Stationary vs. Floating Docks: Which is Right for You?

Stationary vs. Floating Docks: Which is Right for You?
Summer is just around the corner. Soon, we’ll all be eating s’mores by a bonfire and swimming in the lake. Everyone should prepare for the season before the calendar changes. Kids need to get their swimsuits ready and sort out their camp schedules, while parents should ensure the lake house is ready to go. Consider tidying up and doing a few upgrades before the summer. While you’re at it, install a stationary or floating dock that leads to the water. This article will help determine which is right for you—a stationary or floating dock?

Pros of Stationary Docks

Stationary boat docks are built on pilings secured to the bottom of a body of water. These dock systems are more stable than their floating counterparts; they won’t move in high-traffic areas. In addition, their sturdy construction makes them last for a long time. Docking may be challenging for a novice boater with a floating dock system. If you’re new to docking a boat, stationary docks might be the way to go since they don’t move.

Another advantage of a stationary dock is that they’re a great place for family and friends to hang out. Floating systems are more challenging to lounge on since they move so easily—this isn’t the case with stationary docks. Instead, adults and children can be obstreperous on the dock without worrying that it’ll fall apart. The best part? You won’t get seasick just by sitting there.

Finally, it’s important to discuss maintenance. Seasons change. As a result, you can’t just let your dock go during the off-season, or it will be filthy by the time you want to use it for summer. If you want easier clean-up, stationary docks are the choice for you. Floating docks are more challenging to clean since they move on the water; you will likely miss a few spots.

Cons of Stationary Docks

Stationary docks aren’t perfect. There are some disadvantages to stationary docks that you should know. First and foremost, stationary docks are more expensive than floating docks; there are multiple reasons for this. Stationary docks rest upon pilings, so you must pay for those on top of the dock itself. Additionally, prices may increase with deeper water levels. Plus, the deeper the water is, the more likely the pilings will warp or break.

Floating docks may be more suitable for deeper water since stationary dock pilings can get damaged. It might also be more challenging to enter your watercraft since there’s a gap between the dock and the water. Entering watercraft becomes difficult when water levels are too low, and things can become dangerous. Since floating docks sit directly on the water, it is easier to enter a watercraft from them.

Pros of Floating Docks

Floating docks are relatively self-explanatory—they’re boat docks that float on water. There are many advantages to using floating dock systems for your property. For starters, floating docks are easy to assemble and customize. You can also attach them to pilings or shorelines, making them easy to install. Floating docks are ideal for swimmers because they’re easy to access. Moreover, floating docks are typically cheaper than aluminum options, making them appealing to many buyers.

If you don’t mind swaying on the dock when the water moves, this is the best alternative for you. It’s also important to note that floating docks are easier to repair than their stationary counterparts. Since stationary docking systems have underwater pilings, repair takes longer and is more costly. On the other hand, you can repair floating docks easily because they simply float on the water.

Cons of Floating Docks

Perhaps the most significant drawback of floating docks is that they move so easily. If your dock is located in a high-traffic area, it may be unwise to use a floating dock because it’ll never stay still. Floating dock systems are also more prone to damage because they move frequently. The docking system may also get damaged when tides are low. Since floating docks rely on water levels to stay afloat, they may rupture if levels decrease.

Another disadvantage of floating docks is that they’re noisy. When the water moves a lot, you’ll hear clanking chains. If you think that noise will bother you, a stationary dock may be the way to go. Finally, floating dock systems don’t last as long as stationary docks. Floating docks are more likely to get damaged since they move around so much. So, if you’re looking for more of an investment, stationary systems may be the better choice.

Buying from a Reputable Dealer

Of course, it doesn’t matter which type of dock you get if you buy it from an untrustworthy source. When installing a dock, you must ensure you’re purchasing equipment from a trusted dealer in the business. The team at American Muscle Docks and Fabrication is dedicated to giving you what you want. It might be difficult to choose between the systems on our website because they’re both spectacular. But isn’t it better to have many good options than only a few?

Hopefully, you’ve decided whether a stationary or floating dock is right for you. Simply put, there are pros and cons to both options. If you don’t mind the feeling of swaying on the water, then a floating dock system is the way to go. A bonus is that floating docks are less expensive than their stationary counterparts. It’s also easier to enter a watercraft from a floating dock. You might think stationary docks would make for better entrances, but there’s a gap between stationary docks and the water that can make getting on and off watercraft dangerous.

Stationary docks are better suited for high-traffic areas because they’re more solid. That said, they’re also harder to repair because they rest on pilings that are prone to warping and breaking. As you can see, you really can’t make a wrong decision. Discuss both alternatives with your family and check out our website today. We have everything you need, whether it be for a stationary or floating boat dock.
Stationary vs. Floating Docks: Which is Right for You?

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