DIY docks. If you have a property near a body of water, you will be inspired to build a boat dock yourself. Ask yourself before you attempt to do it yourself — is it a good idea to build a boat dock without any experience in doing so? No, it is not.
Building a boat, canoe, or kayak dock is a difficult job and messing up will not only cost you a lot of money to get it right but also create a dangerous situation. Here are four reasons why you should say no to do it yourself docks:
1. Understanding Codes and Commissions is Confusing
Building a boat requires a lot of engineering, which is why states regulate the construction of boat docks with codes and commissions. Every area has its own set of rules and regulations that one must follow and abide by.
Before you build a boat dock, you need to get a permit, or the state will dismantle your hard work. If you do not require a permit to build a dock, you need to get approval from your state’s department of environmental protection. By hiring a contractor well-versed with the state’s regulations on building a dock, you will not have to worry about breaking any law.
2. Preparing the Site
Since all waterways connect to each other, you need to consider the impact building a boat dock will have on the other one. Creating a dock can change the drainage in other areas in the waterway. Interrupting the water flow can also impact the ecosystem.
To avoid all this, preparing the site is important. It can create a buildup of silt or debris. An improperly build dock can cause shoreline erosion and change the property. Hiring a contractor can eliminate these problems because they have the skills and experience needed to prepare the area for a boat dock.
3. Understanding Launch Areas
Boat docks are not necessarily used for boats but can also be used for entertainment purposes. If you want to use your dock for entertainment purposes, ensure the platform can accommodate everyone’s weight. For instance, your boat dock should accommodate dinner parties, laying on it, and jumping off it for a swim.
Ensure your boat dock is sturdy with the stairs anchored, so they do not create a hazardous situation. Your dock needs to be near the water surface for easy getting in and out of the boat, canoe, or kayak. Telling your contractor about the purpose of the use of the boat dock will ensure you get a safe and durable boat dock.
4. Preparing for Stormy Weather
Is your area prone to storms or inclement weather? If it is, you need to consider that before building a boat dock. Intense winds and bad storms can put a lot of stress on your boat dock. You will have to prepare floating docks for inclement weather, making them wind-proof because they can easily flip over or move a lot with water. Building a boat dock for the storm is not easy and is a task better left to the professionals.
Why take the headache and stress of building a boat dock on your own when you can contact EZ Dock Texas at 800-654-8168 for a quote. If you live in Texas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico, call them now!
