|
Post by nickbhw on Sept 7, 2022 7:06:51 GMT -5
I have a place on a lagoon in NJ. I'm planning on purchasing a dock box to store cleaning supplies, a tube (and accessories) and the boat cover when I am out. My first thought was a Taylor Made fiberglass model, but they are pricey at around $1k. So I looked at others including the Lifetime boxes with are under $300. I can certainly see the value of the TM, and the salt air makes me lean in that direction, but I could go through ~4 Lifetime boxes and still be at the same cost. Which direction would you guys go?
|
|
|
Post by hookedup on Sept 7, 2022 7:35:17 GMT -5
I've got a box similar to the Lifetime box on my deck for cushion storage. Had it going on 10 years, so it will last. However it does turn green every year, seems to attract spiders and bees and the last few years even after cleaning it up, it doesn't look very good. Probably past time to buy a new one and as you stated, they're not very expensive. (oh, and they're great for laying a tube across for washing and drying) If I was going to put one on a dock that others have access to I'd probably go with one of these:
Lots of different sizes and prices. Or you could get something similar from West Marine and you may be able to avoid shipping charges.
I haven't had a boat at a dock in several years, so hopefully some others will let you know what they've done.
|
|
jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 599
Member is Online
|
Post by jerryk on Sept 7, 2022 9:07:01 GMT -5
Mine is a C&M Marine SKU CM08, C&M Dock Box - 85 x 27 x 26 (W/SS vents & gas shocks). Cost was around $1,100 last year, it went up about 40 bucks now as I see it at cmmarine.com/collections/dock-boxes/products/c-m-dock-box-85-x-27-x-26-w-ss-vents-gas-shocks. I wanted as large as I could get within the standard of what my condo association will allow, and this model is by far the most popular one here although some people opt for West Marine or other makes. Many of the C&M boxes date back to 2005 and are still in good shape. My dock and lift are a couple hundred yards away from my condo and I keep a lot of stuff in the box, so I'm glad I went with the largest one I could get.
|
|
|
Post by nickbhw on Sept 7, 2022 11:41:46 GMT -5
Good stuff. I like that the C&M has a vent. Is it smooth finished on the inside? I will probably go larger that I think I need.
10 years on the Lifetime box sounds nice.
|
|
jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 599
Member is Online
|
Post by jerryk on Sept 7, 2022 11:53:27 GMT -5
The C&M is not 100% smooth on the inside, but that isn't a bad thing in my mind. The finish is sort of a painted marble-like finish, you can get the idea looking at the C&M website, the photo of the box with the lid up shows the inside of the lid and the whole box is finished like that. I like that because it tends to hide the dirt and marks that tend to occur in normal use. The one thing I'll say about the lid that I don't care for is that it is flat but is formed with a slightly concave center so it tends to collect rain water. It sheds the water easily when you open the lid, and its better than a domed shape like some boxes have because often you put things on the box and the dome just directs those things quickly into the water (don't ask how I know that, but trust me I learned it on several occasions using another kind of dock box for many years at my prior marina!).
|
|
|
Post by nickbhw on Sept 7, 2022 12:53:09 GMT -5
OK. I see. I only ask because I once reached for something in a buddy's dock box, and got a splinter under my fingernail. It hurt like an SOB and looked like a massive tree branch under my nail. I picked at it for 30 minutes with a pair of tweezers and when I finally got it, it was the tiniest little spec imaginable. I felt like less of a man. The C&M looks like it has some texture, but isn't rough (raw). I'm leaning towards one of the fiberglass boxes, because I think it would look nice, and if I'm putting holes in the dock, I'd want it to last as long as the dock...But at the same time I'm only storing some soap, a few brushes and a tube. I thought this boating thing was supposed to be inexpensive......
|
|
jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 599
Member is Online
|
Post by jerryk on Sept 7, 2022 13:11:49 GMT -5
Boating inexpensive? Hahahaha!
A fiberglass box is nice and white fiberglass holds up better in UV sunlight than that colored poly stuff...and like your boat's gelcoat you can buff and wax it once in a while to keep it looking nice which you can't do with the poly boxes. Besides, a nice coat of wax helps the box contribute items on top of it to the water by reducing friction. LOL
|
|
|
Post by nickbhw on Sept 8, 2022 8:53:24 GMT -5
I will probably check with my local shop that has the Taylor Made boxes in stock from time to time. If they don't have it, I will probably go ahead with the C&M.Thanks for the replies!
|
|
|
Post by footy3 on Sept 8, 2022 10:49:28 GMT -5
I will probably check with my local shop that has the Taylor Made boxes in stock from time to time. If they don't have it, I will probably go ahead with the C&M.Thanks for the replies! Nick - Not sure what your local shop is, but also try Lacey Marine, the owner Dan is very helpful and competitive in pricing. It's on Rt 9 in Lacey. You should also check out another forum, barnegat Fishin Hole, good resource for fishing activity local to us, and Dan gives a 10 percent discount to members of that forum.
|
|
|
Post by nickbhw on Sept 8, 2022 12:23:00 GMT -5
I usually go to The Boat Shop in Manahawkin, but I will check out Laceys. I will certainly be joining the fishing forum. I can use all the help I can get in that area.
|
|
|
Dock boxes
Sept 12, 2022 19:33:20 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by schlnrnd on Sept 12, 2022 19:33:20 GMT -5
I live in the other side of the tracks so i keep my gear in the garage because I trailer my ride to the water. But if I did have it at the dock I would get the box that keeps my gear clean. Old saying you get what you pay for may never be more true than this purchase.
|
|
|
Post by nickbhw on Sept 13, 2022 14:21:38 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. I stopped by my local shop and they had the Taylor Made in their warehouse. I am picking it up this weekend. From looking around in my garage, I will have a lot more that I will be storing in it.
|
|
jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 599
Member is Online
|
Post by jerryk on Sept 13, 2022 15:23:36 GMT -5
Send along a photo of the installed box
|
|
|
Dock boxes
Sept 13, 2022 21:27:52 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by schlnrnd on Sept 13, 2022 21:27:52 GMT -5
Good choice. A lot of guys have TM in Florida.
|
|
|
Post by nickbhw on Sept 14, 2022 12:19:35 GMT -5
Thanks guys. I got a call that it is in the store and I will pick it up this weekend. I'll send along some pics once I get it. I probably won't mount it to the dock, but instead put it directly behind the gate to the dock.
|
|