| By Capt. Bruce Blomgren A lot of things can make a certain marina desirable to a slip holder, but almost nothing can deepix the deal faster than problems with power and other utilities at the slip. Today vessel-owners want more juice than ever to power all their amenities and luxuries-from television and air-conditioning, to laptops and game players, to hair dryers and electric shavers. One should have a power capability that can cope with all these items running at the same time. The existing lessee, or the one who moves in next, is also likely to want water and telephone service, and probably digital cable as well. Marinas in North America are blessed with lots of strong utility pedestal choices backed up by solid companies with reputations for standing behind the products they make and sell.  The slogan for Dock Art of Elyria, Ohio is "Where form is as important as function" Shaped like a stylized "s" Dock Art's edestals provide 20, 30, 50 and 100 amp power, cable TV, telephone, internet, lighting and water in a stainless steel, powder-coated (any color) housing. Other features include lockable breaker covers, water faucets that are higher than a bucket, backmounted receptacles, and on dock or off dock mounting.  In adition to being a major power pedestal distributor, Dock Boxes Unlimited of Irving, Texas, goes to market with its unique Fire Center with a fire extinguisher as well as dockside lighting at night for safety.  Seaorthy is the power pedestal brand name fronting the utility connections from Henderson Marine Supply, located in Richmond, California. Seaworthy power pedestals provide marinas with several varieties of shapes, heights, and configurations to solve space issues and power needs. Models include the Dockmate, Dockmaster, Dock Power Mate II, Power Mate and PowerPro. Henderson also offers a marina power distribution unit substation, which reportedly stresses economies. It is a low-profile unit with a transformer and secondary distribution panel inside of one corrosion-resistant enclosure.  HyPower's top-of-the-line model is the PowerPoint. The unique modular design solves many maintenance and installation issues common to marinas. Receptacles, circuit breakers, phone, and TV receptacles are contained in one package that simply snaps into the pedestal. With the optional Snap Connect base, the entire power head snaps into place and the PowerPort is ready to use. When the need arises for storm preparation or winterization, the head snaps out easily. |
HyPower offers complimentary design and planning services using the latest in CAD technology and the most up-to-date codes and standards.HyPower is a division of HydroHoist International, Inc., pioneer of hydropneumatic boat-lifts. Established in 1965, the company has 39 years of customer service experience.  International Dock Products (IDP) of Pembroke Park, Florida, uses a 15-year unconditional warranty to buttress the structural integrity of its casings, constructed of 6063-extruded aluminum with YS-inch wall thickness, powder coated white. That's standard for both the Standard Dockside Electrical Pillar and the company's Slim Line model. The IDP Standard Pillar is 8 by 8 inches on the sides and 41 inches high with four receptacles and all stainless steel fasteners and hinges. The IDP Slim pillar is 36 inches tall, and six inches square. Options include television and telephone hookups, fluorescent light, and a photo cell. There are also electric meters, water meters, and hose holders.  With 40 years of experience in manufacturing quality outdoor electrical equipment, Midwest Electric Products of Mankato, Minnesota manufactures and markets four power pedestals for marinas: Dockpro, Dockmaster, Dockmate and Dockhand. Features include heavy zinc-coated, galvanized steel with electro-deposition paint finish for maximum corrosion protection. All power outlets use a corrosionresistant, grounding and locking type receptacle with individual circuit breaker protection.  Engineers for Marina Power and Lighting (MP&L) of Williamsburg, Virginia, focused on preventing deterioration by the elements, have encased the Lighthouse, Hatteras Light and Newport Harbor Mate in durable Lexan plastic. They back up the durability claim with a lifetime warranty. All three models feature a 13-watt fluorescent light, the 360-degree lighting of which is controlled by a photocell. The Lighthouse model features lockable doors that, according to the company, remain fully weatherproof while closed and in use. Mindful of the horrific damage and life-threatening potential of fire, MP&L also offers the Firehouse, a stand-alone marina pedestal with a fire alarm strobe light and siren, a fire extinguisher, and a four-channel transmitter to call fire, police, medical and general emergency services. Options include a 24-inch life ring and a remote control unit that automatically signals the authorities. |
 Will-Burt Company's four models of Ensign brand dockside utility centers offer standard and optional configurations that include electrical power, television, telephone, and copper-piped water hookups. The Ensign, Ensign Plus, Ensign Mate and Ensign Dock Box all feature powder-coated stainless steel housings for durability in corrosion-prone environments. The company has also introduced the new Will-Burt Dock Light, which complements its Ensign pedestals, and lights up marina docks, walkways or any dark areas. Made of stainless steel with powder coating, the Will-Burt Dock Light uses a 9-watt fluorescent bulb, which can draw current from an optional photocell.  Gloucester, Virginia's Sea Technology Ltd. Offers the SeaTech Dock Sider and the Sea-Mount Power A-Line Series. Standard features of the Dock Sider include an electronic kilowatt hour meter, bug away lens, weatherproof cover plates, pre-wiring to save on installation costs, individual circuit breakers, indirect fluorescent lighting activated by a photo electric light sensor, and corrosion protection covered by an extended warranty. SeaTech's Self-Mount Power A-Line Series incorporate many of the same features as the SeaTech Dock Sider plus have the additional advantage of having interchangeable power heads to match the specifications of the vessel at each slip. Compact, they are particularly well suited for installations on finger piers and narrow docks. Capt. Bruce Blomgren is president and CEO of Brandy Marine, Inc., a marina development and management consultant, based in Sarasota, Florida. He can be contacted at bblomgren@brandymarine.com |
