By: Stefra
Submitted: 2010-02-26 20:27:42 | Word Count: 581
A floating dock is a platform that floats above the water and which is used mostly for mooring boats. Usually pontoons are used for supporting floating docks, but in some parts of the world the floating docks themselves are referred to as pontoons. Technically speaking, a pontoon is a boat with a flat bottom that is used to assist in launching any kind of structure on to the surface of the water. Thus pontoon is quite different technically from a floating dock. Floating docks can be used for many purposes including mooring of boats, as a place for sunbathing etc.
Benefits of Floating Docks
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One of the benefits of floating docks, over other kind of docks, is that they are easy to construct. They are usually available in modular pieces and can be put together fairly easily. Also, they are not fixed and can be relocated to different places should such a need arise. They are typically used to moor small boats. The dock may be removed if it is not going to be used for a long period of time and then easily reinstated when it is required again. This extends the life of a floating dock, which again is an advantage over other kind of docks.
Important Considerations
As floating docks cannot support large amounts of weight, they can be used only with smaller water crafts. Also, even though the floating dock s vertical movement, in sync with the water, is considered advantageous in most situations, it becomes a disadvantage when stability is of prime importance. Floating docks cannot withstand strong winds and swells, and may get detached from the shore and possibly damage boats moored to it. In spite of these “drawbacks”, a floating dock will perform exceedingly well under normal circumstances. So, unless you expect frequent storms or high waves, floating dock will suit you well.
Construction of Floating Docks
Floating docks are usually manufactured in factories and shipped to the site as modular units. These units can then be put together on site. The construction is fairly simple and should not take more than a couple of days to put the pieces together. In fact, putting together a floating dock from separate pieces is akin to putting jigsaw puzzle together, only it is much simpler. The modular units of the floating docks are held together with plates and straps.
Types of Floating Docks
Floating docks come in all shapes and sizes. And the floating docks can be categorised in various different ways on the basis of their use, structure and construction material. Here is a list of some common types of floating docks:
• Aluminium Floating Dock – This type of floating dock is primarily made of aluminium. Aluminium has a high strength to weight ratio; so, when a strong but light dock is required, aluminium floating dock is the best choice.
• PWC Floating Dock PWC stands for Personal Water Craft. This type of dock is made for docking small boats and hence is small in size.
• Jet Ski Floating Dock – This type of floating dock is made especially for docking Jet Ski. This is a sub type of PWC floating dock.
• Floating Dry dock – Floating dry dock is a floating dock that has tanks built into it. The tanks can be flooded and drained in order to raise or lower the floating platform.
Floating docks offer a lot of convenience in terms of construction, mooring and maintenance. And this is an important reason for their soaring popularity.
