You’ve decided to invest your money in a boat dock. But, do you know exactly what you need? Many beginners find boat dock vocabulary a bit difficult to understand. If you happen to be in the same boat, you are in luck! We are your ultimate source for uncovering and learning the meanings of commonly used terms related to boat docks.
Knowing the terms not only adds to your general knowledge of boats, but it also helps you build your custom boat dock. Since there are quite a few important words you need to know, let us get straight to it.
1. Boat Roof
A boat roof is built for protection. Not only does it protect the components underneath it, but it also provides shade and additional useable area. You can choose from the following boat roof styles — gable roof, hip roof, and double hip. You can select from R-panel metal roofing and classic tile roofing.
2. Boat Slips
A boat slip is an area you park your boat with two parallel fingers on each side.
3. Boat Dock Anchoring
Boat dock anchoring ensures floating docks do not drift away. You can select from three dock anchoring options, pile anchoring, pile anchoring, and stiff arm anchoring.
4. Gangways
A gangway provides access to and from boat or canoe docks. It allows boat docks to remain in deep water while being accessible.
5. Floatation
Flotation means maintaining the buoyancy of floating docks. Most dock floats contain foam designed using a stringent manufacturing process.
6. Decking
Decking materials — wood, composite, concrete, and aluminum — allow you to stand on your boat dock.
7. Railing
Most upper decks have a railing. Railing options include two-line aluminum rail and cable railing from steel cables and aluminum rails.
8. Bumpers
A bumper offers protection for your boat. They are installed on the edge of the floating docks for boats and to the dock poles.
9. Boat Lifts
A boat lift is a large plastic air tank that creates buoyancy to raise your boat out of water.
10. PWC Lifts
A PWC or personal watercraft lift is made from polystyrene in a rotomolded plastic encasing. A PWC lift prevents your boat from sinking in the water and protects it when it’s not in use.
11. Cleats
A cleat ties a boat to a floating cock and is attached to the decking surface.
12. Dry Dock
A dry dock is a location where a boat is stored or parked on land.
13. Dock Hardware
Dock hardware consists of brackets, connectors, and fasteners, which are used to design and fortify boat docks.
14. Dock Rollers
A dock roller or dock wheels is a plastic or rubber device connected to a shaft. The rollers turn on the shaft to guide the watercraft into the slip.
15. Ladder
A dock ladder or boat ladder is a marine ladder used to climb on to the boat dock or boat from water. You can choose from a three-step, seven-step ladder or even more. It is made from either aluminum or stainless steel metal.
16. Life Ring
A life ring is a floatation device used for emergencies if a person falls overboard. It is connected to a rope to pull people into the boat from water.
17. Mooring Ring
A mooring ring is a metal plate with a ring used for mooring watercraft. It is connected to a surface, while its ring is used to thread a dock line through.
18. Mooring Snubber
A mooring snubber is an elastic rubber device that prevents a dock line from breaking.
Can’t remember all these words? Print them to refer to them later. If you need to install a custom floating dock and reside in Texas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico, contact EZ Dock Texas at 800-654-8168for a quote.