In addition to offering passageways or boat parking spaces for yachts, the marine dock system aims to develop lively, social marina areas that cater to yacht owners or their locations. Docks come in various designs, such as piling, floating, wooden, concrete, and steel docks. There are advantages to each of these marine dock types. Continue reading to learn more.

Piling Docks

Piling docks are made by inserting huge wooden beams into the ground beneath the water. They are linked to each other by an attachment, which can include hoops or rollers. These types of Palm Beach County docks are sturdy and resistant to decay. They can withstand strong currents but are expensive to construct. They are ideal for docking larger boats and are used for fishing. 

Piling docks are the most expensive marine dock, requiring significant investment and upkeep. In addition, piles must be treated and pressure-treated to resist corrosion because they are submerged in water. For these reasons, natural marine timber is the preferred material. However, if the marine owner is on a budget, they may opt for treated softwood. Though not indestructible, treated wood is highly customizable. Most treated wood is pine.

Floating Docks

Floating docks can be made of several different components. Since they do not require support, floating docks are the most flexible type of marine dock. However, they are not ideal in areas with significant water levels because they scrape along the bottom of the water bed. Another disadvantage is that they are more prone to climate change. Finally, floating docks can be built on a rocky or sandy shore, depending on the location, making them unsuitable for stormy waters.

Floating docks are constructed with a frame, floats, and decking. They are made of various materials, including wood or concrete. Floating docks usually stand as tall as a building and are typically shaped like a square or rectangular shape. They are usually placed near the shore, sometimes in a natural harbor, and are designed to float at low tide.

Wooden and Concrete Docks

Wooden docks are typically taller than concrete ones and are square or rectangular. They are generally located near the shore or in a natural harbor and are painted the same color as the sea floor. The docks are typically constructed to be unloaded into the water at low tide. Concrete docks are built on steel pilings and can be secured with a float. They are often made of multiple components, including dock step forms. Wooden docks are the most expensive but are also the least labor-intensive. Wooden docks are a good choice for low-cost home marinas, while concrete ones are ideal for commercial marinas. Both types are suitable for different types of water bodies. 

Steel Docks

Steel docks are the most popular among the different types of marine docks. They are essentially steel frames with bolted-in supports. While these are the most durable and long-lasting, they are limited to specific bodies of water and can cause problems if built-in in icy or salty areas. Nevertheless, these structures are still a popular choice for many homeowners.

While steel docks are the most popular marine docks, floating ones are also an option. They are especially useful for lakes with fluctuating and deep water and are ideal for lakes with muddy bottoms. These docks can be left in the water for the winter, though they need to be dismantled and towed to a protected location for storage. These docks can be steel or foam-filled plastic billets, and their length and width determine their stability.