When it comes to accessing your boat dock, you’ve got two main options: a ramp vs. a gangway. But which one is right for you?
Ramps and gangways each have unique pros and cons depending on your specific situation. As an industry leader in marine products, Carolina Waterworks, Inc. we carry both residential and commercial dock ramps and gangways. Check out this comprehensive overview to help you decide whether you need a dock ramp, gangway, or both!
Ramps and gangways have some similar functions but different advantages, which can help narrow down what product you ultimately use for your dock.
How do you choose between a ramp and a gangway for your boat dock? Here are a few factors to consider when trying to decide:
Let’s get into the key differences between ramps and gangways.
A ramp is essentially a sloped surface that connects two levels–the shore and the dock–and is suitable for complex terrain. It allows you to easily walk, roll, or cart gear from land to water. Ramps typically attach to the dock with hinges or brackets, which allow them to adjust to changing water levels. Some ramps also have transition plates or rollers to create a smooth transition.
Marine-grade aluminum is the most popular choice for boat dock ramps. It’s lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant to protect against the harsh outdoor and marine elements. Plus, aluminum ramps are easy to install and adjust as needed.
Wooden ramps are a classic choice, but they require extensive maintenance if you plan to use them all year round.
There are plenty of perks to using a ramp for your boat dock. Ramps are:
A ramp is an excellent choice if you have a relatively stable shoreline and water level. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to get from land to water. Ramps are great for connecting steep shorelines and banks to your floating dock or gangway. They provide easy access and a seamless transition from land to water. They’re also easy to install and maintain.
Here’s where ramps face some challenges:
If you’re dealing with choppy water, big waves, or drastic water level changes, a ramp might not be the best fit. They’re also not ideal for long distances; if you need easier access to span more than a few feet, a gangway might be a better choice.
A gangway is essentially a portable bridge that connects your dock to the shore. It’s typically longer and narrower than a ramp, with handrails on either side for safety.
Gangways are hinged at the dock end, which allows them to pivot up and down with changing water levels. The shore end may rest on a bulkhead, seawall, or pier, or it may be suspended above the ground.
To use a gangway, you simply walk across like you would a bridge. The railings and handrails provide stability and support, especially in wet or windy conditions.
Aluminum residential and commercial gangways are strong and weather-resistant.
Just like ramps, wooden gangways offer a classic look but require more upkeep. Steel gangways are incredibly durable but heavy and prone to corrosion.
Gangways offer a number of benefits:
If you have to deal with choppy water, a gangway is an intelligent choice. The handrails are also a major plus for accessibility and safety; they are perfect for longer distances and floating docks. Plus, gangways come with handrails for added user safety. They’re a nice choice for public or commercial docks where accessibility is key.
Of course, gangways have their downsides too:
So, when considering a ramp vs. gangway, which makes the most sense for your particular water environment? Let’s weigh your options.
As discussed, ramps are best for short distances and relatively stable water levels. They’re also more affordable and easier to install than gangways.
Gangways, on the other hand, are ideal for longer spans and rougher water conditions. They provide a safer, more stable walking surface and are easier to adjust for changing water levels.
One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing between a ramp and a gangway is water level fluctuation. If your water levels change drastically throughout the year, a gangway is probably a better choice.
Gangways are designed to pivot up and down with changing water levels to maintain a safe, stable walking surface even as the water rises and falls. Conversely, ramps are more rigid structures and may become submerged or exposed as water levels change.
Another important consideration is the type and size of your dock. If you have a small, narrow dock, a ramp may be better than a gangway.
Ramps are typically wider than gangways, so they can take up less space on your dock. They’re also easier to install and remove, which can be a plus if you need to store your dock in the off-season.
If you have a larger dock or a floating dock, a gangway may be a better choice. Gangways are designed to attach to floating docks and can more easily adjust to changing water levels than ramps.
Of course, budget is always a factor when it comes to boat dock accessories. Ramps are generally more affordable than gangways, both in terms of materials and installation.
However, it’s essential to consider the long-term costs as well. A high-quality gangway may cost more upfront, but it can save you money on maintenance and repairs over time.
