Q: Why buy
an aluminum dock instead of wood, steel or plastic?
Q: Can these
docks really be left in the water for the winter?
Q: How stable
are floating docks. Don't they move around when the water gets
rough?
Q: How do
I decide which anchoring method to use? Is it better to use spud
poles or a weighted anchoring system?
Q: How does
the cost of Eco-Flote™ compare with other docks on the market?
Q: Why buy an aluminum dock instead of wood,
steel or plastic?
A: The unique properties of aluminum make it
the best material for many marine applications (including docks).
And, no other dock on the market can match the combination of
strength, simplicity, lightness, and aesthetic appeal that The
Eco-Flote System™ has to offer.
Wooden docks offer natural beauty and strength at a reasonable
price. But, wood tends to rot, warp, splinter, crack and suffer
harm from insects. It is a relatively soft material that can easily
be damaged by boat impacts, vandalism, and extreme weather conditions.
Wooden docks require frequent repair and must be treated with
wood preservatives to prevent deterioration. Some studies show
that these preservatives can be toxic to marine life and dangerous
to humans.
Steel docks offer a stronger alternative to wood, and are also
reasonably priced. But steel (even galvanized) rusts and corrodes,
and must be maintained on a regular basis.
Steel dock frames (and aluminum frames) are usually welded together.
A good weld is very secure, but poor welds (which are not uncommon)
are very prone to breakage.
In addition, steel docks (and wooden, plastic, and aluminum ones)
tend to have external components such as posts, brackets and fasteners
that protrude from the frame. These components can easily scratch
boats and injure people.
And, finally, steel docks tend to be very heavy, cumbersome,
and difficult to maneuver. Installation of a steel dock (even
a small one) usually requires at least two to three people.
Plastic Docks, unlike steel, are relatively light and easy to
handle. In addition plastic does not rot like wood or corrode
like steel, and it doesn't need to be painted or treated with
preservatives. Many Plastic docks are also somewhat "environmentally
friendly" because they are 100% recyclable or made from recycled
bottles.
But plastic (especially recycled plastic) isn't nearly as strong
as metal, and it can crack and break more easily. And when a floating
dock made of plastic gets punctured, it can fill with water and
sink, becoming very difficult to remove. Even when intact, plastic
"floaters" tend to ride very low in the water where
they can be swamped by large waves. Some plastic floating docks
are also known to have problems with heat retention and slipperiness
and the quality of the connection devices that hold the dock sections
together.
In terms of price, plastic docks may cost you as much (or more)
than wooden, steel, or aluminum ones. There are inexpensive plastic
docks on the market, but they do not perform as well as docks
made of other materials, and many customers do not appreciate
the "low-end" or "artificial" look of plastic.
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Q: Can these docks really be left in the water for the
winter?
A: Yes.
Every component of the System is designed to withstand the harsh
winter conditions found in northern climates.
If the dock is located in a very protected area such as a cove,
marina, or marsh there is no need to move the dock at all. Just
remove the spud poles and leave it in place for the winter.
If the dock is located in a partially protected area, all you
have to do is detach the ramp and remove the spuds poles (or anchoring
system) right before freeze-up. Then float the dock in so that
it's parallel to the shoreline. Secure it to shore with a rope
or cable, and allow it to move freely with the ice. When spring
arrives, just float the dock back to into place, reattach the
ramp, and put in the spuds or anchor system.
If the dock is located in an area with more than 1/2 mile of
open water between the dock and the opposite shoreline, we recommend
that you remove the dock for the winter. All you have to do is
disconnect the sections with a 9/16" socket wrench and float
them to shore, where they can be stacked, or taken to a storage
area, for the winter. Better yet, you can float (or tow) the docks
to some other area (such as a marina or cove) where it will be
protected from moving ice. Another option is to aerate (bubble)
the water around the dock to prevent ice from forming.
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Q: How stable are floating docks. Don't they move around
when the water gets rough?
A: Yes, floating docks naturally move more that
stationary ones, but they have distinct advantages over stationary
docks.
Floating docks can be used in situations involving deep water,
changing water levels, and problematic bottom conditions, while
stationary docks cannot. And when a stationary dock shifts, torques
or sinks under stress, it stays that way until somebody repairs
or readjusts it. A floating dock will naturally return to its
optimal condition as it adapts to the changes in the water.
Eco-Flote™ docks are more stable than others on the market,
but with any floating system there are simple guidelines to follow
to ensure maximum stability. First of all floating docks are recommended
for areas that are protected from extreme weather conditions that
can harm your dock or compromise your safety. Secondly, it is
important to design a dock using the widest sections possible
and to arrange them in a "T" or "L" shaped
configurations. It is best to avoid "straight runs"
and create as many platforms or slips as you can. And third, make
sure you design the dock so that it protects your boat from the
prevailing winds. It is best if the top of a "T", "U"
or L-shaped dock (and the bow of your boat) points directly into
the wind.
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Q: How do I decide which anchoring method to use? Is it
better to use spud poles or a weighted anchoring system?
A: Each method is designed for specific situations.
Here are some guidelines:
Spud Poles:
In bodies of water that are well protected, and the depth of
the water at the end of your dock is 10 feet or less, spud poles
(2 inch diameter) are the most effective and economical way to
anchor your dock. You just slide the spuds into the corner pockets
on the dock section and drive them slightly (by hand) into the
lake bottom. They don't need to be driven in too far, because
they don't support the weight of the dock. They simply keep the
dock in place and prevent it from shifting or torquing.
Weighted Anchor System:
Use weighted anchors when the following conditions exist -
1. The dock is not installed in a fully protected area.
2. The depth of the water is more than 10 feet.
3.The bottom is too muddy or rocky for the use of spud poles.
The anchor can be attached to the dock in two ways:
1. You can use the anchor-housing unit that fits into the corner
pocket of each dock section. These are an optional accessory that
can easily be installed onto your dock after it is assembled.
It allows the dock owner to adjust the length of the anchor chain
while standing comfortably on the dock. In addition, the chain
can easily be locked to the dock section using this method.
2. The anchor can be connected to a pad-eye on the crosspieces
within the dock section. This must be ordered before the dock
is assembled so that it can be integrated into the dock frame
before installation. This method is simpler and stronger than
the corner housing method, and it keeps the entire anchor system
hidden underneath the dock. But, it is more difficult to adjust.
The decking panel over the pad-eye must be removed to access the
anchor chain.
Other Options:
In conditions that are not suitable for the two standard methods
described above, it is possible to customize a dock for use with
large external spud poles, or a cable and winch system. Contact
Aluminum Dock Systems for more information.
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Q: How does the cost of Eco-Flote™ compare with
other docks on the market?
A: There are many other docks on the market
that are less expensive than Eco-Flote™, but there are also
many docks that are more expensive. Our product is priced to be
competitive with other products in its category. But, please keep
in mind that Eco-Flote™ is in a class of its own. It is
the best floating dock you can buy.
No other dock system can match the unique patented design and
precision engineering of Eco-Flote™. It is a premium product
made with high quality materials. It performs better than other
docks on the market, and it is extremely easy to maintain. When
you invest in an Eco-Flote™ dock you will save money in
the long run by avoiding the installation, removal and maintenance
costs associated with other types of docks.
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