MULTI NAUTIC Dock Hardware and Wooden Dock
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR DOCK TYPE
Multinautic offers dock hardware and dock floats that combine the most popular features for quality and safe dock systems. You will create the configuration that meets your needs by combining semi-floating and floating dock sections. Your layout can also evolve as it can be expanded over time. Being the key for a smooth transition from shoreline to a floating dock, your Semi-Floating Dock section may have to be preceded by one or more Stationary Dock sections to reach your required water depth.
If you have a boat, a floating dock is usually required as the dock and boat will move together with the waves.
If you have not yet decided on the type of dock that will best suit your shoreline and activities, here are some suggestions to help you decide.
FLOATING DOCK LAYOUT
A floating dock configuration should include a semi-floating dock section (also called a gangway). This section will provide the transition between the fixed dock (or land) and the floating section which will move with the waves occurring on body of water. For greater stability when moving on the dock, this semi-floating dock will have usually 2 floats at the junction with the floating dock section.
- A floating dock is ideal for lakes and rivers where the water level fluctuates periodically. Since the dock floats, it will always be at the same level above the water.
- If the lake or river bottom has a gentle slope, use fixed dock sections near the shore until the water level is sufficient to install a semi-floating section (usually 3-4 feet deep) and then add one or more floating dock sections in deeper water.
- If the lake or river bottom is dropping rapidly, start your setup with a semi-floating dock section. This layout will follow the water level.
- A floating dock is not recommended where waves higher than 3 feet can occur as it could be damaged as well as the boat that is moored to it.
- A floating dock is recommended in water deeper than 4 feet.
STATIONARY DOCK LAYOUT (FIXED DOCK)
- You can install a fixed dock in up to about 4 feet of water or it will be difficult to install. This is the ideal choice for shallow water.
- A fixed dock is recommended if bad weather causes waves up to 3 ft. If this is the case, you will need to moor the boat away from the dock or use a boat lift.
- A fixed dock is usually installed without anchoring and should not be relied upon to hold your boat in a storm or to protect it from large waves created by other boats.
- A post dock (or fixed dock) is not recommended in water that often fluctuates more than 2 feet in a short period of time. A floating dock would be more appropriate in this case, otherwise you may have to adjust the height several times during the season.
- Note that posts can be cut with a metal saw, a grinder or a pipe cutter.
Make small stationary dock sections to ease winter removal.
A good way to help you make the right choice of dock system is to observe your neighbors’ docks.
If they have been installed for a few years and are still in good condition a similar choice may be right for you.
Documents / Resources
 |
MULTI NAUTIC Dock Hardware and Wooden Dock Floats [pdf] Instructions Dock Hardware and Wooden Dock Floats, Hardware and Wooden Dock Floats, Wooden Dock Floats, Dock Floats |