When many people think of boating and the water, the term dock brings to mind a wooden dock, usually one fixed into a lake, river, or ocean. However, there is another system that many private watercraft owners and marinas are turning to: the floating dock. Floating docks can help bring boats at least five to six feet closer to the dock because the dock will rise and fall with the water level — meaning that it can be easier to find the right floating dock ladders. These docks are buoyed by polystyrene floats or billets, and the dock itself is anchored to the bottom of the body of water.
Floating docks are becoming an increasingly popular option because they require little maintenance when compared to all wood docks, which often need wood treated with preservatives. If you’re considering a floating dock for your property, here are some things you should know about dock floats first, as this portion of the floating dock is crucial for keeping it operational.
1. Dock floats are made from polystyrene — or Styrofoam — and typically covered with a protective coating to keep them safe. Having the right type of float is very important when considering what type of floating dock to purchase.
2. Many companies manufacture their floats with a seam where two parts were welded together. However, this can cause leaks and sink the floats later on if damage occurs. For the best quality, search for Styrofoam dock floats made of only one piece, so water won’t damage them and cause them to sink.
3. Floating docks won’t float away. Despite the name, the docks are anchored in place so they stay stationary, and the floats won’t slide out, either. This makes floating docks perfect for deeper waters because they won’t need to be built far below the surface.
If you’d like more information on floating docks, contact a manufacturer. You can also leave a comment below. Links like this.
