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How Do Docks Float?
If you’re a dock owner or looking to build a dock, understanding floatation is crucial to investing in a safe and functional platform. Floating boat docks must be sturdy enough to hold the necessary weight and buoyant enough to move with the water.
What Is Buoyancy?
Buoyancy refers to an object’s ability to float. According to Archimedes’ Principle, any object, once submerged, experiences an upward force from the water. The force is known as the buoyant force or upthrust, and this phenomenon is known as buoyancy.
When an object is in the water, two powers are at play — the water’s force and the item’s weight. Weight is one of the most critical factors in buoyancy. If the object’s weight is equal to or less than the upthrust, then it’ll float. If the weight is more than the buoyant force, it sinks.
So, picking the right dock is about understanding the principles of buoyancy. There are two main types of dock densities:
- Fixed docks: Fixed docks are typically made of denser materials. They’re anchored into the seabed and don’t move with the changes in the water.
- Floating docks: Floating docks are made with low-density yet stable materials. They adapt to changes in water and suit various water levels and tides.
How Do Docks Use Buoyancy?
Floating docks rely on buoyancy to sit on top of the water without sinking. They hold a large amount of air, which gives them a low density. Depending on the material, docks may also have a protective seal to prevent them from soaking up water and sinking.
EZ Dock floating docks are made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), which allows them to float smoothly on most bodies of water. They’re framed with thick, heavy walls that protect the air-filled chambers, so they stay level and steady even with additional loads. They move with the water so waves don’t crash against it, reducing wear and tear.
How Do You Anchor a Floating Dock?
Floating docks are excellent for working with the water’s movements and providing a stable platform to walk on or place furniture.
While they’re different from stationary docks, floating docks also use anchors or dock stabilizers to stay in place and can be a permanent docking solution. The best way to anchor a floating dock depends on several factors, including:
- Climate
- Currents
- Water depth
- Local regulations
- Water fluctuation
- The amount of weight placed on the dock
Regardless of these factors, there’s a dock anchor that will work for you. Some standard options include:
- Pile: These anchors are best for heavy loads, but you can’t change their position because you drive them into the seabed.
- Cable: This method uses cables attached to weights at the shore and is usually best for deep waters.
- Pole and sleeve: These anchors use vertical galvanized steel sleeves that secure the dock to the seabed.
- Stiff arm: This method uses a winch and reinforced arms to anchor the dock to the shoreline.
EZ Dock floating docks have an evenly spaced coupler system, hardware and anchor pockets. Our coupler systems are made of environmentally friendly, recycled rubber that eliminates the need for potentially dangerous installations and nails, bolts and screws. They can withstand the strongest of waves. Our boat dock floatation systems are so efficient they’re even used in the industrial and military sectors.
What Keeps a Dock Stable?
Floating docks are excellent at staying above the water due to their buoyant nature, but they’re not all created equal. They have different features that determine their stability — and whether you can enjoy a beverage without spilling. Here are the top elements to consider when understanding how floating docks work:
Design Dimensions
Generally, the wider the dock, the more stable it is. When choosing a design, consider the waterfront land where you plan on installing the dock. It should have enough room for a safe entrance and exit. Additionally, it must accommodate the number of watercraft you plan to dock.
EZ Dock floating docks generally come in six main shapes that each offer varying benefits:
- T-shape: This shape is ideal for two boats and convenient for loading and unloading passengers.
- U-shape: This shape is an excellent choice for protecting one boat and surrounding storage space for racks or other supplies.
- L-shape: This shape is great for two or more watercraft and can be used for swimming or fishing off the sides.
- I-shape: This simple shape is easy to install and can store a paddle craft or provide a walkway.
- Rectangular: A wider dock is the perfect space for berthing and sunbathing.
- F-shape: This shape creates an excellent walkway area and multiple slips for boats or personal watercraft (PWCs).
Balance of Weight
Even weight distribution is essential to maintaining stability. For example, placing heavy furniture on one side creates an uneven load that could cause the dock to sway. If space allows, a wider dock would provide a better balance of weight and allow for some uneven furniture placement.
EZ Dock floating docks offer an even weight distribution, lowering the center of gravity and keeping you stable.
Weather
Since floating docks are buoyant, low-quality options lack the stability needed to keep them intact, especially in high tides and turbulence. Whether your waterway has calm or turbulent waves, choosing a dock that will hold up is important.
EZ Dock floating docks have convection couplers attached to each dock section, allowing them to move independently. Our nuts and bolts are corrosion-resistant and heavy-duty, so no storm can destroy them.
Our floating docks work by following the water’s movement. They stick to the water’s surface and won’t be submerged during a storm or high water.
Anchoring
Proper anchoring systems help keep the dock in place and prevent excessive swaying. It’s essential to choose the right anchoring system for your area. Make it a habit to routinely check your anchors and connectors for wear and tear or corrosion.
Luckily, EZ Dock anchoring systems are strong enough to get through even tropical storms while protecting your investment. They save you from future expenses in the possibility of a storm or weather damage.
Dock Uses
The stability of your dock may also depend on what you’re using it for. Ensure you choose the right dock size and shape for your needs so you have enough space to place furniture or dock all your boats.
Recreational boaters need sufficient space to store their vessels or PWCs, such as Jet Skis or SeaDoos. They should also consider the number of family members and friends who may sit on the dock and choose a size accordingly.
Dock fishing enthusiasts won’t require much. A simple I-shape or rectangular dock will allow them to access deeper waters and give them enough space to sit and store equipment.
Professionals or those with larger watercraft will require a larger space. An L-shaped dock would be the perfect fit for them.
Get the Only Dock You’ll Ever Need From EZ Dock
EZ Dock was established by two water enthusiasts who wanted an upgraded version of traditional docks. Our floating docks are barefoot- and eco-friendly. The polyethylene docks are constructed from recycled rubber and provide extreme durability. We installed our first dock over 26 years ago, and it’s still in the water. They’re maintenance-free and won’t ever rot, splinter or require painting.
Are you interested in buying the only dock you’ll ever need? Feel free to contact us, and we’ll help you find your ultimate dock.