Boat Dock Without Footer: What's The Catch?

If you're new to boating, you'll soon be exposed to a confusing mixture of nautical lingo. While the differences are subtle, it's a good idea to be aware of the terms boat slip and boat dock if you plan on mooring your boat in different locations. A boat dock is a flat structure made of metal, plastic, wood, or concrete, at which you park your boat. Boaters usually pull up parallel to the long side of a dock and tie their boats. Docks can be floating, rolling, or stationary, and are usually more affordable to rent than a boat slip. A boat slip, on the other hand, typically refers to a single parking space at a dock. It is enclosed on three sides, so when a boat slips in, only one end is left open to the water. Slips are more expensive and take up more space, but they offer more protection from damage.

Boat docks can be fixed or removable

Boat docks are available in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and polyethylene. They can be broadly categorized into two types: fixed and removable.

Fixed docks are securely anchored to the shoreline or pilings driven into the waterbed. They are ideal for shorelines with minimal fluctuations in water height and seasonal changes. Pile docks, crib docks, and fixed sectional docks are some of the popular options in this category.

Removable docks, on the other hand, are practical for areas with fluctuating water levels or where installing fixed docks is challenging due to deep waters or unstable waterbeds. Floating docks, sectional docks, and wheel-in docks are common types of removable docks.

Pile docks, a type of fixed dock, are supported by driven pilings made of wood, steel, or concrete. They are well-suited for firmer ground and offer exceptional stability for heavier loads and strong waves. Crib docks, another fixed dock type, are constructed with wooden frames filled with rocks or gravel, providing stability in shallow waters with soft bottoms.

Among removable docks, floating docks are a popular choice for their versatility and ease of ownership. They adapt to changing water levels and offer customization options like decking choices and layout configurations. They are also easier to install, remove, and reconfigure compared to fixed docks.

Sectional docks, which can be either fixed or removable, consist of interconnected sections anchored to the shore using posts or legs. They are ideal for shallow water or uneven shorelines, offering versatility and customization.

Wheel-in docks are another removable option, providing flexibility and adaptability. They are designed with wheels for easy transportation and can be paired with accessories like swimming platforms, boat ports, and guardrails.

In summary, boat docks can be fixed or removable, each with its advantages and ideal applications. Fixed docks offer stability but require stable water conditions, while removable docks provide flexibility and adaptability, making them suitable for fluctuating water levels and deep waters.

Fixed docks are anchored to the shoreline or pilings

Fixed docks are a great option for those who don't expect changes to their waterfront access. They are securely anchored to the shoreline or pilings driven into the waterbed, providing a stable platform for boats and various waterfront activities. Here are some important considerations and types of fixed docks to help you understand this option better:

Waterfront Conditions:

Before installing a fixed dock, it is crucial to assess factors such as the available shoreline space, water depth, bottom composition, and seasonal fluctuations in water levels. These conditions will influence the suitability of a fixed dock and the specific type chosen.

Pile Docks:

Pile docks are one of the most popular types of fixed docks. They are supported by driven pilings, typically made of wood, steel, or concrete. These pilings are usually placed about every 10 feet along the dock to provide exceptional stability. Pile docks are well-suited for handling heavier loads, strong waves, and currents. However, they require firmer ground as loose sand or silt may cause the pilings to shift or sink.

Installation of Pilings:

The installation process for pilings involves either using a water jet to clear away sand and silt or setting the pilings in concrete footers. When using a water jet, the pilings are stood in the desired spot and then sunk to the desired depth. For concrete footers, a PVC pipe is pushed into the lakebed, and after removing water and silt, concrete is poured into the pipe and around the piling.

Crib Docks:

Crib docks are another sturdy option for fixed docks. They are constructed with wooden frames filled with rocks or gravel, providing excellent stability, especially in shallow waters with soft bottoms. However, they can restrict water movement, which may impact marine habitats. Crib docks also tend to be more expensive and complex to install, requiring specialised installation and environmental compliance.

