A well-designed boat dock is more than just a platform for watercraft. It’s the gateway that lets you head out into the water, enjoy all sorts of fun activities, and relax.
Whether you’re building a boat dock for yourself or upgrading the one you have, you need to look at some features to ensure the dock meets your needs.
In this article, we’ll review the features to look for in a boat dock and why they’re essential.
Size & Configuration
The size of the boat dock is one of the most essential elements. It should be configured to suit the type and number of watercraft you’ll be docking there. You should look at the length and width to determine that your watercraft will fit on it without trouble.
Keep in mind any future changes as well. If you plan to buy a new watercraft, you’ll need to ensure enough space. Keep the same in mind if you plan on building additional features like seating areas or storage spaces.
Sturdy Construction
When it comes to boat docks, the way they are constructed is of utmost importance. Without a sturdy and durable construction, you won’t have a good time with your watercraft. From damage to the vessels, the dock and the risk of injury, there are all sorts of risks that come with poorly constructed boat docks.
Make sure the material is able to withstand constant exposure to water and that its structural integrity won’t fail you.
Type
When buying a dock, you want to ensure the type you want suits the water conditions and environment near you and your intended use.
For example, if you’ll store more compact, personal watercraft (PWC), a PWC port may be better than a large fixed dock for larger vessels. However, a traditional fixed dock would be better if you have more or larger watercraft.
Similarly, if you’re in an area where the water levels fluctuate a lot, you may want to consider floating docks. These are made of plastic or lightweight aluminum, so they are not fixed. Because they move with the water, they usually stay stable.
Consider what you plan to do with your dock, and decide on the type accordingly.
Easy Access & Safety
Your boat dock should be easy to access and provide easy water access. You’d have to look at features like handrails and steps that make it easier to get on or off boats or for loading and unloading cargo.
Not all boats come with accessibility or safety features, so you may want to get these installed for safety purposes.
Environmental Friendliness
Be careful about the environmental impact of your dock! It’s better to choose eco-friendly building materials that won’t cause long-term damage to the aquatic ecosystems or the earth.
Floating docks tend to be better for aquatic life since they allow water to flow naturally underneath. However, many floating docks are made of plastic, which isn’t the best material from an ecological perspective. Aluminum floating docks would be your best bet.
For any waterfront lifestyle, a good boat dock is a necessary component. By considering these factors, you can find a dock that suits your needs and performs its function quite well.
EZ Dock Texas offers low-maintenance docks, such as floating docks for boats, covered floating docks, drive-on docks, etc. For more information, please call (800) 654-8168.
