If you have a waterfront property without a floating dock, it is time to get one. The dock can increase the value of your waterfront property.
When it comes to selecting a boat dock, there are several classic styles you can choose from. Knowing the pros and cons of each will help you buy the boat dock of your dreams. Here are the pros and cons of different classic boat dock styles:
1. Piling Boat Docks
A piling boat dock is a permanent structure made from wood, steel, or concrete pilings. The piles are situated deep in the water surface at a depth of 3x the width. A steel framework is constructed for the walkway, covered in wood, composite, or concrete decking. Tip: Use chemicals or wraps to prevent the wood from rotting.
The Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stable
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Suitable for deeper waters
- Use for mooring boats
Cons
- Costly
- Not suitable for areas where water levels change
- Movement from ice can damage it
2. Floating Boat Docks
A floating dock is a boat dock that floats. You can either get a framework sitting on top floating barrels or modular floating pieces. Most people choose floating docks for boats.
The Pros and Cons
Pros
- Suitable for all lake sediment types and shorelines
- Rises and falls with the changes in water levels
- More affordable than permanent boat docks
Cons
- Not as stable as other boat docks
3. Lift Up Boat Docks
Lift up or articulating boat docks are like a one-side drawbridge. In the winter, you need to lift it out of the water as you would a drawbridge. If it gets very cold where you live and your local ordinances prohibit residents from getting a boat dock in the water, get this one.
The Pros and Cons
Pros
- Can hide the cables and gantry used to lift the dock out of the water during the summer
- Easy to raise out of the water in the winter
Cons
- Not aesthetically pleasing when lifted out of the water and raised in the air
4. Pipe Boat Docks
A pipe boat dock is made from aluminum. It consists of pipes, which rest on the bottom of the lake’s sediment. There are available in various designs — L-shaped, straight, T-shaped, and U-shaped.
The Pros and Cons
Pros
- Allow sunlight to reach the marine life
- Have a minimal environmental footprint in comparison to other boat docks
- Affordable
- Remove them during the winter and re-install in the spring
Cons
- Cannot be used in deep water, but only shallow water
- Not equipped for mooring large boats
- Not suitable for changing water levels
5. Double Decker Boat Docks
A double-deck boat has an upper deck and more features. The lower level has one or two boat slips, whereas the upper deck is for entertainment purposes, jump gates, slides, and jump platforms for deep lakes.
The Pros and Cons
Pros
- Spacious
- Overhead coverage
- Offers protection for boats
Cons
- Very costly
- Requires more space
Do you need a professional contractor to design, build, and install a boat dock for your waterfront property? Do not look further than EZ Dock Texas! Contact them at 800-654-8168 for your quote if you live in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
