The right dock for you should meet your lifestyle, location and personal taste.
Here are five types of docks that vary in a number of ways:
1: Floating Docks
Floating docks are the perfect choice for mud-bottom lakes and water areas that are deep or areas that experience water levels that change fair regularly. Floating is not synonymous with 'free-flowing'; and anchoring them in place with cables, sea anchors, stiff arms, or ramps is the norm. Stability with floating decks is a main safety concern; and because of that, stout designs will incorporate platforms that intersect with a main walkway. Floating docks work well in all water types, deep or shallow. Some floating docks are portable which allows one to move one's dock and store it off-season. they can, however, be left in the water during the winter as long as they are stored in a protected area such as a bay or leeward side of an island.
Some floating dock designs are modular where pieces can be linked together to achieve a "T" or a "U" shape, for example. Here, shapes of the dock can be changed whenever a need or desire dictates via a few simple tools and connecting devices and cleats. Floating docks that are modular adjust to fluctuating water conditions; and foam-filled plastic float chambers trap air on the surface of the water for additional buoyancy. Other floating docks can be constructed of wood or steel trusses, or commercial steel-tube floats.
2: Stationary Docks
Other terms for 'stationary' docks are 'standing' or 'permanent' docks; and this style is very conducive to meeting the majority of boating requirements. Unlike floating docks, stationary docks are what their name implies: they are permanently positioned; and their permanent bases will withstand the most unforgiving weather conditions. Stationary docks are resistant to waves which will simply pass through the legs. Stationary dock frames are usually constructed of wood or galvanized steel or steel pilings that are drilled or vibrated into the lake bottom. The upper area may, or may not, incorporate roof systems. The decking material of stationary docks are typically constructed of concrete, wood or composite.
Stationary docks are available in a wide variety of sizes and are ideal for lakes where the water level remains reasonably stable. This type of dock is not intended to be used in areas where there can be large amounts of ice since ice flow can be a stationary dock's worst enemy. Permanent docks are the most-costly.
3: Portable Docks
Portable docks are equipped with wheels which allows for mobility from one location to another. This is especially convenient before colder weather sets in and water begins to freeze. These handy models provide unmatched in-and-out-of-water capability, and allow for worry-free installation with minimal effort. In fact, with some models, it takes only one person to install or remove a portable dock. Height adjustment is another attractive feature. If one wishes to raise the pier, some designs provide a simple 'step down' on a foot-pad. With lowering the pier, all it takes with some models is a 1/8 turn of a wrench to loosen the cam mechanism – when one lets go of the wrench, the pier stays. Portable docks are constructed of durable aluminum or stainless steel.
Conditions have to be just right to utilize this type of dock: a gradual slope, a fairly-firm lake bottom and as little elevation as possible at the bank.
4: Pipe Docks
Pipe docks are usually constructed of an aluminum frame with optional removable decking—this type of dock is usually the least costly option. The dock stands on legs and works well in shallow water, up to 8 feet. This is explained by the fact that pipe docks' stability will be compromised as legs become longer. For deeper water, one should choose a floating dock. The water-level, with this type of dock, should remain predictably constant. Should the lake or river at your shoreline experience a gentle retreat through the season, the pipe dock's deck can usually be lowered on its legs to accommodate moderate fluctuations in water levels.
Pipe docks are available in an array of lengths and can be constructed into virtually any shape one would desire, such as 'L', 'T' and 'U' configurations to cater to boat slips and large seating areas. Some pipe dock legs can be fitted with wheels to make moving the dock an even easier task. Though pipe docks are very cost-effective, they do require a lake bottom to be substantially firm. It should, also, be noted that even the smallest amount of ice movement can easily crush a pipe dock. A lift pipe dock can simply be winched up in the air to escape damage from winter ice.
5: Specialty Docks
Specialty docks are designed with ultra-sophistication in mind. Specialty docks include cantilever docks, suspension docks and lift docks. They are very expensive and are known for their complex designs which demand the expertise of very seasoned dock builders.
A cantilever dock relies on huge chunks of shoreline for support and sits completely out of water and, therefore, does not require a minimum depth of water for installation. Cantilever docks' frames stretch from shore, over the fulcrum point, and then out over the water.
Suspension docks connect one bit of land to water and your boat. An actual tower is utilized to hold up a pair of thick cables anchored, well back on shore. This keeps the deck suspended over water, similar to what you might envision with the Golden Gate Bridge. Like the cantilever design, suspension docks sit completely out of the water which means this style does not demand a minimum water depth for installation purposes.
Docks Actually Enhance How We Live
Boat docks are more that just docks—they represent an extension of a lifestyle we all dream of: savoring a cold drink, grilling steaks or burgers under the hot summer sun with friends and family, enjoying lively music and swapping fishing stories. Docks make the connection between people and water, complete. Boat slips, spacious decks, elevated sundecks and other amenities add a type of ambiance to docks that appeals to our fantasies of getting away from it all!
Source : articlesbase.com
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