For better or worse, upgrading your home dock just isn’t as much fun as upgrading your boat. Boats are sexy; docks are utilitarian. The impact, though, in terms of added convenience, function and safety, can be even greater. Here are five easy additions ranging from a few dollars to a few thousand to improve almost any saltwater or freshwater residential dock.

1. Bumpers

Good quality bumpers protect both your boat and your dock from impacts. For the ultimate in protection, take a look at Slammer Marine’s innovative closed-cell foam bumpers covered with a material similar to that used in inflatable boats. These ultra-thick bumpers mount on a hidden track system that screws easily to your dock.

For a more cost-effective and heavier-duty solution, consider marine-grade PVC bumpers, available in P-Profile, D-Profile, and Hybrid designs. Virtually impervious to weather, wear and impact, these bumpers are also quick and easy to mount with wood screws.

marine grade PVC dock bumper installed on the edge of a boat dock for necessary protection from impact

2. Rod Holders

Most docks lack good places to store fishing rods — or even to set them down temporarily. Lean your rod against a piling, and you risk it slipping off and falling into the water. Lay it down, and you risk it getting stepped on. One solution is simply to mount a few rod tubes on pilings, which also provides a place to put rods while fishing from the dock.

Another option — if you have square posts or pilings — is a purpose-built dock post rod holder. These innovative screw-on Starboard holders keep rods safely out of the way but also readily accessible.

Rod holder storage solution added to a dock piling

3. Dock Box

If your boat is tied up 10 steps from your back door, loading gear isn’t a big deal. But with a long dock, schlepping multiple loads of fishing tackle, dive gear, sandbar stuff, food, and/or drinks to the boat is no fun. Neither is hauling it all back at the end of the day. That’s where a good-quality dock box makes all the difference.

Instead of transporting gear like PFDs, dive equipment, inflatables, skis, boards, extension cords, maintenance and cleaning supplies, and so on, simply lock it all in a dock box. Tough fiberglass boxes are available in a wide range of widths, depths, and heights to fit even small docks. Or, for the ultimate in tackle organization and storage, take a look at a King Starboard dock tackle cabinet.

Dock box storage solution  for convenient storing of fishing and batting gear

4. Fish Cleaning Table

Until you’ve filleted your catch at a purpose-built fish cleaning table — instead of on a cooler lid, a piece of plywood between two sawhorses, or the kitchen counter — you don’t know what you’re missing. A comfortable working height, ample drainage slots, an easy-to-clean surface that won’t dull your knives, a built-in sharpener, and handy holders for your tools, hose and frosty beverage all combine to make fish cleaning as pleasant as it can possibly be.

Short on dock real estate? Consider an overhanging table that occupies essentially zero space.

Overhang fillet table installed to a dock for convenient fishing activities

5. Hose Holder

Instead of coiling your hose on the dock surface or around a piling, storing it on a dedicated hanger will keep it out of the way, easy to access, and extend its life. Simple Starboard hose hooks screw easily to any piling or post and hold not just coiled hoses but also dock lines, cords, etc.

Unlike metal or non-marine plastic versions, these marine-grade HDPE hooks are impervious to sun and salt. Want to go a step further? Consider a powder-coated stainless water pedestal with an integrated hose hook and faucet.

plastic hose/dock line holder installed to the side of a dock piling to conveniently hold hoses and dock lines

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