Recall the write-up in the previous newsletter regarding what to do with loose dock floats? An informative article, but how do you move those things to a Corps ramp? How much trouble is it? Turns out….not much! This article provides tips on moving them yourself. And think of this as providing an ‘excuse’ to get out on our beautiful lake. Better yet, ask a friend or two to go and turn it into a fun outing. Depending on how far you need to tow them, it might take approx. an hour to do so. You’ll need some line and a screw eye bolt or similar. If you don’t have those lying around, you might need to invest about $5-$10 for these items.

Here’s how it’s done:

1) Gather the supplies—line, screw eye (or rod), hammer, and drill. The drill helps penetrate the hard plastic shell of the float.

2) Drill the hole in the hard plastic float shell, drive in the rod (or screw eye) and attach a line.

Ready to go…

3) Run about 20 ft of line behind your boat to the float and just cruise to the Corps ramp. Use your own judgement on speed, but we kept it just past ‘in gear’ and had no problems. We even towed (3) at the same time. All connected with the same single line. No problem.

4) When you get to the Corp ramp, use the line to pull the float(s) into shore. Please place them somewhere out of the way of general traffic, courtesy dock, and the ramp itself. It is important to secure them (with your line) to a tree or stump on shore so they will not drift away again. Try to watch the position of the line, etc. to avoid a tripping hazard.

There is NO NEED to call the Corps office if you drop a float off, as they have a group that goes around regularly and collects floats from the ramp areas. But note these need to be towed to Corps managed ramp areas only, not county or state ramps. And this service is only for loose dock floats, not general trash.

Don’t think of it as work or a hassle. But rather as doing something nice for your neighbors and the lake overall by helping get loose dock floats to Corps ramps. Removal of these floats improves the appearance and safety of our lake. And make it fun with friends and family. We finished our movement of the 3 floats and still had time for an enjoyable evening cruise afterward.

Happy Boating!