Fixed Dock vs Floating Dock: Which Is Better for Your Boat?

You are buying a new home on the water. Or maybe you are building a new dock. You have a big choice to make. Should you get a fixed dock or a floating dock? One is not better than the other. They just work in different ways.

If you pick the wrong one, you might be unhappy. Your boat might get damaged. It might be hard to get on and off the boat. We want to help you choose. Here is what you need to know about both types of docks.

What is a Fixed Dock?

A fixed dock is built on top of pilings. Pilings are heavy posts driven deep into the ground under the water. The dock stays in one place. It does not move when the water moves. It feels very solid, like a porch. It is great for big boats and walking.

What is a Floating Dock?

A floating dock sits on top of the water. It uses big plastic tubs or foam to stay afloat. It is tied to pilings with metal hoops. When the water goes up, the dock goes up. When the water goes down, the dock goes down.

Five Things to Think About

1. Tides and Water Level If your water goes up and down a lot, a floating dock is easy. You never have to climb up a tall ladder. If you have a fixed dock in high tides, you will need a special mooring system. We suggest the Tide Right system for fixed docks. It moves your fenders up and down with the tide whether the boat is tied to it or not.

2. Waves and Weather Floating docks can be tricky in rough water. They bounce around a lot. This can be loud and can hurt the dock. We made the Shock Block system just for this. It uses elastic bands to absorb the waves. Fixed docks are better for very rough water because they are so heavy and still.

3. Ease of Boarding A floating dock is always the same height as your boat. This makes it very easy to get on and off. On a fixed dock, the boat might be 4 feet below you at low tide. This can be dangerous for kids or older people.

4. Maintenance Floating docks need to be checked for leaks. Barnacles can grow on the bottom. Fixed docks can have rot in the wood. Both need good hardware that does not rust. We use 316 and 304L stainless steel for both types because it lasts the longest.

5. Cost Fixed docks usually cost more to build because you need a big machine to drive the pilings. Floating docks can be cheaper and faster to install. But you must think about how long they will last.

Which One Should You Pick?

Pick a fixed dock if your water is deep and rough. It is also good if you want a dock that feels like a solid floor. Just make sure you get a good mooring system like the Rough Rider or Tide Right.

Pick a floating dock if your water level changes a lot. It is great for swimming and easy boat access. If you have a floating dock, look at our Launch & Stow for kayaks. It attaches right to the side and makes kayaking a breeze.

Do not wait to get the right gear for your dock. Keep your boat safe and your life easy. Shop our full line of mooring and launch systems here