After the fish are filleted and the boat cleaned, anglers enjoy recounting the day’s action, often lubricating the camaraderie with food and beverage. So I installed a Box Tops 4 Docks on a Better Way Products dock box. (Models are available for many makes and models, even corner boxes, including Dock Boxes Unlimited and Trionic.) Mine featured a 44-by-32-inch, two-tiered serving surface fitted with eight drink holders and four liter-size bottle holders. Assembly took me half an hour. Installation took about an hour. Rather than drill and fasten directly through the box’s lid, I chose to use the stainless-steel brackets that hook under the lid. Either method allows the dock box lid to open, close and lock normally. Made from five-eighth-inch Starboard, it’s durable and sanitary, and it proved a big hit at my local marina. Prices range from $250 to $625, depending upon model. oceanfare.com
