Posted on August 13, 2020
Rough Water Docks: What's the Best floating Dock for Rough Water?
Floating Docks for Fluctuating Water
Written by ShoreMaster Marketing
Water levels can naturally fluctuate thanks to tides and other factors. Seasonal weather changes like heavy rain, melting snow, or dry periods can cause your water level to raise or lower, sometimes significantly. Whether you’re a new waterfront owner or looking to upgrade your system, it’s worth looking into how much your water levels fluctuate, either by researching the trends in your area or asking your neighbors what they’ve noticed.
Save yourself the trouble of moving your dock back and forth on your shoreline in order to get the right water depth for your dock and boat lift. A floating boat dock system can handle the challenges that very deep or fluctuating water levels provide while still giving you a safe, level place to enjoy the water.
Stability and Security
A floating dock might seem like it’s vulnerable to instability, especially in rough waters, but floating docks can adjust to changing water levels easily. They can self-level in rough or fluctuating conditions much better than a dock with legs or wheels that can get stuck, shift, or sink in muddy or mucky lake bottoms. Dock flotation in our Infinity FTS9 Floating Dock and PolyDock systems is achieved with rotationally molded flotation designed for the rigors of waterfront and seasonal use: even if the durable outer shell is damaged, the polystyrene beads inside will prevent loss of buoyancy, and the dock floats all meet or exceed the Hunt Absorption Test. A high-quality floating dock platform will be just as safe as any dock with legs, pilings, or other supports. If the water conditions get too choppy or hazardous, like during a storm, a floating dock can also be easily removed from the water until things calm down.
Keeping Your Important Things Dry
Because a floating dock system stays on top of the water, the amount of space between the water and your dock remains constant. Not only does this mean that your dock won’t be too high or underwater, but also that the waves won’t be lashing the bottom of your dock constantly. This is especially important for any boat docks that have electrical systems like lights or boat lift motors—submerged electrical components are not only dangerous but could become pricey to repair.
A Low-Maintenance Alternative
Floating docks are a low-hassle alternative to fixed-dock systems. They’re just as durable and customizable as standing dock options while being easier to install. They also adjust automatically so you won’t need to shift the legs up and down. Floating docks have no contact with the bottom of the lake at all, which makes them not only convenient for fluctuating water levels and muddy lake bottoms but also for the environmentally conscious dock owner and the dock owner that wants an easy installation and removal. The only support your floating dock needs is an anchor and a gangway or other connection to the shore.
ShoreMaster Aluminum Boat Docks
ShoreMaster set the industry standard for premium floating docks by engineering a product that is stable, reliable, and easy to own. We have top-of-the-line construction and flotation along with exclusive features and premium boat dock accessories that can give you a perfectly customized dock system with complete peace of mind. For more information about what options and accessories will work best for your waterfront, or for installation help, get in touch with a local ShoreMaster dealer.
