Docking A Boat: Pilings Technique For Beginners

Docking a boat with pilings can be a challenging task, especially for those new to boating. Pilings are vertical supports made of materials like wood, concrete, or steel, providing a stable foundation for docks and other waterfront structures. When docking, it's essential to secure your boat properly to avoid damage. One common method is using fender boards, which involve hanging a length of lumber across boat fenders to protect the boat from direct contact with the piling. Additionally, piling protection is crucial to maintaining the durability and longevity of your dock, preventing sun damage, water corrosion, and sea creature infestation.

Tying off to a piling

Firstly, it is recommended to use a fender board when docking against pilings. A fender board is a length of 2" x 6" lumber that is hung across the outside of two regularly hung boat fenders. To set up a fender board, start by acquiring a 4' length of 2" x 6" softwood lumber. Drill holes in both ends of the board, ensuring they are the correct size for your rope and finishing them with a file and sandpaper to prevent rope chafing. Prepare two lengths of rope to tie through the holes, making sure they are long enough to reach the waterline when hung from your cleats or stanchions.

Before deploying your fender board, carefully inspect the piling for any protrusions that may interfere with the board. Check up and down the piling, as the tide may change the board's contact point. Remove or hammer down any obstacles, or choose a different docking location. To deploy the fender board, hang two HTM or double-eye fenders vertically over the side of your boat, on either side of the piling. Ensure they are no further apart than the length of your fender board. Then, hang the fender board outside of the fenders, against the piling, and securely tie it off.

Another method for tying off to a piling involves using ropes or lines with floating roller balls. This method allows the dock to move up and down the pilings with the tide. You will need one line for each piling, as well as forward and reverse spring lines to control lateral movement. Attach one line around each piling, then use the spring lines to secure the dock in place.

It is important to regularly inspect and maintain your docking equipment to ensure its effectiveness and longevity. With proper care, your boat dock can add significant value to your property.

Using fender boards

Fender boards are a great tool to protect your boat when docking against pilings. They are inexpensive and easy to make, and can be made from wood or heavy-duty PVC piping. Here is a step-by-step guide to making and using a fender board:

Materials:

• 4' - 6' of 1-by-6 treated lumber (wood) or 3/4" PVC piping
• Drill and drill bits
• Rope
• Sandpaper
• File

Instructions:

• Decide on the length of your fender board, keeping in mind that it needs to be storable aboard your boat. A minimum of 4 feet is recommended.
• If using wood, treat it ahead of time to prevent rot and increase longevity.
• Drill holes in the board for the rope to pass through. For wood, mark about 4" from the side edge and 2" from the bottom edge of each end. For PVC, drill holes about 18" from each end. Ensure the holes are large enough for the rope to pass through easily.
• Softened the edges of the holes with a file and sandpaper to prevent rope chafing.
• Pass the rope through the holes and secure it with a knot. The length of the rope should be dictated by the height of your boat's handrail or attachment point.
• Before deploying, inspect the piling for any protrusions that may interfere with the board.
• Hang two fenders vertically over the side of your boat on either side of the piling. Ensure they are no farther apart than your fender board's length.
• Hang the fender board outside of the fenders, against the piling, and secure it tightly.

The fender board will protect your boat by preventing the fenders from being knocked out of position. It is a simple and effective solution for docking your boat safely.

Choosing piling materials

Choosing the right piling material is essential to building a long-lasting and sturdy dock. The choice between natural and synthetic materials depends on the environment, upkeep requirements, and budget. Here are some common piling materials to consider:

Natural Marine Timbers

Natural wood is a classic choice for docks, but not all types of wood are suitable. Piles need to be either pressure-treated or made of naturally water-resistant hardwood to withstand constant submersion in water.

Treated Softwood

Treated softwood, such as pine, is an affordable and customizable option. While it is vulnerable to decay and marine pests, its treatment helps extend its lifespan.

Hardwood

Hardwoods like Greenheart, redwood, fir, and cedar are naturally resistant to water and rot. They are tougher and more durable than softwoods but may require pre-cutting and pre-drilling due to their hardness.

Man-made Materials

Synthetic piles, such as those made from fiberglass or concrete, require less maintenance than natural wood. They are rot-resistant and often used in commercial marinas and docks for their durability and easy upkeep.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass composite materials are a modern innovation in dock pilings. They are engineered to never rot, rust, or crumble, making them ideal for low-maintenance docks. Fiberglass piles are straight and identical, providing a more uniform look compared to natural wood.