Ultimately, the best choice for your budget will depend on your specific needs and priorities. Don’t be afraid to invest in quality materials and construction – your boat dock is a long-term investment, and it pays to do it right the first time.
Look for quality materials like marine-grade aluminum, slip-resistant decking options, and durable, weather-resistant finishes. A little extra upfront cost will save you big in the long run.
Finally, consider the ease of installation and maintenance when choosing between a ramp and a gangway. Ramps are generally easier to install than gangways, especially if you’re handy with tools.
However, gangways may be easier to maintain over time. Because they’re designed to adjust to changing water levels, they’re less likely to become damaged or submerged than ramps.
No matter which option you pick, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance. A little TLC goes a long way when it comes to keeping your boat dock safe and functional for years to come.
Our marine-grade aluminum docks and gangways can withstand harsh marine environments. Our commercial and residential dock ramps and gangways feature rugged construction and a finely sculpted design in a range of decking materials and custom sizes: aluminum, ipe, poly, and composite. They are ideal for both residential and commercial applications.
Each Carolina Waterworks, Inc. gangway features two dock wheels on one end and a hinged plate on the other. This ensures quiet operation. They come complete and ready to install with rollers and a polymer-coated hinge pin. Additional benefits of choosing Carolina Waterworks, Inc., 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.
No matter which route you choose, investing in a quality ramp or gangway is crucial for ensuring safe and easy access to your boat.
Still not sure which direction you should go? Give us a call! We are a quality manufacturer of dock floats, commercial and residential gangways, floating docks, buoys, and Safe Haven drive-on boat and jet ski lifts. Through constant innovations and high quality standards, we provide marine products that are safe, easy to use, and low maintenance. We’d love to help you out with all of your marine product needs.
Happy boating!
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!
Which is the better choice – a floating dock or a stationary dock? Carolina Waterworks believes that only YOU have the answer, based on your individual boating needs and environment. To find that answer, and to make a smart buying decision, it is helpful to consider the features of each dock style and see how they align with your priorities. Carolina Waterworks is here to help!
Boat docks, made of various materials such as aluminum, wood, or composites, are placed along banks or shores to help boaters and swimmers make the transition from water to land, and vice versa.
Docks are constructed in two modes: floating and stationary. Stationary docks rest on vertical pilings driven into the lake, river, or ocean floor. Floating docks are buoyed by airtight cubes or drums below the decking, called dock floats. Floating docks are held in place by lines or cables that connect the dock to the shore or the floor or bed of the body of water.
Boaters must choose between constructing a floating dock or a stationary dock on their property. Boating professionals, enthusiasts, and your neighbors along the lake will all offer their opinions, but the decision should be based on your real-world considerations, such as the following.
Is your body of water shallow or deep? Or does it fluctuate between the two? A stationary dock can be installed to meet shallow or deep conditions. Water that is too deep can present a problem, however, in that the pilings required begin to get pricey in terms of materials and labor. Water of fluctuating depth can also bring challenges for a stationary dock. When the water level drops, a stationary dock can necessitate a longer climb for boaters and swimmers. When the water rises your dock may be submerged, which results in muddy cleanup and potential damage to any electrical components.
High, low, or in between, a floating dock will adjust with the changing water level. This offers convenient and consistent ingress and egress for the boater and swimmer. However, if the water level drops low enough, the weight of your floating dock could cause stress on your floats if they contact the lake or riverbed. Water that rises too high may cause excess tension on the lines securing your floating dock in place.
Finally, consider the boating traffic. How busy is your waterway? More boats mean more wake, even if they obey the speed limit. The floating dock may pitch and rock, while the stationary dock will barely feel the effect. The same caution also applies in the case of storms and other bad weather.
In short, you may find that a stationary deck is better suited to shallower and more consistent water levels and is less affected by boating traffic. A floating deck may be better for deeper or fluctuating water levels with lighter traffic.
In deeper water, a floating dock could be the less costly option because you will forgo the expense of installing pilings in favor of buoyant dock floats. However, dock floats carry their own costs. Deck size (square footage), materials used, and your expected load will determine the size and number of floats you must purchase for optimum safety.
