Dock ramps and gangways allow people to pass freely between docks and the shore. We design and manufacture floating dock ramps from premium materials that promote safety and withstand harsh marine and weather conditions. Our products feature aluminum framing, non-slip surfaces, and safety rails.
What is a gangway on a dock? Simply put, gangways are a type of dock ramp. They generally cover long spans and can accommodate steep height differences.
Gangways for floating docks feature hinged ends that promote freedom of movement, allowing for rising and falling water levels. They should be secure, attractive, and functional. Additionally, you want ramps that are quiet for an aesthetically pleasing effect.
Gangways can cover significant distances connecting a dock to shore. They may also span a height difference. Secure, sturdy handrails help reduce the risk of slipping and falling, which could result in serious injury. They also reduce the chance that jostling results in someone or something ending up in the water.
Because floating docks rise and fall with tides and waves, ramps and gangways must have a hinged attachment. This allows freedom of movement so you can use them no matter the water level or wave height. High-quality hinges ensure a secure connection that will last for many years. We offer an optional access plate for hinged connections.
Skid-resistant surfaces help to ensure safety on and around docks. We use various approaches to produce non-skid surfaces. For example, our poly, composite, and aluminum dock ramp decking features a textured finish that provides traction even in wet conditions.
In addition to textured surfacing, our poly decking is open to allow water through, reducing pooling and potential slip hazards.
All of our boat ramps feature marine-grade aluminum structures. They can withstand salt water and extreme weather. Additionally, they resist damage from marine borers and rot associated with wet environments.
We manufacture floating dock ramps with decking from several popular and durable materials. Each has unique advantages that could make it a suitable choice for your next project.
An aluminum dock ramp surface will not corrode or fade, even in the harshest marine environments. It requires only minimal maintenance and is an excellent choice for high-volume docks. For example, our commercial ramp with aluminum decking has features that help to ensure years of worry-free use.
Marine-grade aluminum dock ramp decking offers several advantages over other materials. First, it retains a new appearance with very little maintenance. You do not need to paint or sand it, regardless of the environmental conditions your dock faces. It is also lightweight and resists corrosion, mold, and mildew. Textured and non-skid surfaces increase safety.
Composite decking materials are ideal for gangways on floating docks. They contain plastic and wood fibers that combine to make durable and attractive decking. Composites resist rot, mildew, and mold and will not be damaged by wood-boring insects or marine life.
Some of the benefits of using composite materials for dock ramp decking include:
Composites will not rot or suffer damage from marine weather. They are also not susceptible to marine borers or other pests, making them an attractive option for residential boat ramps.
Sometimes called Brazilian walnut, ipe is an extremely dense hardwood that makes an excellent dock material. It looks and acts similar to teak. It has an attractive deep brown color with reddish hues that you can accent with sealer. Left untreated, ipe wood decking weathers to a faded gray color over time.
Ipe provides an upscale and natural appearance that can enhance the appearance of residential and commercial docks. Thanks to its natural density, it is also highly durable.
Like many other dock materials, ipe requires some minor maintenance to keep it looking new. Stain or oil helps seal out moisture and preserve its longevity. Alternatively, you can let it weather to a gray finish since its hardness and density make it naturally resistant to even extreme conditions.
Polyethylene decking is an attractive and low-maintenance option for floating dock ramps. It offers many benefits to boat and marina owners, including:
A residential ramp with poly decking will provide many years of reliable service. The open decking provides an attractive appearance and reduces water pooling to improve safety.
Our marine-grade aluminum docks and gangways can withstand harsh marine environments. They are ideal for both residential and commercial applications. We finish them in one of several popular decking materials to complement any marina.
Each Carolina Waterworks, Inc. gangway features two dock wheels on one end and a hinged plate on the other. This ensures quiet operation. Additional benefits of choosing Carolina Waterworks, Inc., for your dock and gangway needs include:
When you choose a Carolina Waterworks, Inc. ramp or gangway, you benefit from over 30 years of experience in the marine industry on your project. For contractors, our dock ramps streamline projects and increase customer satisfaction. For homeowners, they add long-term value to waterfront properties.
At Carolina Waterworks, Inc., we manufacture premium floating dock ramps and gangways for residential and commercial spaces. Whether you need a ramp for a waterfront home or a busy marina, we can help. Our sales team will work with you to find the right size and configuration to complement your dock.
We offer aluminum framed ramps with aluminum, ipe wood, composite, and poly decking to meet the needs of various dock owners. Contact our sales team to schedule a consultation and explore our dock ramp options.
Carolina Waterworks is a quality manufacturer of dock floats, commercial/residential gangways, floating docks, buoys, and Safe Haven drive-on boat and jet ski lifts.
We are a privately owned company with over 30 years of experience in the marine industry.
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