You are probably familiar with the four common docks: Stationary dock, floating dock, pipe dock, and pilling dock. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, a stationary dock is expensive to install because it’s laborious. A floating dock is the least expensive because it can be modified according to your preferences.
When it comes to dock accessories, plenty offer you convenience and luxury. These include a boat lift and a drive-on dock. The purpose of both accessories is the same: To help you keep your boat out of the water.
What Is a Drive-On Boat Dock
A drive-on dock has no gears, motors, hooks, or straps. It’s a simple, floating platform that flexes down when the boat drives on it.
The float rises up when the boat is entirely situated on the dock, keeping your craft dry and high. As you start the boat’s engine and move forward during the launch, the float dips and allows you to land gently on the water.
What Is a Boat Lift
A boat lift comes in different designs based on the type of boat they can lift and accommodate. Their weight-lifting capacity ranges between 3,000 pounds and 15,000 pounds. The following three factors should be considered when choosing a boat lift:
- Boat’s bean and length
- Whether the bottom is firm or soft
- The water’s depth
Types of Boat Lifts
Bottom Standing Lift
This boat lift is installed in line with the dock. It has its own legs, which are inserted into the lake bed. An uneven and soft bottom makes it difficult to install this lift. It is either operated manually by a wheel or runs on an electric motor.
Piling Mount Lift
This boat lift is attached to the dock’s pilings. The dock should be able to support the lift’s weight. Since this boat lift requires custom installation, it is quite expensive.
Floating Lift
This boat lift is made of plastic or metal chambers. The chambers flood with water and stay submerged when there’s no boat it. They empty out, rising when the boat is parked on it.
Shore Mounted Lift
This boat lift is a ramp that is attached to the shore. Once the boat is on the lift, you can attach a winch and pull it up the ramp and over the shore.
While a drive-on boat dock is available in a single design, boat lifts have multiple. For example, if you have a 20 ft. boat, you will need a drive-on dock with a bigger surface. On the other hand, a boat lift’s design is based on affordability. If you have the budget, you can go for a piling mount, the most expensive of the four designs.
Have you decided whether you need a boat lift or a drive-on dock? Get in touch with EZ Dock Texas to explore options depending on your lake’s depth and bottom’s condition. We have successfully completed docking projects for residential, commercial, and government clients. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.