One of the most important decisions a lakefront property owner can make is the type of dock that is installed. The type of dock that is installed can impact everything from the ease of use and maintenance of the dock, to the overall lifespan of the dock and the enjoyment of the property.
There are a variety of docks available, each of which is suited for a different type of shoreline and water depth. Therefore, it is important that you understand the way each of the following types of docks functions before making a decision. This article will provide you with an overview of the most popular types of boat docks.
Floating Docks
One of the most popular types of docks for modern lakefront homes is the floating dock. Instead of being secured into the lakebed, this type of dock floats on the water’s surface and uses buoyant floats to support it from underneath.
Because of their ability to rise and fall with the water’s surface, floating docks are perfect for lakes that have changing water levels throughout the year. They also do well in deeper lakes where it is difficult to install a traditional post-supported dock.
There are many types of docks, such as those found in Floating Docks, that are considered modular designs. This allows homeowners to expand their dock design as their needs require it.
Floating docks can be used to enjoy a variety of activities such as boating, swimming, and relaxing, and can also be customized to include other features such as a boat lift or jet ski port.
Pole Docks (Pipe Docks)
Pole docks are supported by legs that rest directly on the lakebed. This is the reason pole docks remain stationary and do not move with the water.
This is what people seem to enjoy about pole docks. When you are on a pole dock, it is as if you are on a deck, not a floating dock.
For pole docks to be effective, there needs to be shallow water with a firm bottom that can hold the dock. This is because if the bottom is soft, it may be harder to install the dock and keep it level afterwards.
Pole Docks may require adjustment if you want to adjust the height of the dock to match changes in water levels. Large water fluctuations could mean a pole dock could be too close, or too far from the water to make it functional for your boat.
Pole Docks excel in rough water conditions because the waves roll under the structure of the dock reducing stress, and maintaining stability where floating docks would be at risk.
In cold climates, it is recommended that pole docks are removed before winter to avoid the risk of ice movement. Pole Docks are designed with smaller, light weight frames and optional wheel kits to make the task as easy as possible.
Tower Docks
Tower docks make winterization easy. Rather than removing the dock piece by piece each season the entire dock lifts out of the water like a drawbridge and lives above the ice for the winter. Specialized versions of these docks include a ramp to help manage water fluctuation the same as a pole dock, but generally this style of dock works best where water fluctuation is low and a consistent height is possible.
As a specialty Pole Dock design, Tower Docks also handle rough wave conditions well because the frame sits above the waves. They are also hinged at shore providing additional strength
Commercial Floating Docks
Commercial docks are designed for heavier use. You can find one in a marina, a resort, or a business near a water area where there is constant movement of boats. Also some residential locations where durability is most important.
This high strength pontoon floating dock includes a welded HDPE Pontoon Frame, A Fir Beam Sub Structure, and 2×8 PT Decking.
On larger dock designs like marina applications, our Floating Dock Ramps include wheels, and a transition plate to allow the ramp to sit on top of the dock to eliminate stress at the joint.
Swim Rafts and Platforms
A swim raft is a simple floating dock that is placed away from the main dock. It is anchored in place to allow for swimming, relaxation, and other leisure activities while out on the water.
At 8’ – 10’ in size, a swim raft is not a substitute for the main dock; it is an addition to it. It can be used as a place to swim out to or as a place to sit and relax in the sunshine out on the lake and away from the main shoreline activity.
PWC Ports (PWC Docks)
PWC ports are designed specifically for Seadoos. Jet Skis, Wave Runners and other personal watercraft. Instead of tying your watercraft to the dock, you drive it directly onto a platform that keeps it out of the water.
This helps prevent damage and makes launching much faster than a traditional aluminum boat lift.
They’re often used alongside a main dock rather than on their own. If you have both a boat and a Personal Watercraft, combining a dock with a PWC port makes the whole setup more efficient.
How to Choose the Right Dock Type
If your water level changes throughout the season or your shoreline is quite deep, then a floating dock is probably your best bet. This type of dock automatically adjusts to your water level while still providing you with a dock that you can use.
If your water is quite shallow or rough, then a fixed dock such as a pole dock or a tower dock could be your best bet. This type of dock provides you with a solid surface, even if your water isn’t.
Another thing you have to think about is how you’re actually going to use your dock space. If you have a simple shoreline, then you might only need a straight dock, while if you have a busier shoreline, you might need space for multiple boats, swimming, and watercraft storage. This is where On the Water Designs can help you find a dock that meets your needs.
Final Thoughts
All of the above types of docks have their own special uses. There is no one type of dock that works for all properties. The idea is to find the type of dock that works with your shoreline and not the other way around.
Once you understand how all of the different types of docks will perform in different types of conditions, it’s much easier to make your choice and find a type of dock that will actually perform the way you expect it to.