Slippin’ and Dockin’! Why Knot?

by John C. Gill photos by Main Channel Marina

Kosciusko County’s 100+ lakes offer countless opportunities for aquatic activity, but accessibility is a prerequisite to the action. Public docks and boat ramps across the area guarantee visitors, and locals, access to sport and leisure.

Discovering the ideal lake access point requires some planning, as facilities vary by location. Certain lake communities may provide entry, for example, from a narrow boat ramp situated beside a winding stretch of road. This could prove difficult to navigate with a trailer. Other lakes, however, maintain wide or dual ramps adjacent to docks, and offer ample parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. Both the Indiana DNR (in.gov/dnr) and Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams (lakes. grace.edu) provide excellent resources on their websites. There, visitors may examine lake directories and maps to pinpoint public access locations and the amenities available at each site.

Often dismissed as simply a space to secure watercraft, the dock supports additional pursuits. It may function as a platform for fishing, sunbathing, or diving; as an open-air cafe; as a reading haven; or even as a meditative retreat. Moreover, the dock affords anglers, birdwatchers, photographers, and onlookers a perfect vantage point for observing nature’s artistry.

The public dock, when utilized as a way station, engages the user and enhances the lake experience. As Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Jill Boggs explained, “We promote ‘From Waves to Shores.’ It’s connecting your main activity with things to do, and places to eat and explore along our shorelines.” Indeed, when the main activity involves water, the dock becomes a springboard to Kosciusko’s lakeside venues. Boaters may choose to dock and shop, dock and dine, dock and play, dock and sleep. Customizing an itinerary begins at visitkosciuskocounty.org.

When the lake captivates its visitor and encourages a long-term relationship, a boat slip may seal the union. Available as rentals for all types of watercraft, slips provide accessible spaces for docking between trips.

Perfect for those who live away from the shore, a slip eliminates the need of having to trailer the boat for every outing. Lake homeowners, too, appreciate the convenience of a slip. Sometimes they need extra dockage to accommodate their boats. Or, they prefer the calmer waters a marina might provide over the rough or windy lake conditions near their home.

“People are more likely to use and enjoy their boat when it’s docked closer to home,” said Hallie Pierce of Tippecanoe Boat Company in Leesburg, who rents open piers and covered slips. When considering a rental, she added, “Parking, location, and price are important.” Griffith’s Wawasee Marina and Main Channel Marina in Syracuse, and Patona Bay Marina in Leesburg also rent slips. Now is the time to reserve a space for next season.

When the boat glides toward shore after its excursion and comes to a rest beside the dock, fastening should be fast and effective. Using strong and stretchable, double-braided nylon rope to tie a cleat hitch knot or a bowline knot will secure any type of boat to the dock.

Their docked pontoon dancing in unison with the gentle waves, the couple adjourns to a lakeside cafe. Gazing upon the sun-splashed waterscape, they satisfy their hunger, but not their appetites for further Kosciusko County adventures.

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