Thanks to their convenience, floating docks are quickly gaining traction over traditional wooden ones. Yes, wooden docks are the most common boat dock option, and they have been around for centuries, but the durability and cost of the former dock type make it highly attractive.
A floating dock is installed in shallow water, allowing the boat to stay afloat. This keeps your boat safe from moisture, which prevents rust. One of the biggest advantages of floating docks is that they can be moved and modified. You can store them indoors during winter to prevent them from freezing in the water and cracking.
A drive-on dock or a PWC port is a floating dock ideal for Jet Skis. It is the perfect platform that lifts your PWC out of the water, giving you access from all sides to clean it.
Let’s look at how a drive-on dock works:
A standard drive-on dock has a U channel, the float on which the Jet Ski sits. They add floatation stability and capacity along the side, so the platform does not submerge in the water.
The rearmost part of the U float is slightly lower than other floats and is close to the water level. The boat’s keel contacts this float as you drive onto the platform. The dock takes the weight of the dock and pushes down until the Jet Ski is fully situated on it. Once the boat stops and the engine is off, the Jet Ski’s weight distributes itself, and the platform rises.
Your outboard mount, transom, and hull are out of the water. You can move the platform easily with your hands to run out water and bring it closer when you want to drive your Jet Ski. When you want to drive off, untie the bow line, apply power, and slide backward.
Floating Boat Lifts
A boat lift offers you a changeable configuration, depending on its design. Some provide a drive-on dock, and others a lifting device to safely get your Jet Ski on a trailer. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a drive-on dock:
Pros
- User-friendly and save
- Convenient design
- High-density and durable construction
- Prevents watercraft corrosion
- Is ready to use
- Virtually maintenance free
- Keeps boats dry and high
- Is similar to a floating dock and does not submerge
Cons
- Is heavier compared to other dock types
People often confuse drive-on docks with drive-on boat lifts. The former is much more convenient because no bumpers, fenders, or lines are involved in docking. The Jet Ski simply drives onto the platform, and the propeller stops it automatically. If you are not a fan of docking and get nervous while parking in a slip, a drive-on dock is a great option.
On the other hand, a drive-on boat lift involves lines to lift the Jet Ski out of the water. Reading the owner’s manual from front to back ensures your boat does not drop accidentally.
EZ Dock Texas offers drive-on docks and different types of floating docks in various materials. Their services are available for residential, commercial, and government applications. Check out their catalog to know more about their docks. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
