Different Types of Boat Docks
If you own a boat, you must be thinking about installing a boat dock. What is the best type of boat dock for your needs? To answer this question, you must first consider all the boats and other watercraft you own. They are instrumental in determining the right type of boat dock for you. If you are planning to buy additional boats or other watercrafts in the future, you also need to keep them in mind. It is very costly and troublesome to modify or rebuild your current boat dock when a new watercraft arrives.
Aside from the types of watercraft that you own and will own, there are two more things to consider. One is the variation in water levels and the other is the energy of the waves in your area. In some areas, water levels vary only slightly. In other areas, however, the variation is great enough to cause problems for fixed boat docks. You must do a little bit of experiment to record water level variation in your area. Waves can also be problematic sometimes. Some boat docks cannot stand up against very big waves. If your area has small waves, then there is no problem; but if your area has a lot of big waves, make sure that the boat dock you choose can stand up to those waves.
The two main types of boat docks are stationary and floating boat docks. There are also wheeled or portable boat docks and those with slip docks. Furthermore, it is possible to choose a combination of the different types of boat docks in order to arrive at the design you want that also fits your needs and lifestyle. Do not forget that you can use boat docks for a different purpose when it is not in use. You can hold barbecues or parties on it. Your family and friends can surely have tons of fun there. So, keep this in mind when designing your boat dock.
Fixed, standing or stationary boat docks are great for areas with rough water conditions. Boat docks of this type can easily allow waves to pass through its legs. However, if your area has deep water, has significant water level variation or has a muddy bed, then floating boat docks would be better for you. It does not require legs that need to reach the bed to keep it up. Floating boat docks also adjust better to water level fluctuations. Floating boat docks are anchored using cables, ramps, sea anchors or stiff arms.
The boat dock that you choose will be a significant factor in your enjoyment of the waterfront experience. The right dock will last for many, many years. It can hold plenty of barbecue parties for years to come. In addition, it can complement the style of your lakefront home property and maybe increase its value. So spend some time in choosing the right boat dock for you. Make sure that it is durable and attractive, and only requires little maintenance. But first and foremost, it must be able to meet all your boating needs.