Category Archives: Docks & Moorings

Floating Docks: When Are They The Right Choice?

Floating Docks

Although they are not as easy to build or keep up as stationary docks, and usually carry a heftier price tag, there are applications where a floating dock* is the best or only solution for your docking needs.

Because they are held up by the water, the distance between the top of a floating dock’s deck and the surface of the water (known as freeboard) remains constant; the only variation should be for dock-load and wave action. Also, since floating docks are not dependent on the lake bottom to hold them up, there is no maximum depth limit to their use.

Floating Dock Applications

The following specific situations work well for floating docks:

Large Scale Dock Systems: Floating docks are easy to assemble over the water. This is especially important for systems that need many sections of dock, such as swim docks for youth camps and tie-up docks for marinas.

Fluctuating Water Levels: Floating docks are ideal for water with fluctuating levels. This is important because a constant height can be maintained off the water.

Deep Water: Stationary docks are challenging to install in deep water (over 6 feet). Floating docks are simple.

Mucky Silt Bottoms: Floating docks should be used in areas that have mud bottoms. It can be extremely difficult, if not impossible to install or remove docks on legs or wheels in deep muck.

Floating docks should not be used in these applications:

Shallow Water: Floating docks will take a beating in shallow water situations if there is any type of wind, current or tidal action, especially over a rocky bottom.

Wind Exposure: In many lakes large pilings are restricted, in these cases floating docks cases and any attached boats are often attached by chains to weights under the end of the dock. Because of this and the added motion with floating docks, they should not be used in areas that are unprotected from prolonged high winds. The continuous chop combined with sustained wind forces against the boat and dock will make anchoring difficult, if not impossible.

Pros and Cons of Floating Docks

 

Pros:

  • Floating DocksEnvironmentally, floating docks cause less damage to the substrate (lake bottom). Any disruption is usually limited to anchors, moorings or pilings that hold the dock in place. Some are attached only to shore, causing no damage to the substrate.
  • Water depth is not an issue, so long as it is at least three feet. Floating docks are ideal for deep-water situations.
  • Floating docks support a consistent freeboard in fluctuating depth conditions.

Cons:

  • Environmentally, floating docks can block sunlight to aquatic plants, causing damage to fish habitat. They may also contribute somewhat to shoreline erosion.
  • Floating docks do not give the stability that a stationary dock does. The longer, wider, lower and heavier that a floating dock is, the more stable it will be. Unfortunately, these factors further decrease the amount of sunlight able to reach the water.
  • Typically for a floating dock not to cause damage to the substrate or itself, it will need about a minimum water depth of three feet. there is no maximum depth to worry about.
  • Floating docks are more expensive to build and install (and remove) because of their increased size.
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Docking & Mooring Supplies features equipment and supplies to build, repair and keep up your dock – including dock floats.

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Solar Dock Lights: Keeping Your Dock Safe At Night

Solar Dock Lights

Solar Dock Lights - attractive and safe

As alternative energy sources continue to increase in popularity, companies continue to expand the applications for these alternatives. Self-contained solar panel lights are now being used on docks.

These solar dock lights are inexpensive, attractive and add to the safety of your dock.

 

Dock Lights

Safety is the most important consideration when boating. This is especially true at night, when the simple act of docking your boat can be tricky. Whether your boat is large or small, motorized or human-powered, you need to light your way to your dock. Solar dock lights are a great way to light your way back.

solar dock lightsDock lights need electricity to power them, usually either alternating current (from an outlet) or direct current (from a battery). Both options are fine, but batteries can be annoying to constantly replace and expensive to buy. Hooking into an outlet may be a better choice, but you’ll need to pay a high electric bill, and deal with wiring to the site.

Solar dock lights are superior to these other choices, since they are safer and cheaper to use.

How Solar Dock Lights Work

solar dock lightsSolar dock lights collect solar energy during the day in small solar panels, usually positioned on the top of the dock light. This energy charges a battery located inside the dock light (usually this is a standard NiCad rechargeable battery). The recharged battery then powers an LED light. LED’s are small lights that are very bright, but use a minimal amount of energy to run. Therefore, the energy collected during the daylight is enough to power the dock light through the night. Some dock lights automatically turn on when the sun sets – automating the process and making them even safer.

Some solar dock lights use different color LED’s inside the lamp. With these you can use different colors – red and green to mark the left and right of your dock. You can also use the dock lights to line the path to your dock in bright white light. These dock lights are made to fit all standard docks and posts, so you can be sure they’ll fit on your own dock.

How solar dock lights workRemember,  safety is the key to boating fun. Knowing that these solar dock lights are working for you after sunset is a great comfort. Knowing that they are  inexpensive to buy and run is an added bonus. To check out a variety of solar dock lights at Solar Dock Lights (Click Here).

 

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Stationary Docks: Easy To Build & Inexpensive

Stationary Docks

standing docks, stationary docks, pipe docks

Stationary docks, also known as pipe docks or standing docks, are probably the most commonly used docks on lakes. They are inexpensive to build and ideal for small applications.

Easily constructed, they need no special tools or materials. However, they’re difficult to remove once installed, so they can be submerged by abnormally high water levels or damaged by ice surges. If flooding and freezing aren’t big problems on your lake, you can have your dock built in an afternoon.

