Perhaps your property sits on a river, lake, oceanfront, or harbor, having a private boat dock provides a number of benefits to both businesses and homeowners. A few advantages of having your own private dock are as follows:
- Easy access to water
- No slip or storage fees
- Additional security for your watercraft
- Guaranteed slip availability
- Personalized accessories and construction
- Increased property value
- Added use for other leisure activities such as fishing, swimming, kayaking, relaxing, and socializing with friends.
If you are all set to have your own personal dock but are not sure what kind of dock you need to choose, let the experts at Shoco Inc. give you some advice. Our water enthusiasts and experts are here to assist you in choosing the best dock that will allow you to spend less time on maintenance and spend more time in the water. Since 1991, we have matched boat owners with a long lasting dock systems that will meet and exceed their unique watercraft requirements.
Determining Your Boat Dock Needs
You have to think about many different factors when identifying your dock needs. There are many different kinds of docks and several material options. Where you would like to set up your dock is another crucial factor, as things such as tides or bottom setting can assist in determining the most ideal type of dock for your waterfront location. Every different docking unit provides benefits; however, specific structures will align with certain requirements better than the others.
Although there are several varieties of docks, each one of them can be installed in one of two categories; permanent docks and removable docks. Permanent docks are self explanatory, as they are installed into the ground security and the structure is meant to stay there permanently. Meanwhile, removable docks are usually intended to be temporary in a way that it can be reconfigured, expanded, or removed when needed. The first step is to discuss with a dock expert at Shoco Inc and ask a couple of questions regarding your specific location as well as your needs when picking out a dock type.
Determining Your Boat Dock Needs
- What is the water’s depth and condition at the bottom?
- Should the dock be adjustable, permanent, or removable?
- How many boats will the dock be able to accommodate at the same time?
- Will the water level limit the dock’s usage such as when the tide falls and rises drastically?
- How about the water’s surface conditions?
- How much are you willing to spend in terms of the dock maintenance?
- Are you considering installing the dock on your own?
Regardless if you are planning to install a dock in a commercial or residential space, you need to take the time to think about how your boat dock requirements may change. For example, residential property owners may want to have removable docks so that owners in the future will have the option to remove the structure if they desire. Commercial property owners may prefer to install removable docks so they can easily expand in the future, replace or repair defective sections. There are several benefits to choosing both types of docks.
Types Of Removable Boat Docks
- Floating Docks – these are large platforms, typically decking that is installed on top of airtight drums, that float on the surface of the water. They can be purchased as pre built sections that can be attached in different shapes and configurations. They are versatile and fall or rise with the water level, assisting them to adopt to almost any condition. They are the perfect solution for lake, sea or river beds that cannot support the installation of a fixed dock.
- Piling Docks – they are built by inserting huge wooden beams referred to as pilings deep into the ground under the water. The dock will then be linked to the piling, usually by an attachment that has rollers, hoops, or both, which will permit the dock to fall and rise with altering water levels while still maintaining its placement in the water. This kind of dock is stable and durable, and could withstand strong currents. But, they are costly to construct and built, and cannot be adjusted as the water levels change. They will work best for bigger boats or perhaps as a fishing dock.
- Pipe Docks – this type of dock is similar to a piling dock. However, it is commonly built using aluminium frames with removable docking. They are less expensive but also less stable compared to a piling dock. This means they are easy to construct and considered as a cost effective type of docking system. Pipe docks work very well in shallow waters, less than eight feet deep, and have to be removed during the fall season to avoid pipe damages that may be caused by freezing. Since the surface will not make any significant contact with water or land, it is a type of docking that has minimal effects in the environment.
Types Of Permanent Boat Docks
- Crib Docks – they are made of wooden crates or frames referred to as cribs that are installed along the bottom. These custom built and permanent wooden frames are filled with big rocks and care covered with decking. Crib docks are expensive but very stable as well. This type of dock extends the shoreline and can influence the natural flow of water and cause disruption to wildlife. This is usually not your best option.
- Suspension Docks – this is the opposite of a crib dock. Suspension docks hang over water using anchors and cables. They have a modern appearance and have less effect on the environment than the crib docks. Their exciting design is visually appealing but because of the engineering needed during its installation, suspension docks tend to be time consuming to install yourself.
Boat Dock Materials
Picking a boat dock involves so much more than just choosing a style that meets your visual expectations. There are several features of both floating and fixed docks that will make each one of them perfect for a certain application. The kind of material used to build the dock is another important consideration when styling your new or replacement dock. If you want to make an informed decision for your water side residence, you must check the factors including the durability, cost, initial cost, upkeep, environmental impact, and damage risks.
- Wood docks – wood is visually appealing and is a good choice for those who are in search of a natural appeal. Although wood is a conventionally famous boat dock decking material, it has a few drawbacks like intensive upkeep, variable lifespan, and restricted safety hazard.
- Aluminium docks – aluminium docks are constructed using aluminium decking plants that have interlocking edges that create a watertight as well as gapless seal.
- Polyethylene Docks – they are durable and modern floating docking systems. They are easy to install and can cater to varying budgets. This kind of dock is a great option if you are looking for a dock that is durable and easy to install but without the high price tag.
Call Shoco Inc. if you want to know more about boat docks.
Shoco Inc
2056 E Dixon Blvd
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 482-7329
https://shocomarine.com/