Dock and Rowing Dock Freeboard
Unless you’re part of the boating industry, "freeboard" is a term not commonly used in everyday language. More than likely, most people would not be able to define what freeboard means or explain its meaning to others.
Although similar, but completely unrelated, freeboard is not to be confused with "Free Bird," the famous song released by the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1973. Most people probably have at least some familiarity with the lyrics of this song.
Now, getting back to the topic of freeboard, "freeboard" is the distance from the top of a floating dock to the top of the water. For those who like to boat, kayak, or row, freeboard will have an impact on your ability to enter and exit your vessel with ease and will determine how much a floating dock stands out above the water. The picture shown below is a visual representation of the freeboard and will help you understand its meaning. Freeboard is measured from the top of the rowing dock down to the top of the water.
The freeboard of a typical rowing dock is 6 inches. As shown here, rowing docks sit relatively close to the water level.
For a floating dock, the freeboard will remain a consistent dimension. It will not fluctuate unless excessive live loads are put onto the dock. A visual representation of a floating dock’s freeboard can be seen in the picture below. Freeboard is measured from the top of the dock’s aluminum frame down to the top of the water. A standard floating dock sits higher above the water than a rowing dock.
For fixed piers that do not move up or down, the freeboard dimension may change or vary any time there’s a tidal fluctuation, a drought, or any type of flooding condition. In this case, the dock is held to a fixed location and the water level is what moves up or down.
Why are certain systems designed for a specific freeboard (ex: 16”)?
Freeboard may be dictated by a customer’s specific design requirements. For example, in a marina application, the size of the vessels being moored at the dock may dictate the dimension of the freeboard. Smaller boats may require a smaller and lower freeboard whereas larger boats may dictate a larger and higher freeboard. The dock design and purpose of the dock typically call for a specific freeboard.
Why do you need to know your freeboard when building a dock?
When a new dock is being manufactured and built to connect to an existing dock or pier, the freeboards must be the same in order for the connecting docks and piers to be level with each other when floating on the water.
Is there a standard freeboard for rowing docks compared to boat docks, kayak launches, and fishing piers?
The freeboard for a rowing dock is normally 6 inches. The reason behind this is and the reason rowing docks float closer to the water is to allow for the crew members to enter their vessel at a level closer to the height of the floating dock and use their oars to hold the boat in place when boarding their sculls.
Boat dock, fishing pier, kayak, and canoe launch freeboards are normally 16 inches but can be adjusted to 15 – 18 inches due to the size and number of flotations attached to the bottom of the dock. These dock systems typically sit higher above the water.
What's the easiest way for me to measure the freeboard of my dock?
The easiest way to measure your dock’s freeboard is to use a straightedge at the top of the dock and measure down to the top of the water. In order to get the most accurate measurement, the measurement should be taken several times and averaged. This will provide you with the most accurate freeboard measurement. Be careful not to put weight on the point which would affect your measurement.
How will my gangway affect my dock’s freeboard?
The weight of your dock’s gangway will affect your dock’s freeboard. Additional flotation will need to be put on the end of the dock where the gangway lands to help keep the dock level. Another solution would be to hinge the gangway to the dock and put additional separate flotation under the gangway.
BoardSafe Docks manufactures high-quality commercial-grade floating docks, rowing docks, kayak launches, fixed piers, and gangways. The aluminum welded frames are a product whose quality stands out from others due to their versatility and ability to withstand the test of time and elements of weather.
For more information on products offered by BoardSafe Docks — customized aluminum floating docks and other adaptive kayak launch innovations — or to schedule a design consultation, visit BoardSafeDocks.com or call (610) 899-0286.