At their most basic, floating docks consist of pontoons, connecting hardware and a means to secure the dock in place. Anchor assemblies or a series of spud piles are the most common ways to hold a network of pontoons on location.

Pontoons
Pontoons can be constructed of concrete, steel or composite materials. Concrete and steel are the most commonly used for marina applications. Concrete pontoons are usually made of lightweight concrete that requires extra reinforcement.

Spud Pilings
Spud pilings for floating docks can be either steel, timber or concrete. Spuds should be capped to prevent water intrusion.

Anchoring System
There are a number different anchor systems for floating docks, similar to those found in various mooring systems. Anchor cables are typically attached to the pontoons through ports where the cable can be tightened to secure the pontoon in place.

Hardware
The connecting hardware should either be made of stainless steel, hot-dip galvanized steel or aluminum.

All of these components require regular maintenance to preserve system function.

Just like boats, floating docks require regular cleaning and maintenance. Heavy marine growth adds weight to the floating dock, placing unnecessary stress on hardware, gangway connections, support pilings and utilities.

We can carefully clean the marine growth off of floating docks, finger piers and marine utilities. We offer full cleanings and “spot cleaning” for inspection purposes.

Spud pilings should be cleaned annually in order to protect the rollers from being damaged by marine growth. We also recommend an annual cleaning for any utilities run under or alongside a floating dock.

Waves, wakes and weather can all cause issues within a floating dock system. Regular inspections should be conducted to prevent system failure.

Pontoons—Floating concrete pontoons should be inspected for typical concrete deficiencies like cracking, spalling, scaling and corrosion. Cracks can allow for water intrusion that can lead to corrosion, section loss and eventually failure of the pontoon.

Connections—Pontoons are typically connected by bolts or walers. We will check all connecting hardware for deterioration and corrosion.

Alignment—Pontoons and finger piers are checked for excessive differential movement or misalignment.

Spud Piles—Pilings are checked for deterioration associated with the type of pilings used (timber, concrete, steel). We also look for abrasions from the rollers that can be caused by misalignment. Spud piles are checked for deterioration and water intrusion.

Anchor assemblies—All hardware is checked for deterioration. Protective coatings are examined and the anchor chain is inspected for corrosion. The entire system is assessed for looseness or misalignment.
Access hatches—are checked for degradation and proper seal.