Keep Dock Hoses Neat with DIY Hose Holders | Tips and Ideas

Keeping Your Dock Hoses Tidy with a Hose Holder

If you have a dock, you likely need hoses for washing boats, watering plants, or other tasks. However, loose hoses lying around can make your dock area look messy and cluttered. A great solution is installing a specialized dock hose holder to neatly store and access hoses when needed.

Benefits of a Dock Hose Holder

There are many advantages to mounting a hose holder on your dock:

• Keeps hoses neatly coiled and off the ground when not in use
• Allows quick and easy access to hoses when needed
• Gets hoses up and out of the way for safer foot traffic
• Makes your dock area look cleaner and more organized
• Protects hoses from damage and wear
• Prevents trip hazards from loose hoses
• Can hold multiple hoses if needed

Mounting Considerations

When installing your dock hose holder, consider the following:

• Mount it securely to a vertical dock piling, wall, or post near hose access points.
• Place it well above ground level so hoses hang fully off the ground.
• Allow adequate room so you can easily coil hoses around the holder.
• Make sure placement doesn't create obstruction or tripping hazards.
• Consider proximity to hose faucets, vessel locations, equipment, etc.

DIY Dock Hose Holder Options

Purchasing a pre-made dock hose holder is simple, but can be pricey. With some DIY skills and basic tools, you can create your own for much less.

Wood Holders

A wooden hose reel presents an easy DIY option using basic woodshop techniques and tools:

• Construct a cylindrical reel shape out of 2x4 or 2x6 boards.
• Affix side panels to the reel to contain hoses.
• Include wood dowels that act as guide rods for the hose.
• Attach pipe flanges to the back so it can mount securely to dock posts.
• Add a peg on the end to wrap hoses around.

PVC Holders

For an even simpler and cheaper design, use PVC pipe and fittings:

• Glue a 4" PVC end cap onto a long length of 4" PVC pipe.
• Drill guide holes through the pipe to thread hoses.
• Attach a 4" PVC coupling to the opposite end to act as a reel.
• Secure metal pipe straps tightly around the pipe.
• Use bolts on the straps to mount the holder to dock posts.

Repurposed Materials

You can also repurpose many common items to create DIY dock hose holders:

• Old bucket lids with holes drilled make great reels.
• Use an extra boat cleat or wooden spool.
• Try metal wheel rims, small barrels, or fruit baskets.
• Mount an old pallet securely and guide hoses through openings.

Keep Your Dock Hoses Organized

Installing your own dock hose holder is an easy project that pays off all season long by keeping hoses neatly stowed. Take measurements and access needs into account when planning placement. Use sturdy materials and mounts so your hose hanger solution lasts for years to come.

FAQs

What are the best materials for a DIY hose holder?

Wood and PVC are ideal materials. Wood allows custom shapes and sizes. PVC pipe and fittings assemble easily for cylindrical designs. Both can mount securely.

How much weight can dock hose holders support?

Look for holders rated for at least 100 pounds. Choose sturdy mounting anchors and hardware that can handle weight. Consider potential hose weight when full of water.

Where is the ideal placement for dock hose holders?

Install hose holders near water faucets for easy access and hose connections. Ensure adequate clearance so hoses can unreel without snagging. Keep placement free of walkways to prevent tripping risks.

Can I mount hose holders to metal dock frames?

Yes, metal frames make sturdy mounting points. Use hardware specifically for metal drilling like self-tapping screws. Space holders between vertical legs or cross beams for stability.