Introduction
Floating docks serve several purposes, especially when you own waterfront property. They serve as launch pads for water sports and swimming, provide a comfortable space for fishing, help anchor boats and provide a recreational space for family and loved ones.
With that in mind, we present to you a thorough guideline of the types of floating docks available in the market.
Types of Docks
Floating dock
Often referred to as a floating jetty or floating pier, a floating dock is essentially a floating ramp on the surface of a water body that is being supported by pontoons.
The floating dock has a gangway that connects it to the shore. The floating pier is held in place with the help of vertical poles that are known as pilings. These pilings are embedded onto the seafloor or are anchored using strong cables.
However, one needs to keep in mind that floating docks are best suited for still waters and should not be stationed in rough waves. Strong wind and tides can damage the dock. It is also recommended that the docks be separated from the shore during the winter season and be placed in a designated spot. This spot can be a separate bay or a different water body.
Stationary Dock
As opposed to the floating dock, a stationary dock is permanently attached to the seafloor or whatever water body your dock is in. This dock has a very specific height and is permanently attached to pilings that are situated just below the waterline of the lake.
The water body where the dock is attached should not have high and irregular waves. This is because of the fixed state of the dock which cannot be adjusted. The dock may submerge completely in case of high tides.
These docks are more preferred by seafront neighborhoods since they provide stability and also give a uniform look.
Combination Dock
There has been a long debate to determine which is the better among the two- floating or stationary? While floating docks have an easy assembly, stationary docks are more stable. To reduce the scope for such arguments, you can choose to combine the two and create a hybrid dock for yourself. A combination dock, as the name suggests, is a hybrid stationary dock whose one part is floating.
You may want to use the stationary portion of the dock due to its higher utility. When the tide gets high, access the floating dock. The floating dock acts as a secondary measure, in case the stationary dock is not easily accessible.
Lift-up Dock
A lift-up dock is the most flexible of all other dock options. You may wonder why. This is because a lift-up dock has a hinged base plate attached to the shoreline. It can be lifted and placed back down according to the user’s convenience.
Given that you live beside a lake that tends to freeze during the winters, you may want to keep your dock safe. A lift-up docking system makes it easier for you to preserve the integrity of your docky by allowing you to lift it at your convenience. It is a very flexible dock type.
Pipe Dock
A pipe dock is supported by two pipe legs that are most usually made up of aluminum. Aluminum provides a strong foothold since it is a sturdy and strong material. This, in turn, gives a pipe dock its strength. Pipe docks are the most cost-effective and they tend to have more stability as compared to floating docks.
Pipe docks tend to be flexible in terms of usage. They can be physically removed and kept aside during the winter season. These dock systems are unusually lightweight and have little to no impact on the environment.
Wheel-in Dock
In terms of usage and flexibility, a wheel-in dock is the most advantageous. This is because a wheel-in dock has wheels attached to the dock system which makes installation and movement much easier. A wheel-in dock is very much similar to a pipe dock except that it can be handled more easily.
Modular Plastic Dock
Modular plastic docks are made up of durable plastic materials and are capable of floating. Since it is plastic, the modular dock is lightweight and tends to float easily. A floatable jet ski dock serves recreational purposes in many shore sites since it allows a person to align his movement with that of the waves.
Consider buying a floating dock for recreational purposes. Be sure to have a constant water flow in your artificial pond. For this purpose, attach a reliable butterfly valve to your piping system.
Conclusion
These convenient docking options make your lakeside living more convenient. So put on your swimsuit and atv goggles, walk through these beautifully crafted dock models and dive into the fresh warmth of the waves.
