Floating Dock Vs. Sectional

You have your waterfront, and you have your boat. It makes sense that your next purchase will be a boat dock. One of the biggest questions you’ll have to answer as you’re making your purchase decision is this: Is a sectional dock or a floating dock a better choice for me?

You really can’t go wrong with either type of dock, especially if you’re getting yours through a high-quality manufacturer and trustworthy dealer. However, like with any purchase, it’s worth weighing your options and priorities before going into it, especially because some features are unique to each dock type. Consider priorities like these when you’re making your decisions.

Ease of Installation

All sectional docks can be taken apart, often down to the decking and legs, making them very easy to store, bring out, and put back together when the weather starts warming up. Some sectional standing docks will come with wheel kits or the ability to add them on, making installation as easy as rolling your dock into the water once it’s assembled and securing it to shore. Floating docks are also easy to install, with the added benefit of only needing to be secured to the shore and anchored into place rather than walking out and setting up the legs.

Adjustability and Customization

Even something as simple as the dock layout or an added accessory can elevate your dock from a pathway to your boat to a true extension of your home, and these changes are possible with both types of dock. When it comes to adjusting the dock itself, though, floating docks have a number of benefits. Because they float on top of the water, they can adjust automatically to changes in water level that could cause problems for a standing sectional set-up, making them great for areas with fluctuating water levels. With stationary docks, you either have to settle for your current height or manually adjust the legs, which isn’t as convenient when it’s already in the water.

Stability

Consider the water you’re on when looking into stability. If you’re in shallower water with a very firm and level bottom, a standing sectional dock is a great choice (rocky or steep bottoms make wheel-in options trickier to move, though). The legs provide a firm foothold, which some owners like better than a floating dock that can feel a bit wobblier. However, you might need a floating dock in areas where the water is too deep for the legs of a standing sectional dock. Also, thanks to advancements in waterfront technology and materials, a wide, heavy floating dock can be just as steady as a stationary one, especially in calm waters.

Cost

The cost of each dock type will vary based on manufacturer, materials, and construction. A wooden standing dock might be cheaper than an aluminum floating one, but the wooden dock isn’t going to offer the same low-maintenance, high-quality waterfront experience that the aluminum one will. What’s more is that sectional standing docks don’t have to be attached to permanent piles, which means saving costs on that end. It might come out to about the same, depending on what other options and accessories you want.

Are you still overwhelmed by options? Talk to a local boat dock dealer in your area! When it comes to knowing your local waters, available products, and benefits like warranties and personalized recommendations, there’s nothing better than a local dealer.

For more information:
ShoreMaster, LLC
1025 International Drive
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
800.328.8945

www.shoremaster.com