Invested in a boat, and now need to find a way to easily get it in and out of the water? Then you’ll need a dock, which simplifies the process significantly, allowing you to take your boat for a spin without having to do extensive physical work.
Many boat owners — especially first-time owners — assume that adding a dock to their property involves hiring an expensive contractor or committing to an entire weekend’s worth of work.
But that’s not the case. While some docks are challenging to install, there are also easy-to-install docks that require only minimal effort yet work magnificently. In this post, we’ll run through some of the most common dock types, as well as outline how easy they are to add to your property.
Why Choose Easy-to-Install Docks?
Before we get into the different types of docks available, let’s think about why boat owners should focus on easy-to-install docks rather than more complicated systems.
The first reason is the cost. It’s much cheaper to install a boat docking system yourself, rather than hiring a professional to do the job for you. In some cases, the cost of hiring a boat dock contractor can be more expensive than the dock itself. Installing it yourself removes that problem.
Another reason is that it lets you begin enjoying your dock as soon as possible. DIY-friendly docks can be installed more quickly than more complicated systems, which are not only time-consuming in themselves, but may also require you to wait until a contractor is available for installation.
Plus, easy-to-install docks tend to be easier to manage and adapt to your needs. Should you have different docking requirements in the future, you can simply modify your existing setup.
Understanding Roller Ramp Docks
Roller ramp docks use rollers to effortlessly guide your boat in and out of the water. They sit on the shore edge, making it easy to transport your boat from your vehicle to the water. You can also leave the boat on the roller ramp, covered. The boat sits completely out of the water on a roller ramp, preventing mold growth. In that sense, roller ramps can be just as much about storage as they are about getting in and out of the water.
They’re perfect for lakes and other calm waters that have consistent depth.
Are Roller Ramp Docks Easy to Install?
Yes, roller ramp docks can be exceptionally easy to install, provided you invest in the right system. At ShoreDocker, we offer two easy-to-install roller ramp dock systems.
There’s the Classic Ramp System, which is budget-friendly, reliable, and comes with all the hardware you need to quickly build it yourself. Simply add your own wood, and you’re ready to go.
We also offer our Roll-N-Go Premium Ramp System, which comes mostly pre-assembled for an even easier installation process. Made of lightweight aluminum rails, it’s the fastest and smoothest way to get your dock in place.
There are roller ramp docks available for all types of boats, including:
- Pontoon boats
- Jet skis
- Small boats
- Medium boats
- Large boats
Understanding Floating Docks
Floating docks sit out on the water. They’re connected to the shore by a walkway, and they tend to be popular in deep-water areas where tidal levels can shift. Due to the mechanism of how they work — they’re kept in place by cables or pilings — floating docks rise and fall with the tide.
They’re made of modular platforms, which makes it relatively easy to adjust configuration based on needs. While they’re mostly used in commercial settings — most commercial docks use this system — they’re also somewhat popular with homeowners.
Are Floating Docks Easy to Install?
Floating docks aren’t easy to install without the help of a contractor. The reason for that is that installation consists of two jobs, only one of which is considered straightforward.
While you may be able to put together the module pieces of the dock yourself, you’ll require a professional to install the cables or piling into the lakebed. That job is crucial to get right, because failure to do so runs the risk that the dock will simply float away. It’s typically thought to be a two-person job, and can take 1 - 2 days for installation.
Understanding Sectional Docks
Sectional docks are the most permanent of the three docking systems mentioned in this post. Sectional docks resemble piers and are typically used in areas that have calm to moderate water conditions. They’re also well-suited for properties that have difficult shore terrain, such as steep inclines.
Whereas floating docks sit out on the water, and roller docks sit on the edge of the water, sectional docks bridge the gap between land and water. Though they’re highly durable, they’re also typically the most expensive option.
Are Sectional Docks Easy to Install?
No, sectional docks are not easy to install. Unless they have extensive experience, homeowners who wish to add a sectional dock to their properties will require the help of a professional contractor.
It’s the most labor- and equipment-intensive dock of the three mentioned on this page, by some distance. Installation often requires a reasonably large crew (minimum of 3) and can take multiple days. It’s also possible that you’ll need to get permit approval due to the permanence of the dock.
The bottom line? While the end result of sectional docks can be fantastic, it’s not a DIY job. This is a task for which you’ll absolutely need to consult with boat dock contractors.
A Closer Look at the Installation Difficulty of Roller, Floating, And Sectional Ramps
All of the docks we’ve mentioned above have their advantages, but when it comes to the installation process, they vary significantly. Let’s take a deeper dive into the installation difficulty of all three, focusing on the number of people required, the tools you’ll need, and how long it’ll take.
Roller Ramps
Roller ramps are the go-to option for boat owners wanting to install a docking system themselves. After all, some models — such as the ones you’ll find at ShoreDocker — have been specifically designed so that property owners can install the dock without having to hire a contractor.
These rollers can be installed by just one person, using basic DIY tools, in a single day. You also won’t need to get a permit, which makes installing the dock even more straightforward.
Floating Docks
Floating docks are somewhat difficult to install. Installation usually requires hiring a contractor because getting the most challenging part — securing the dock to the bed of the water — right is crucial. Any mistake in that area can lead to the dock drifting away.
The job typically requires two people, one of whom will need to have expertise, and takes around 1 - 2 days. It’s also possible that you’ll need to get a permit before undertaking the installation process.
Sectional Docks
Sectional docks have the most complex installation requirements of the three listed in this guide. It’s not something that non-experts can even attempt to do on their own. It usually requires a team of three or more people, using specialist equipment, with the installation process taking multiple days.
Why Roller Ramps Are The Best Choice For DIY Installations
As you can see above, when it comes to easy-to-install docks, there’s really nothing that can compare to roller ramps. They have simple yet effective engineering that allows them to perform at a high level without the complexity of a challenging installation process.
Roller ramps — especially the kind offered here at ShoreDocker — genuinely are easy to install. Provided you have relatively calm waters that stay at a consistent level, you should find that roller ramps work effectively for your pontoon boat, jet ski, or small/medium/large boat.
Plus, roller ramps offer advantages that stretch beyond easy installation and easy access to the water. They also provide practical storage that keeps your boat out of the water, preventing damage. All these factors combine to make roller ramps the best option for the majority of residential boat owners.
Why Choose a Roller Ramp From ShoreDocker
Looking for easy-to-install roller ramp docks? Then ShoreDocker has just what you need. We offer two different roller ramp products, both of which can easily be installed without having to recruit expert help.
Our ramps are made of high-quality materials, are ready to work on most shorelines (rocky banks; sandy beaches), are suitable for both fresh and salt water, and are highly durable. They’re also highly adjustable and customizable, so you can get the perfect fit. All you need to do is choose your ramp system (‘Classic Ramp System’ or ‘Roll-N-Go Premium Ramp System’), wait for it to arrive, and then get down to the easy process of installing the ramp dock at your property.
Once you have, you’ll be able to see for yourself why we’ve established ourselves as the number one provider of easy-to-install docks on the market.