Posted May 23rd, 2013 at 10:51 pmNo Comments Yet
Fixed Docks vrs Floating Docks….When making the important choice of a fixed dock or a floating dock there are some really vital things to consider.
First, you need to know the difference between a fixed and a floating dock. A fixed dock consist of a pier and a boat slip that is secured in place on top of marine grade wood pilings that are driven down into the lake bed. On the fixed boat slip there is typically one side that features a three platform step down system that allows easy access to your boat or you could step right off for a swim without worrying about making a mess of your new dock and pier. A floating dock is a pier with a ramp that leads to a boat slip or a platform that has floatation installed under it to float on top of the water. The floating structure is tethered into place with wood or metal pilings that are driven into the lake bed.
Second, you need to think about what you want your dock to be used for. A fixed dock is a sound structure that can have many uses beyond simply boarding and unloading your boat. A fixed dock can be an area where you can also add a seating area where you could have a table and chairs to entertain guests, install a roof and ceiling fan for comfort, place a hammock for a nap, or go all out and set up a wet bar with custom cabinets and a full entertainment system. A fixed dock also has the ability to tether other boats to it if you have company drop by. A floating dock with a slip is a good area to park a boat inside on a slip and can also accommodate other boats on the outside areas of the slip. It can be a good hang out spot if you don’t mind feeling like you are at sea all day long. Throughout the years floatation can become a problem where it becomes water logged and has to be removed and replaced with new. The dump bill for the old floatation can be very costly. Other problems with the floating dock is the noise it makes as oncoming waves envelope it. There are splashing sounds, banging sounds, and squeaking sounds that come from the floating slip and it piling guides hitting the pilings that are holding the floating structure into place.
Third, what kind of budget do you have for your new dock? Well surprisingly a fixed dock and a floating dock cost about the same amount of money. Marine construction companies may try to tell you a floating dock is cheaper than a fixed dock but this is simply not true. When you choose a fixed dock you will get more for your money because floatation is very expensive it takes up a good bit of the project costs if you choose a floating dock.
Fourth, How long do you want your dock to last? A fixed dock typically can last a lot longer than a floating dock due to the fact that there is no floatation that will become water logged and there is no violent movement jarring the structure every time a wave, wind storm, or boat traffic are in the vicinity of the dock. A floating dock last 10-16 years and a high quality fixed dock can last up to 40 years.
Fifth, Would a floating dock or a fixed dock be better suited for your lakefront property? What’s your full pond water level and low table water level? Lake water level is a huge concern with considering a fixed dock or a floating dock. A floating dock does rise and fall depending on the fluctuating lake level. Before you decide to get a floating dock make sure your depth is at least 8ft of water at full pond where the floating slip or floating platform is located. Below 8ft your floating dock will be sitting on the lake bed when the water recedes. Another thought beyond this is that if you decide to have an air boat lift installed you will need at least 12ft of water at full pond under your floating dock or your boat lift will be ruined. When thinking of a fixed dock in concerns to your lakefront property it is a pier that you walk straight out onto and descend down the three platforms. One platform and set of steps is usually underwater at full pond and will be visible once the water recedes. Fixed docks with their step down platforms accommodate for the fluctuating lake water levels. On fixed docks cable boat lifts are installed and suspend your boat by cables that are extremely long and can reach down to lower lake levels to release your boat in the water. With a fixed dock 7ft of water at full pond is enough depth for you boat to successfully maneuver in and out of the lift. Another consideration is Where is your lake property located on the lake? Is it in a high boat traffic area or high wind and wake area? Is it tucked back into a calm cove? These are very important things to consider before choosing between a fixed dock or floating dock. If you are in a high boat traffic area or high wind and wake area the best choice is a fixed dock. If you choose a floating dock in this kind of environment it will be an unpleasant experience with problems. You dock will be moving up and down sporadically making all kinds of noises. Who wants to listen to squeaky bangs all evening while trying to relax on their waterfront property? The floatation will go bad and the frames can fracture due to flexing from all the movement. In a calm cove situation the floating dock could work only if your property is tucked away in an area where the wind is not bad, boat traffic doesn’t exist, and wakes aren’t a problem.
Sixth, How much customization do I want to do on my dock? Whether you choose fixed dock or a floating dock there are many possible customizations. On a floating dock you could have a seating area constructed as a stationary part of the pier where you could have wrap around bench seating and a roof. On the floating dock metal ladders can be installed for the ability to get out of the water after a swim. A special swim platform can be installed to the floating dock where it can be lowered down into the water and raised once you are done using it for swimming. The swim platform would be a great set up for you to hang out and swim with your dog or to swim with your children. Dogs and kids love to jump off the platform into the water. The platform could also ease access to the water for someone with limited mobility. Bench storage, closet storage, and roof storage can be added to any dock system. When considering a fixed dock and customizations keep in mind that a seating area or any addition to it can take place anywhere from the pier to the farthest point out on the water, which the farthest point out on a dock is the best view of lakefront especially if you’re out on a point on a main channel. One main customization on the fixed dock is the three step down platforms. These are designed to help with easy boat access for you, your kids, or your animals. It is also a great structural set up for getting in a out of the water for a nice swim without tracking mud or dirt from area lake substrate onto your new dock and pier. There are many types of handrails available for application on your dock and pier. They include a simple pressure treated wood split rail system and also pressure treated wood handrails with wood pickets. Others handrails offered are vinyl handrails with picket that are white or khaki colored. Also Veka decking can be used for a split rail system or to top off a vinyl system. There are aluminum balusters available for handrail pickets and also a wide variety of copper, stainless steel, and wood handrail post caps. If you prefer a more beachy scene for your dock and pier you can choose to go with marine grade braided nautical rope that is installed through handrail posts on each side of the pier. As you can see there are many customizations available to choose from.
Finally, whatever your choice may be a fixed dock or a floating dock the thoughts above are very important to think about before you make your decision. A good marine construction company should have no problem with talking through whichever direction you want to take. Remember it’s your decision.
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