Plenty of waterfronts have a dock that’s still standing but not really working. The boards are soft, the cleats wobble, and every spring brings another round of repairs. Eventually, it is not whether or not it should be fixed but whether or not the time has come for something new. This paper will show the reader how to evaluate waterfronts in order to place aluminum boat docks there, and what should be considered before selecting the style and materials of the dock itself.
Is the Water Level Steady or Does It Rise and Fall?
Start with the water level: does it remain constant, or does it vary with the change of seasons, dam release, or the tide? According to Flotation Systems, choosing the right anchoring depends upon the nature of the water. Fixed dock systems use steel, concrete, or wooden pilings, while floating dock systems are compatible with fluctuating water levels. This is the most expensive mistake to make.
How Much Wake and Weather Does the Dock Have to Face?
Next, think about waves and wind. A quiet cove is a different job from a busy lake where wakes roll in all afternoon. Flotation Systems builds every dock with what it calls WAVEPro technology, short for Wave Attentive Versatility Engineered, which it describes as a solution for high-traffic lakes and extreme weather. Whatever the brand, a dock in rough water should be built and anchored for that, not for a calm day.
What the Current Dock Is Made Of and How It Is Holding Up
Look at what’s there now. Wood rots and steel rusts, which is why old docks swallow so many weekends in repairs. Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion, and the company calls its docks virtually maintenance-free. If the frame is sound and only the deck is tired, a refit may be enough. Flotation Systems sells LockDry aluminum watertight decking for refurbishing aging docks, boardwalks and bridges, and says it waterproofs the space below.
How the Dock Will Actually Be Used Day to Day
Then be honest about how the dock gets used. How many boats, how big, and does anyone want shade, a place to sunbathe, or storage under the deck? The company’s styles run from simple piers and platforms to gable and hip roof docks, sundecks, sundeck combos, and marina work, plus ADA-compliant designs. Ramps, gangways, and bridges come in standard single spans from 5 to 80 feet. Matching the style to the use is cheaper than adding on later.
Construction Details That Separate a Solid Aluminum Dock
Construction details are worth checking too. Flotation Systems lists these on its Materials and Methods page:
- Main frames of heavy-gauge 2″ × 10″ extruded aluminum, with E-channel construction on cross-members and corner gussets
- Decking that’s textured and slip-resistant, with spans up to 36-inch centers
- A powdercoat finish the company says is up to three times as thick as baked-on enamel
- Roofs of 26-gauge commercial panels, with a 30-year color-retention warranty
- Docks fabricated and pre-assembled in the company’s own Alabama facility
These are the company’s own claims, so they’re best compared with another builder’s specs and the written warranty.
How Flotation Systems, Inc. Approaches Waterfront Dock Projects
Flotation Systems, Inc. is an aluminum dock builder based in Cullman, Alabama. Its dock collection includes piers and platforms, gable roof, hip roof, sundeck and sundeck combo docks, marinas and commercial docks, and fixed or stationary docks, along with the Beaumont and Lodge series and nine Designer Color Series shades plus custom colors. The company says it has built aluminum boat docks for more than two decades.
FAQs
When should a waterfront choose a floating dock over a fixed dock?
Floating docks suit water that rises and falls, such as lakes with seasonal swings, rivers and bays. Fixed docks sit on pilings and suit steady water levels. Flotation Systems says the correct type depends on the characteristics of the water, so the choice should come after a site review.
Are aluminum boat docks really maintenance-free?
Mostly. Aluminum doesn’t rot or rust, so there’s no staining, sealing, or board replacement. Flotation Systems calls its docks virtually maintenance-free. Docks still need occasional cleaning, hardware checks, and a look after storms, especially in harsh water. Ask the dealer what routine care the warranty expects.
Can an old wood dock be refurbished instead of replaced?
Sometimes. If the frame is sound, new decking can bring it back. Flotation Systems offers LockDry aluminum watertight decking for refurbishing aging docks, boardwalks and bridges. A rotted or damaged frame usually needs more than new decking, so a dealer should inspect before deciding. Get it in writing.
How do aluminum docks handle waves and wakes?
The key is design and anchoring. Flotation Systems manufactures all its docks using WAVEPro technology, described by the company as the answer to high-traffic lakes and tough weather conditions. Turbulent water requires the appropriate anchoring system, either fixed or floating, and the builder who knows the location well.
How can a buyer get started with Flotation Systems?
Find a dealer, request a custom quote on the website, or call 800-711-1785 during business hours, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It helps to know the water type, the number of boats, the style wanted, and any roof or sundeck features. A shoreline photo helps too.