Concrete

Concrete pilings are resistant to decay and can be reinforced with steel to improve their tensile strength. They are safe for use in both freshwater and saltwater and are highly customizable in terms of shape and size. However, they may not be the best choice for residential docks due to their appearance and challenging installation process.

Other Synthetic Options

In addition to fiberglass and concrete, PVC and steel are also viable options for dock pilings.

PVC

PVC pilings mimic the look of natural wood but are made from composite materials that are resistant to decay, insects, and marine borers. They are lightweight, easy to install, and require minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice for residential docks. Additionally, PVC is environmentally friendly as it does not contribute to deforestation and can be recycled.

Steel

Steel pilings are strong and durable, making them suitable for commercial and industrial applications. They are coated with a protective layer to prevent corrosion and are resistant to insects, marine borers, and decay. Steel pilings are easy to install and require less maintenance, with a lifespan of up to 50 years depending on the installation method.

Dock piling protection

Dock pilings are essential for any waterfront infrastructure, providing support and stability to docks and boats. However, they are susceptible to damage from various factors, including marine borers, corrosion, and impact from boats. Here are some measures to protect dock pilings:

Piling Wrap

Piling wrap is a protective covering for pilings that helps shield them from destructive marine borers. It is made of UV-stabilized high-density polyethylene and comes in different thicknesses and widths to accommodate varying piling sizes and water depths. Proper installation with stainless steel roofing nails and cable ties is crucial to prevent barnacle growth and ensure the wrap stays in place.

PilePad

PilePad offers a padded boat protection system that wraps around pilings, providing dense padding and a protective shell. It is designed to prevent scratches and damage to boats during docking and is easy to install and UV-resistant. PilePad products are available in different sizes and can be expanded with additional padding for greater coverage.

Dock Piling Caps

Dock piling caps are another essential protection measure for dock pilings. These caps are placed on top of the pilings and provide UV protection to prolong the life of the pilings. They are available in various sizes and feature a mounting lip for added strength. When selecting piling caps, it is important to choose those made with prime-grade materials that can withstand impact and extreme temperatures. Black caps offer superior UV protection compared to white caps.

Sliding Systems

A sliding system, such as Tide Slides or Slidemoors, can be used to attach a floating dock to fixed pilings. This system allows the dock to move up and down the pilings with the tide, reducing wear and tear on ropes and cleats. While these systems can be expensive, they offer a secure and convenient way to affix the dock to the pilings.

Dock Roller

A dock roller is a mechanism that allows the dock to move up and down the pilings smoothly. It consists of flat steel bolted around the pilings or a system of rollers that guide the dock. This system helps to reduce the impact on the pilings and can be an effective solution in areas with heavy boat traffic.

Attaching a floating dock to fixed pilings

Firstly, it is important to determine the number and spacing of pilings required. Typically, three pilings set 10 feet apart are sufficient for a 30' x 4' floating dock. Once you have the required number of pilings, they need to be securely installed by pounding them deep into the lake, river, or seabed. The depth will depend on the water level fluctuations at your location.

Now, let's discuss the attachment methods:

• Ropes or Lines: You can use ropes or lines with floating roller balls to attach the dock to the pilings. This method allows the dock to move up and down with the water level. You will need one line around each piling and additional spring lines for lateral control. However, ropes may wear out or loosen over time.
• Sliding Systems: An alternative to ropes is a sliding system, such as Tide Slides or Slidemoors. These systems use metal channels and sliding brackets to attach the dock to the pilings, allowing for vertical movement. While effective, these systems can be expensive.
• Hoop Brackets: Hoop brackets are a more affordable and durable option. They require a piling to be pounded into the seafloor, and the bracket should be two inches larger than the piling diameter to prevent binding.
• Slide Assemblies: For a highly stable attachment, you can use a slide assembly, where inner tubes are fixed to the pilings and outer tubes are attached to the floating dock, allowing independent movement.
• Gangways and Ramps: If your dock needs to be set away from the shore, gangways or ramps can be used. They allow the dock to move vertically but must connect to a fixed abutment.

When choosing an attachment method, consider your local conditions, such as water depth, fluctuations, currents, and wave strength. Additionally, ensure that your materials are suitable for the water type (freshwater or saltwater) to prevent corrosion or rot.

Frequently asked questions