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.standing docks, stationary docks, pipe docks

Construction of Pipe Docks 

Stationary docks are usually a platform of planking fixed to a frame, which is raised above the water’s surface by upright posts of wood or metal piping (hence the name pipe dock). The decking of standing docks can be made of fiberglass, plastic, aluminum or wood.

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Pros and Cons of Standing Docks

Pros:

  • Stability: Stationary docks, when properly installed with adequate bracing in water depths up to 6’, are very sturdy for  standing, lounging, walking on, and boarding boats.
  • Wind And Boat Chop: Provided the dock is set at a height above the greatest wave height, stationary docks will withstand large waves that pass underneath. For stationary docks that need to be set low in areas prone to chop perforated decking can be used to allow the water to pass through the deck.
  • Sand, Gravel And Rock Bottom: Stationary docks work best set up over sand, gravel or rock bottoms. This is especially important where spanning over large rocks that could cause damage to floating docks or obstruct the path of rolling docks.

Cons:

  • Bulky and Difficult to Move: If rising or dropping water levels, or icing over,  require the dock to be moved, these may not be the best choice. Moving docks in and out of the water, or nearer or further to or from shore, is guaranteed to decrease the enjoyment of your dock.

 

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Build a Stationary Dock- It’s Quick and Easy!

 

Build a Stationary Dock

 

Instructions to build a basic stationary dock:

 

Build a Stationary Dock

Before you begin to build a stationary dock contact your state, county or town’s planning department or clerk to discover what permits are needed before starting the project. You may need a construction or zoning permit  before beginning. Some municipalities require that docks be constructed a certain way or include railings.

Use a circular saw to cut 12-inch or 18-inch PVC pipe lengths that will be sunk 3 feet into the bottom of the waterway. The pipe should extend about 1 foot above the water level. Determine how far the dock should protrude into the water. When you build a stationary dock you should consider building a dock that allows for a 7-foot water overhang and 1 foot onshore.

Lay out the frame for the dock. Footers should be placed at each corner and every 6 feet along the edge of your dock, depending on its size. For example, to build a stationary dock that is 18 feet long, you should include two corner posts and one post in the middle. Additionally, place two corner posts onshore and a post in the middle. This will form a square shape.

Push the pipes into the ground at your post sites until they can’t go any deeper and they seal against the water. Scoop water from the pipes using a small cup or bucket. Stand the 6-inch-by-6-inch posts into the center of each PVC pipe. The flat side of the boards should be parallel to each other. Use a square to make sure each post is square. One by one, add pre-mixed concrete from bags into the pipes using a shovel. Fill the pipe to near the top with concrete and let it set overnight. Repeat the process for the onshore pipes, cutting away and protruding plastic.

Choose the height of the deck by marking a spot on each post with a chalk string. Put a level on the string to make sure it is flat and then mark each post as accurate. Cut off the excess posts with the reciprocating saw. Cut 2-inch-wide and 8-inch-deep notches for each frame board.

Place the 2-inch-by-8-inch boards in the notches so they make a square.

Drill 1/2-inch-wide holes through the top of the posts and framing boards. Position the frame on the posts using steel bolts in the holes. Use screws to attach 2-inch-by-6-inch joist hangers along the framing boards that are parallel to the shore. Place decking lumber down on top of the framing boards to create the bottom for the deck. Consider placing wood sealer on the structure to ensure its durability.

What You’ll Need To Build a Stationary Dock:

PVC pipe

6-by-6-inch wooden beams

Concrete mix

Shovel

2-by-8-inch framing lumber

2-by-6-inch joist hangers

Wood decking

Drill

1/2-inch drill bit

Steel bolts

Circular saw

Reciprocating saw

Decking screws.

 

 

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The Dock Manual by Max Burns (a Book Review)

Review of The Dock Manual: Designing/Building/Maintaining  (Max Burns- author)
The Dock Manual by Max Burns

If you’re lucky enough to own a piece of waterfront, you know that a dock will help realize the greatest value and enjoyment of your property. Now you can build your own dock, or repair an existing dock with this complete and easy-to-use guide.

The Dock Manual explains how to take advantage of your shoreline, while minimizing the impact upon the existing surroundings. It offers a thorough introduction to the basics of dock design and construction, and tells you everything you need to know about designing, building and maintaining a small residential dock.

The Dock Manual has ten complete plans for stationary and floating docks, along with details of the different applications for each type of dock. Each plan is complete with material and tool lists, and  illustrated construction techniques. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions for analyzing your shoreline and choosing the right dock for your needs.

The Dock Manual

You’ll refer to The Dock Manual throughout the year for expert advice to help you:

  • Build angle, roller, and stair ramps
  • Paint, stain, and treat your dock
  • Make repairs and upgrades
  • Deter and repair decay to wood and plastic
  • Incorporate design options like trims and colors
  • Winterize your dock

This is a very good book for the beginning or intermediate do-it-yourself dock builder. It offers common sense practical advice on materials, types of docks and the different applications of each type. The Dock Manual provides good general-purpose advice and light instruction for anyone wanting to build a simple dock.

 

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