A stationary dock requires the installation of pilings. These can be costly (especially the deeper you go), typically require professional installation, and sometimes entail environmental red tape due to their more permanent nature.
Another advantage of a floating dock is that installation and maintenance can be much more DIY-friendly than the stationary dock. On the other hand, a stationary dock can last longer with fewer maintenance issues. In fact, some estimates place the lifespan of a floating dock at around 20-30 years, while a stationary dock may last 25-35 years.
Finally, think about the ways you and your family interact with the water. Are you a retired couple mainly interested in fishing or an easy circuit around the lake? Or will your dock be full of kids and grandkids, swimming and riding jet skis? Will your boat be in the water all season, or will you haul it out from time to time?
Some less experienced boaters, or people with balance issues, can find it difficult to ingress and egress from a bobbing boat to a bobbing floating dock, and vice versa. As noted previously, a low water level can make your stationary dock harder to reach for younger and older swimmers. As for putting in and hauling out boats and toys, many boaters prefer to drive their craft up onto a boat lift. Most stationary docks can accommodate the addition of a boat lift, while some floating docks cannot.
Are you considering adding a dock to your property, but aren’t sure if a floating dock or stationary dock is the way to go? Begin by making an honest assessment of your location, your budget, and your boating lifestyle. Figure out how a dock will fit your family, not the other way around. Then take your questions and concerns to a qualified dock professional.
Carolina Waterworks is a quality manufacturer of dock floats, commercial and residential gangways, floating docks, buoys, and Safe Haven drive-on boat and jet ski lifts. We have over 30 years of experience in the marine industry and our docks have been the answer to countless questions raised by boaters looking to enhance their boating experience. We can do the same for you, so contact us today!
Carolina Waterworks, Inc. (CWi) fabricates and sells sturdy, low-maintenance, and eye-catching mooring buoys and marker buoys. Available in assorted sizes and configurations, our buoys are always on the job, making boating and dock life safer and easier! Please take a look at our buoy product offering.
Our mooring buoys are built to last! Their impact-resistant high-density polyethylene shells are 3/16” thick and they are filled with expanded polystyrene foam for the most reliable flotation.
Our standard buoy comes in white and is highlighted with a reflective blue strip. You can also order additional colors, graphics, reflective tape, and ballasts. Every sturdy, reliable buoy carries a two-year warranty.
Another important feature that is unique to our line of mooring buoys is the thick, wear-resistant polyethylene tube that is molded directly into the shell of each buoy. Contrast this with competitors who often utilize loosely attached PVC pipe.
A frequent problem that contributes to excessive buoy maintenance is algae growth which can degrade ground tackle. One considerable benefit of Carolina Waterworks’ polyethylene construction is that poly resists marine growth much better than PVC, so our buoy line can help extend the life of your ground tackle.
Exposed tackle on a buoy can lead to hull damage (and angry Skippers!), so CWi mooring buoys are available with an optional rope nest or shackle pocket feature that keeps the exposed metal away from your finish.
Informed boaters are safer boaters and a marker buoy is often the most readily available source of information. What are the conditions, cautions, and hazards in your stretch of the waterway? Let them know with a durable, attention-getting marker buoy from Carolina Waterworks. With superior flotation courtesy of our high-grade expandable polystyrene foam and the rock-steady reliability of twenty pounds of ballast concrete, your Carolina Waterworks marker buoys are always on the job. No wake? Slow? Danger? Swim Area? We have you covered!
Marking or mooring, our reliable buoys bring order to choppy waters. We invite you to peruse our online product catalog to see other great CWi products such as dock floats, ramps, and marine hardware. If you have any questions, contact Carolina Waterworks to learn more!
Commercial and Residential ramps from Carolina Waterworks feature rugged construction and finely sculpted design. We fabricate them from durable marine-grade aluminum that is corrosion-resistant and requires minimal maintenance. Carolina Waterworks offers a range of decking options, lengths, and widths, and are available in stock or custom sizes. They will arrive at your location complete and ready to install with rollers and a polymer-coated hinge pin.