Fixed Sectional Docks:

These dock systems offer versatility and customisation. They consist of interconnected sections anchored to the shore using posts or legs, making them ideal for shallow water or uneven shorelines. Fixed sectional docks provide a modular design that allows for easy expansion or reconfiguration.

Fixed docks are a suitable option for those seeking a stable and secure platform for their boats and waterfront activities. However, it is important to carefully consider the specific conditions of your shoreline and select the most appropriate type of fixed dock to ensure a safe and functional installation.

Removable docks are better for fluctuating water levels

Removable docks are a practical choice for areas with fluctuating water levels. They are also ideal for locations where installing fixed docks is not feasible due to deep waters or unstable waterbeds. Some of the most popular removable docks include floating, sectional, and wheel-in docks. These docks provide flexibility and adaptability, which fixed docks cannot offer.

Floating docks, for instance, are an excellent option for adapting to changing water levels. They are also easy to install, remove, and reconfigure. Additionally, they require low maintenance since they are constructed from durable materials such as high-density polyethylene, which is resistant to splintering, rotting, and UV rays.

Sectional docks are another type of removable dock that consists of interconnected sections anchored to the shore using posts or legs. They are ideal for shallow water or uneven shorelines and offer unparalleled versatility and customization.

Wheel-in docks are also a removable option that provides flexibility and can be easily installed and removed as needed.

Overall, removable docks are a better choice than fixed docks when it comes to fluctuating water levels. They offer adaptability, ease of installation and removal, and low maintenance, making them a practical solution for areas with changing water conditions.

Floating docks are a type of removable dock

One of the key advantages of floating docks is their versatility. They can be customised to suit different requirements, offering various decking options, layout configurations, and dock accessories. For instance, they can be paired with accessories such as swimming platforms, boat ports, guardrails, or wheels for easy transportation. Additionally, floating docks are easy to install, remove, and reconfigure, making them a more flexible option compared to fixed docks.

Another benefit of floating docks is that they require minimal maintenance. The durable materials used in their construction ensure that regular cleaning with mild soap and water, along with checking connections, is usually sufficient to maintain them in optimal condition.

When considering a floating dock, it is important to assess factors such as shoreline space, average water depth, bottom composition, and typical fluctuation levels. Floating docks are particularly well-suited for deep water conditions, challenging bed conditions like rocky or muddy lake beds, and areas with fluctuating water levels.

In summary, floating docks offer a versatile, adaptable, and low-maintenance solution for boat owners. They provide consistent access to boats despite changing water levels and are customisable to meet diverse requirements. With their ease of installation, removal, and maintenance, floating docks are a practical choice for those seeking flexibility and functionality in their docking system.

Docks can be made from wood, metal, concrete, or composite materials

Boat docks can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common materials used are wood, metal, concrete, and composite materials.

Wood docks are a popular choice due to their cost-efficiency, ease of availability, and adaptability. They can be made from treated lumber or composite wood, with the latter being more expensive but requiring less maintenance. Wood docks are prone to splintering, rot, and warping, so regular maintenance is required to retain their integrity and appearance.

Metal docks, typically made from aluminum or steel, offer stability and durability. Aluminum is a stable and corrosion-resistant option that does not splinter or rot, making it a popular choice for waterfront property owners. Steel docks, on the other hand, offer unparalleled strength and are often used for commercial and industrial purposes. However, steel is more expensive and challenging to install.

Concrete docks are known for their resilience and longevity. They are reinforced with steel girders, making them completely impervious to water and ensuring they do not degrade over time. Concrete docks may not be as visually appealing as wood docks, but they are a good option for those seeking a sturdy and long-lasting solution.

Composite materials, such as PVC and composite decking, offer the best of both worlds. They provide the natural look of wood without the extensive upkeep, as they are more durable and require less maintenance. However, composite decking needs to be washed occasionally to prevent mildew stains.

Frequently asked questions