A well-designed dock provides safe, convenient access for recreation, boating, and relaxation on the water. Modern dock systems incorporate numerous specialized components that work together to create structures that can withstand harsh environmental conditions while maintaining functionality throughout the seasons. Whether it’s a permanent boat dock or a temporary one, these elements must be installed properly for a stable, long-lasting dock.
Stationary Dock Parts
Stationary docks, also known as permanent or fixed docks, are installed right along a waterfront. These long-lasting docks provide stable water access that withstands seasonal conditions, but they require careful installation and durable products to remain functional over the years.
These docks can be made of the following components:
-
Decking Boards: Available in many different materials, these serve as the functional and aesthetic surface of the dock.
-
Dock Frame: This provides the structural foundation that supports the decking and connects to the support pipes.
-
Dock Pipes: These serve as the vertical support system that anchors the dock to the water bed and maintains the structure at the desired height.
-
Outside Corner Brackets: These connect perpendicular frame sections at the dock's external corners to maintain structural integrity.
-
Straight Brackets: These serve as linear connectors that join dock frame sections end-to-end.
-
Inside Corner Brackets: Essential for L-shaped or U-shaped docks, these brackets create inward-facing 90-degree connections, allowing complex layouts to maintain proper alignment.
-
Footpads: These load-distributing platforms are attached to the bottom of vertical support pipes to prevent them from sinking into the bottom of the body of water.
-
Safety Caps: By covering the tops of exposed vertical pipes, these prevent injuries from sharp pipe openings and provide the dock with a professional look.
Floating Dock Parts
Since they are temporary, flexible structures, floating docks typically require fewer parts and less dock equipment than their stationary counterparts. A floating dock kit typically includes:
-
Floating Dock Floats: These floats serve as both the structural platform and the buoyant foundation of the dock system. They can come in different sizes and dimensions to fit different parts of the floating dock.
-
Connector Kits: These devices transform separate pieces into a cohesive dock system by creating secure joints between individual floating modules.
-
Anchoring Options: These systems prevent floating docks from drifting while allowing vertical movement with changing water levels. They are often used in three primary methods:
-
Pipe Guide: Best for moderate depths up to 8 feet deep, these use vertical pipes set into the lake bottom, with the dock sliding up and down along these fixed guides.
-
Anchor Line: These use cables or ropes connected to underwater weights to hold the dock in position while allowing more movement than pipe guides to accommodate deep water and soft lake and pond bottoms.
-
Shore Arm: By using rigid or semi-rigid connectors between the dock and shoreline or a fixed pier, these provide a stable connection point for the dock while allowing vertical movement.
Dock Add-Ons
Dock add-ons can enhance functionality, safety, and convenience for docks. Many of the following accessories are used for traditional fixed docks and floating docks alike:
-
Gangways and Ramps: Used for transitions between the shore and the dock, these often include features like handrails and non-slip surfaces for a smooth experience.
-
Ladders: Featuring telescoping or flip-up designs, these are essential for easy water access.
-
Guardrails: By attaching to dock edges without impacting structural integrity, these sections offer aesthetic appeal and critical safety features for passengers.
-
Kayak Launch: These specialized platforms can attach a kayak or canoe to the side of a dock for easy passenger use.
-
Jet Ski Ramp: These drive-on platforms are designed to support a personal watercraft and connect it to a dock system.
-
Support Braces: These reinforcement components add stability and load capacity.
-
Track Mount Kit: These modular attachment systems allow accessories to be added without drilling
Dock Hardware
Dock hardware can come in many different shapes and sizes. These tools are meant to protect, maintain, or properly set up your dock system. The most common dock hardware products include:
-
Dock Cleats: Available in various sizes and materials, this is attached to a dock to secure ropes and lines.
-
Dock Bumpers: These are used to protect the dock and watercraft from damage.
-
Corner bumpers: Protect vulnerable dock edges
-
Vertical bumpers: Absorb impact from approaching boats
-
Dock Auger: This is used to help stabilize dock supports into the bottom of the body of water.
-
Auger Wrench: This specialized tool is used to install dock anchoring systems and drive augers into lake bottoms.
-
Dock Anchor Line: This secures floating docks while allowing for necessary vertical movement.
-
Leveling System: These dock levelers enable the adjustment of stationary docks to maintain level surfaces.
-
Leveling Hook: This manual adjustment tool allows for single-person dock adjustment.
-
Winch Leveling System: Used for larger docks, this mechanical system can handle heavy sections and support systems.
-
Lighting Systems: These systems, which include LED systems, underwater lights, and solar-powered lighting, allow docks to be used safely well into the evening.
Many of these hardware types are made from galvanized steel, aluminum, or stainless steel.
Decking Materials
There are many different types of decking materials available for a variety of waterfront needs and personal preferences.
-
Cedar Decking: Made with high-quality wood for a traditional look and feel that can be customized with sealing and staining.
-
Aluminum Decking: A long-lasting lightweight option made with durable materials for a cool, smooth feel. Aluminum docks from Tommy Docks use marine-grade aluminum for a top-tier experience.
-
Composite Decking: This material is manufactured from recycled plastic and wood fibers to offer resilience from rotting and warping with minimal maintenance requirements.
-
Polyethylene Decking: This synthetic option is lightweight and resistant to rot and lightweight enough to be used for floating docks. In addition to our floating docks, Tommy Docks uses this material in our specialized gray Titan decking.
Dock Kits From Tommy Docks
At Tommy Docks, we are proud to offer our customers premium and innovative dock options for their specific needs. Our dock kits make it easy to put a dock together and start having fun on the water. With a variety of different types of stationary and floating dock kits to offer, Tommy Docks helps you find the dock system and all the necessary parts that best match your needs. Our DIY kits include pre-cut components and all the parts you’ll need for an easy assembly, and we offer additional add-ons and dock accessories to help you create the perfect personalized experience. Take a look at our stationary dock kits, floating dock kits, and dock hardware.