Ramps from Carolina Waterworks come in various widths and lengths for your convenience whether it is for commercial or residential use.
Our ramps are also available in various surface options, including:
More durable than wood, and at a fraction of the weight of steel, aluminum-deck ramps define long-lasting convenience. Installation and maintenance are quick and easy, as is removal at the end of the season – or when nasty weather threatens.
Forget all your fears about wood decking because Ipe (EE-pay) is the tropical king of wood density and hardness! This exotic hardwood species grows tall and strong in the forests of South and Central America. And with its rich coloring and fine to medium texture, Ipe is not just tough and durable (and naturally slip-resistant), but it is also easy on the eye!
Carolina Waterworks ramps with poly decking are extremely durable and will resist the effects of sun and wear, such as rotting, molding, splitting, twisting, warping, and drooping. Its synthetic non-porous construction is extremely water-resistant. And it will stand up to the kinds of abuse boaters will throw at it, including food stains, chlorine, alcohol, and tanning lotion.
Carolina Waterworks ramps with composite decking will maintain their color without continual repainting and sealing. They maintain their structural integrity without warping or splintering. In addition, because the contents of composite decking consist partly of recycled plastic materials, it earns high marks for sustainability.
At Carolina Waterworks, Inc. we are committed to helping you maximize your time spent on the water and minimize the related effort and expense. Through constant innovations and high quality standards, we provide marine products that are safe, easy to use, and low maintenance. Want to learn more about commercial and residential ramps? Contact Carolina Waterworks today!
Greetings from Carolina Waterworks, the premier manufacturer of floating boat docks, ramps, and gangways in the Carolinas – and coming soon to YOUR favorite body of water!
Born among the Carolina shoreline, rivers, swamps, lakes, and channels, Carolina Waterworks is a privately owned company with over 30 years of experience in the Marine industry. We manufacture and sell sturdy and attractive floating docks, ramps, ladders, and marine hardware. Everything the boater needs to make their ingress and egress safe, convenient, and hassle-free!
We invite you to preview our lineup of easy-to-use, low-maintenance dock floats, commercial/residential gangways, floating docks, and buoys, as well as our drive-on boat and jet ski lifts.
Carolina Waterworks offers the most advanced line of easily installed dock floats with the maximum lift capacity for waterfront residents, boaters, and marinas. Our floats are constructed of a thick-walled, rotationally molded polyethylene shell that encapsulates expanded polystyrene (EPS) – the finest flotation material on the water! The thick EPS shell is impact resistant, resistant to damage from marine life, and carries a 12-year guarantee.
We build the finest gangways and ramps available. Our gangways are fabricated from marine-grade aluminum and feature superb engineering, rugged construction, high-quality materials, and a finely sculpted design. Using first-quality deckings such as Aluminum, Brazilian Ipe, Poly, and Composite, our gangways and marine ramps are not only more secure in their footing, but they are quieter. This ideal blending of materials creates an aesthetically pleasing effect guaranteed to delight you for years to come.
Designed specifically for jet skis, Carolina Waterworks’ Jet-T and Jet-T Ultra Ramps feature a non-skid deck, and they float with the tide or water level changes. Foam-filled and unsinkable, they are made of state-of-the-art, linear low-density polyethylene and non-corrosive materials. Jet-T and Jet-T Ultra Ramps are easy to install, require zero maintenance, and carry a three-year limited warranty.
Our products stand the test of time, but should you ever need to change, upgrade, or replace your marine hardware and accessories, we’ve got you covered. Available components include, Piling Attachments, Piling Protection, Pile Guides and Hoops, Buoys, Ladders, Bumpers, Cleats, and more. Check out our comprehensive Product Catalog to learn more!
At Carolina Waterworks we are committed to helping you maximize your time spent on the water and minimize the related effort and expense.
Through continual innovation and high standards of quality, we provide marine products that are safe, easy to use, low maintenance, and long-lasting – guaranteed. For more information about our docks, ramps, and marine hardware and accessories, contact Carolina Waterworks today!
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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