Why Floating Docks?
Floating docks offer innate flexibility. They can be added as an extension of a fixed dock–literally providing that extra square footage we seem to crave once we are living life at the water’s edge. With a floating dock as an extension, you can use a fixed dock for furniture and storage and shade umbrellas, and the floating dock to moor your water vessels.
Either you own a boat or note, if you live on the water, you are already familiar with the associated maintenance. It could be saltwater or extreme temperature swings, or both; but here in Wilmington North Carolina – if you don’t count the occasional hurricane, you can keep your floating dock safe and operational with some pretty straightforward steps. Besides, if you do need to replace your dock, the swap out is less intrusive than ripping down and installing a new fixed one.
Floating Dock Maintenance
For PVC or composite surfaces, soap and water will do. If you have a power washer, that will be a much quicker solution, but it is always recommended a thorough inspection before and after cleaning. Depending on how your floating dock is affixed to your seawall or coastline will determine what you need to inspect. Routine inspections rule out the creation of dangerous situations.
Some people do enjoy the challenge installing their own floating dock provides. If so, do not skimp. The hardware you use should be stainless or galvanized, or at the very least, marine-environment rated. Zinc or copper grease can be swiped on the bolt threads too before tightening any nuts.
Floating docks are ideal for areas with fluctuating tides, and most can remain in the water. They can assume a variety of shape configurations; you can really get more creative than you would imagine with something which is a removable addition.
Docks in a Storm
There’s nothing like a fixed dock but there is also no doubt about the flexibility a floating dock provides. When NC gets hit with a storm, and even during the rainy season with strong winds, the first thing residents are instructed to do is to take in outdoor furniture and anything that could get swept away and cause destruction or injury. This is of course true for floating docks. Since they can be detached, there is less likelihood of their getting beaten up and damaged when secured away.
Modular floating docks
Modular floating docks are sometimes used to create floating docks that can not only be quickly installed and removed from the water, but also be equipped with an attached barge that can be used for part of the dock and also be detached to be used as a boat to cruise around the lake. The dock can be rolled down the beach and into the water or it can be launched at a public launch ramp and towed into place.
