How to Choose The Right Boat Dock Floats

How to Choose The Right Boat Dock Floats

Docks add convenience and charm to any waterfront property. They not only ease boat access but also provide that deep-water fishing advantage without needing to enter a boat. Additionally, few experiences compare to running and jumping off the end of a dock on a hot summer night, reminiscent of childhood.

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However, docks do come with their share of maintenance needs. Traditional wooden piers can rot over time due to constant water exposure.

An ideal, more durable solution is to install a floating dock. Floating docks keep the dock deck out of water, resist damage from waves and wind, and make repairs easier and safer.

If you are considering building a floating dock, choosing the right boat dock floats becomes essential. The variety available can quickly become overwhelming and exceed your budget.

So, how do you select the right boat dock floats? Here's what you need to consider:

Choosing the Right Boat Dock Floats

Whether you're replacing a deteriorating dock or building a new floating dock, having reliable dock floats is crucial. Here are the key factors to consider:

Dock Float Design

There are primarily two types of dock floats: air-filled and foam-filled. Dock floats filled with expanded polystyrene foam, like those from Tommy Docks, offer added stability and security.

Foam-filled dock floats are easy to assemble on land and can be moved to the water later. They are more sturdy and long-lasting compared to air-filled dock floats. Therefore, it's recommended that most of your dock be constructed with foam-filled floats.

For minor replacements, extensions, or added stability, air-filled dock floats can be sufficient.

Additionally, look for one-piece construction in dock floats. More seams mean a higher risk of leaks, leading to float deterioration. Opt for floats with minimal or no seams, such as rotationally molded ones.

Durable Dock Float Materials

Your dock should withstand years of wear and tear from wind, water, sun, and even ice, animals, and your watercraft. Therefore, choose the best materials for your dock.

Dock floats made from polyethylene resin have UV inhibitors to protect against sun damage. They also resist cracking due to extreme temperature fluctuations in the water.

Byproducts from boat fuel can deteriorate dock floats if made from non-resistant materials. Cheaper options may wear down quickly, allowing water leaks and chemical leach into the ecosystem.

Environmentally Friendly Dock Floats

While considering the ecosystem, ensure your dock float materials are food-grade plastics. This prevents harmful chemicals from leaking into the waterway.

Opting for dock floats made from recyclable materials reduces your carbon footprint. When it's time for replacement, you can recycle the floats instead of contributing to landfills.

Overall, using more durable and long-lasting materials reduces a dock's negative environmental impact.

Minimal Dock Float Maintenance

Floating docks demand less maintenance than other styles. However, investing in dock floats with a good warranty is crucial for minimal ongoing maintenance.

Regular cleaning with a brush, eco-friendly detergent, and water is recommended. A power washer can further enhance cleaning.

Consistent minimal maintenance prevents docks from being worn down by dirt and scum and keeps harmful algae away from boats, family, and pets.

Ease of Use

Dock floats vary in design; some are easier to use than others. Look for dock floats designed to interlock, with built-in bolts and mounting holes.

This simplifies and quickens assembly. A notable convenience of floating docks is the ability to assemble dock floats on land before sliding them into the water, making the process safer and more precise.

Choosing the Right Boat Dock Float

Floating docks enhance any waterfront property. Whether you need to repair, extend, or build a floating dock from scratch, having the right boat dock floats is essential.

Various factors like design, material, environmental impact, and ease of use should be considered when selecting dock floats.

No one dock float suits everyone, so use this guide to find the perfect fit for your waterfront property.

While we don't offer floating dock systems currently, Tommy Docks has a wide selection of boat dock floats to get you started!

603-630-5658 - HDPE PLASTIC DREDGE PIPE FLOATS

FLOATS TO KEEP YOUR DREDGE LINES ABOVE WATER

TinyPontoonBoats.com sells USA-made HDPE plastic pipe and cable floats, also known as dredge floats. These floats are utilized for dredging and pumping operations.

Our floats feature a super tough HDPE plastic construction filled with closed-cell urethane foam, making them incredibly durable and practically unsinkable. Additional features include tapered ends to minimize current impact, multi-faceted inner clamping surfaces for secure pipe or hose clamping, and notches on the outer radius for easy stacking. Offered in bright orange, these floats come with galvanized steel hardware.

Due to the variable production costs, we're unable to post pricing on our website. We prefer quoting individual orders to provide the best possible deal. Volume discounts are available for orders of 10 or more of any size float. Please contact us for pricing details, and we'll provide a quote promptly based on your needs.

See the SHIPPING and FAQ sections for shipping details and other common questions.