If you're tired of spending all your vacation time getting your boat in and out of the water, you need a more efficient dock ramp for your waterfront. The good news is you can find out all about the best dock systems for lakes in our post below.
Essentials to consider when choosing a boat dock ramp
Before we get into the different types of float dock kits that are available, we must cover the kind of things you’ll need to factor in when choosing a boat dock ramp.
The type of water
The first thing you need to consider when investing in a boat dock ramp is the type of water you are dealing with on your property. This is because different kinds of water will require different types of docks to keep your boat in the best condition possible. For example, if you are looking to dock your boat by a body of water that can be choppy at times, it could well be at risk of getting damaged even while docked. With this in mind, choosing a dock ramp that allows your boat to be lifted from the water and stored safe and sound on dry land is a sensible approach. Similarly, if your dock is in a position where tides are extreme and flooding, so it's likely to end up being submerged underwater, options such as a stationary dock may be best.
Access
Another important consideration when choosing the best vote dock for your waterfront is the type of access to the water that you have. Indeed, those without properties with waterfront access will be forgiven for thinking that it's always a flat or gentle slope into the water. Of course, this is not the case, and uneven access and rough terrain are common, making it particularly difficult to get your boat or water-going vehicle, such as a jet ski, in and out of the water safely. That means you need to select a type of dock that will account for this and make the process of launching your vessel easy to navigate while also maintaining the safety and integrity of your boat.
Aesthetics
Last but not least, an important consideration when choosing a boat dock for your Waterfront is the Aesthetics involved. Yes, how it looks matters, almost as much as functionality, for many people. After all, it's quite likely that you'll be spending extended amounts of time on the waterfront at your property, and so you'll want your waterfront boat dock to look the part.
The great news is that there is a range of boat docks that will serve as an excellent choice for both practicality and aesthetics. This means you can choose a dock that not only will your boat look great while it's being stored, but will also fulfil your functional needs as well. In fact, you can find out all about the different types of docks that are available in the next section below.
Comparison of the different types of docks on the market
Now you know a bit more about these things you need to consider when investing in a boat dock. Let's take a more detailed look at the different types of boat docks that are available, and what their individual benefits are.
Stationary Docks
Also known as fixed docks, stationary docks are the more traditional option. Aesthetically, they include decking and framing, and they are supported by pipes that are laid into the ground under the water level.
There are a range of Fantastic benefits to choosing a stationary dock for your waterfront. The first of these is that they can be incredibly aesthetically pleasing, making them ideal for those looking to spend a lot of time at their waterfront as well as on the water.
Another advantage of choosing a stationary doc is that they can be easily personalized to your specific needs. This means you can customize the look of your stationary dock by changing the wood and finishes of your decking, the layout and even your frame options.
Although it is worth noting that stationary docks are the most expensive of all the options mentioned here, something that can make them inaccessible to all those looking for a boat dock solution. Indeed, the price will only increase as you add on extra customized features, so it is vital to consider this before going with this choice.
Floating dock kits
A floating dock kit differs from a stationary one because it is designed not to be attached to the ground under the water, but to float on top of it. Floating docks are kept in position either by the use of anchors or by being attached to pilings.
There are a range of benefits to choosing a floating dock over the other types of docks mentioned in this post. The first is that they are easy to transport and so quick and simple to install on your property.
Floating docks are also a good choice for those vessel owners dealing with rapidly changing water levels. The reason is that the dock will move up and down with the level of the water with ease, thereby keeping your boat safe and making it easy to board.
However, some boat owners dislike using a floating dock because of this issue. Indeed, because floating docks consistently move with the movement of the water, they are not the best choice for sitting and enjoying the waterfront, or having get-togethers. This makes them less than ideal for people who want to spend just as much time at the waterfront off of their boat as they do on the water.
Roll-in docks
Last of all, we have roll-in docks, which are the type of mooring that our team here at ShoreDocker specialize in. Roll-in docks are a smart waterfront choice for a range of reasons.
First of all, roll-in docks are easier and faster to install than stationary docks. They are very popular because of this factor, as they allow boat owners to maximize their time in the water, enjoying themselves while minimizing the time it takes to get the boat launched and docked. Roll in docks also offer excellent stability as they do not move as much with the ebb and flow of the water.
Additionally, roll-in docks are a smart choice because they allow boat owners to raise their vessel out of the water and onto dry land very quickly and easily. This means they can safely stow their boats on land when the weather is bad, or have it set up and ready to go when it's good.
Lastly, roll-in docks can be a very cost-effective option as they require no laying in of pipes or pilings. They can also be bought in premium, which come ready to assemble and save even more time, or classic options, with the latter allowing boat owners to supply their own timber to keep costs even lower.