Floating docks are flexible, highly configurable, and lightweight. Compared to fixed docks, they are often less expensive and easier to construct, with fewer red tape hassles.
However, that convenience often comes with an important “But…” Floating docks are less stable than their fixed cousins. Floating docks can drift from their desired location and can be washed away in a storm. Even when they stay put, waves can toss them around, stressing and weakening the dock’s structure.
Adding stability becomes critically important to your dock’s safe use and longevity. Today, Carolina Waterworks presents six common ways to stabilize your floating dock.
Introducing extra weight to your floating dock will enhance its stability. Attach weights – typically concrete or metal – along the length of your dock platform with chains or cables and lower them into the water. Determining the amount of weight required – often hundreds of pounds – and ensuring even weight distribution is key to optimal stability. Too little weight will be ineffective, too much weight could drag your dock below the surface, and uneven distribution could cause your dock to tilt or lean.
In other words, there’s some math involved. Suspending weights safely and effectively may be beyond the skill level of the typical DIYer. Not to worry – your Carolina Waterworks consultant is here to help!
Another common dock stabilizing method is the use of pilings. Pilings are metal or wooden anchoring posts that are forced deep into the lake, river, or seabed.
Pilings then attach loosely to the floating dock platform. One popular attachment method employs horizontal hoops that slip over the piling posts and then bolt to the dock. The loose fit allows the dock to rise and fall with the water level while allowing very little side-to-side movement.
To reiterate, stabilizing your floating dock with pilings may be the best bet when your water levels rise and fall considerably.
Anchoring your floating dock to the shore is another reliable method of preventing your dock from drifting out of position or washing away. Two common materials used in this application are metal pillars and wooden posts.
To prevent rot, wooden piling posts, often made of southern yellow pine, must be treated for use in your local water conditions, whether your floating dock is in fresh, brackish, or salt water.
Similarly, metal poles and pillars should be constructed of heavy-duty, non-rusting metal to prevent corrosion. Zinc-coated galvanized steel has been determined best for freshwater docks, while saltwater docks perform best with stainless steel. Keep these requirements in mind for all your metal dock accessories such as fasteners, hinges, and cleats.
Follow these guidelines, and you can enjoy your floating dock for many seasons of safety, ease of use, and reliability!
There are times that your floating dock must be situated at a certain distance from the shore, to meet various depth requirements. In these instances, a gangway can help stabilize your floating dock.
A gangway is a type of ramp that extends from the shore to the dock. Gangways, typically constructed of sturdy metal or wood, often include handrails to provide extra balance and safety for you and your guests. A gangway brings additional benefits, including a reliable attachment to the shore and extra weight to help stabilize your floating dock.
Another method of introducing extra weight for added stability is to erect a roof over your floating dock. This may be particularly useful if your water is too deep for suspended weights to be effective.
Floating docks typically employ two styles of roof: the Gable roof and the Hip roof. Very basically, the Gable roof features two angled side planes that meet at a peak, with open ends. The Hip roof features four angled planes – two sides and two ends – with no opening. Generally, Gable roofs are less expensive, but Hip roofs offer a more refined look, better protection from the elements, and more of the stabilizing weight you are seeking.
Adding a roof to your dock is typically more expensive compared to suspended weights and other options. However, a well-constructed, attractive roof can add appeal and value to your deck and your property. Consider it an investment!
At this point, you may be overwhelmed by your floating dock stabilization options. You may be wishing for an all-inclusive kit to simplify the process. Carolina Waterworks is happy to oblige! Our floating dock stabilizer contains all the components and accessories you will need to successfully complete this very DIY-friendly process, including:
Of course, there are several stabilizer kit options based on your specific floating dock, as well as other considerations such as:
These components and accessories, along with our expert dock installation advice, are all you will need to successfully complete what is often a very DIY-friendly process.
Stabilizing your floating dock is a key step that will help keep your dock safe and useful for many years to come. Whether you choose to stabilize your floating dock with pilings or gangways, by adding weight or attaching a roof, or by tethering it to the shore, you are sure to have questions. How much stabilization is enough? What do my local conditions demand? How much will it cost, and how much of it can I do by myself? To answer these and other floating dock stabilization questions, look to your reliable resource: Carolina Waterworks. Contact us today!
Tags: dock safety, floating dock, marine hardware, boat ramps, dock floats, gangways
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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