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Ready to ShipWhen it comes to purchasing floating dock for a modular jet ski, there are several types that business owners must know about.
Stationary floating docks
This is a long and ideally permanent structure that is fixed to the bank or a piling using guide frames. Pontoons are generally heavy enough to stay buoyant under normal water conditions, but they may have short supports or legs underneath to keep them above the water surface in any case. The water surface can change relative to the dock, but the relative motion is usually minimal due to the short length of the supports. Stationary floating docks are mostly ideal for calm bodies of water and are often used in marina, boathouse, and fishing or swimming area where relatively permanent and stable platforms are preferred.
Roll-in floating docks
These are dock systems that can be rolled in and out from the land or shore. The main body of a roll-in dock is normally constructed from the floating section parts, which are then connected to a ramp or entry section constructed from the same modular floating dock components. All the parts in this floating dock system are usually designed to be installed easily without using special tools. In the case of seasonal use, roll-in floating docks are preferred because they allow for easy removal and storage or rollover from the shore.
Frameless floating docks
As the name suggests, there are no straightforward frame systems in frameless floating docks. They are mostly constructed from the preferred buoyant materials which then make a safe and water-ride platform, such as a fishing bridge or walkway. Because this floating dock system does not use a frame of defined shape as support for the working surface, the design possibilities are almost unlimited. Therefore, this floating dock not only serves as a practical structure but also can offer aesthetic views and useful features.
Wave-penetrating floating docks
This is a floating dock system designed with unique features that enable it to break and dampen external wave influences, hence creating a more stable platform over water. Floating wave channelling elements and wider and heavier construction allow such floating docks to be used in waters that occasionally experience rough waves from wind or boat traffic. The 'bite' of the incoming waves is reduced by the dock design, thus providing a gentler surface for accessing watercraft such as jet skis and reducing the chance of damage or instability.
The choice of materials that a floating modular dock is composed of will determine the general performance and the working life of the dock system. Below are the common compositions and the ways they affect the floating dock.
Plastic and polyethylene
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is among the most common materials used to manufacture floating docks due to its excellent strength and resistance to UV rays, water, and chemicals. Generally, this is a lightweight construction for easy handling and installation. This is a modular floating dock that is low-maintenance and proves to have a long operational life and durability, making it very attractive for outdoor applications.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight material that is strong, non-corrosive, and resistant to oxidation. It is used to form the frame or support structure of floating modular docks. While not as buoyant as wood or plastic, aluminum's strength allows thinner construction for lighter but very durable structures. The long life in the marine applications makes it very ideal. It does not need frequent maintenance. This is found in high-quality floating dock systems.
Wood
Concrete is well known for being extremely strong, heavy, and resistant to weathering, saltwater, and even wave action. These characteristics make it ideal for use in floating dock pontoons and as counterweights. Occasionally, you may find that some premium models use concrete to increase mass and buoyancy in a stable and durable way. Its longevity in marine environments eliminates the need for frequent maintenance, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Steel
With all of the above advantages combined, steel becomes extremely strong and forms a supporting frame system for floating modular docks. It is normally treated or coated with anti-corrosive material in order to protect against the attack of water and salt. Compared to other materials, as it is heavier, it can increase stability and potentially provide longer-lasting materials for the structure.
Expanded polystyrene (EPS)
Commonly referred to as expanded polystyrene, EPS is a light plastic substrate that is frequently encased in a thin shell. Due to its lightweight property and thermal insulating capabilities, it is commonly found inside floating dock sections to increase buoyancy. EPS are mostly preferred because they do not get saturated by water, which ensures the section remains buoyant for longer. They are also cost-effective solutions for applications that need a light and buoyant, yet durable and functional, buoyant material.
Both the installation and maintenance of floating modular docks, which provide a stable and accessible platform for water recreation, are key to their longevity and performance.
Installation
The installation process for floating docks, especially modular ones, is generally straightforward and less complex, since specially designed tools are not necessary for floating dock assembly. Firstly, all sections are connected with pins or locks, which form a framework that ensures buoyancy and stability. Depending on the design, ramps or walkways can be incorporated for easy access to the dock from the land.
After assembly, the floating dock is anchored to the body with the use of floating dock anchors, usually at each corner. Each anchor keeps the dock in a position at the easy access to the jet ski, but it still allows the structure to adjust to changes in water level and motion. The anchors need to be secured firmly in place to withstand wind, waves, and currents.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, floating docks require relatively low maintenance, particularly when built from HDPE or aluminium, as no further protective coating is necessary. However, periodic checks should be carried out for any signs of wear, particularly on moving parts like hinges or ramp joints. Small parts may require grease application from time to time so that they may have minimal resistance friction.
Regularly, the whole floating dock system requires cleaning to remove debris, algae, or salt build-up that may have adverse effects on both the dock and the jet ski. This is done by pressure washing the dock and leaving it in a good condition. Also, possible inspection of the flotation elements is needed in order to ensure they have not been subject to cracks or punctures, which might lead to possibly reduced buoyancy.
One of the recommended floating dock maintenance procedures is to inspect and possibly replace any missing floatation devices, which are mostly subjected to wear and tear over time. In addition, some designs may require the periodic tightening of the anchors to ensure that the dock remains secure in its position.
When purchasing floating docks, it is vital to consider the following factors, as they will influence the decision.
Weight capacity
The weight capacity of the dock must be compatible with the jet ski and other items that will be on the dock, such as people and equipment. Overloading a dock may cause it to sag, tilt, or cause instability, which can be dangerous. On the other hand, underutilisation can lead to wastage of valuable space. Always consider premium model specifications and how they accommodate expected maximum loads.
Buoyancy and flotation
Buoyancy and flotation are key concepts in that they make a structure rise and stay afloat in the body of water. The buoyancy of the jet ski floating dock allows it to support load by counteracting the weight of everything immersed in the water. Flotation refers to how a structure interacts with water. Objects denser than water will sink, but those with sufficient buoyancy will float and maintain stability on water. All these concepts enable objects to stay safely supported on water.
Material and durability
Usually, the material that makes up the floating modular dock preferentially influences its durability and maintenance levels. Commonly, aluminium and high-density polyethylene are ideally suited for use and recommended when over-exposed to the marine environment due to their ability to resist corrosion. As for wood, while appealing aesthetically, it necessitates regular maintenance to avoid rot and wear. The material used for the floating dock has to correspond to usage for maximum durability.
Ease of assembly and disassembly
For floating modular docks, ease of assembly and disassembly are among the greatest advantages. However, a dock with a more complex design requires the employment of special tools and skills for the assembly and disassembly that are very inconvenient, especially when the dock is only seasonally used. Selecting modular design components that are relatively lightweight allow for the easy installation and removal of the floating dock.
Wave action and stability
Because of varying levels of wave action, some floating docks are much more unstable than others. Ideally, the wave-penetrating design helps ease this floating dock influence, which provides a greater stability factor over the surface of the water. For the jetski operating environment wherein it experiences sometimes rougher conditions, it is vital to choose a floating dock that is both stable and less affected by wave action to provide safety and good performance.
Here are some frequently asked questions about floating dock for modular jet ski:
A1: A floating dock provides a stable and accessible platform for launching, landing, and storing jet skis and other small watercraft. It allows easy access to and from the crafts, especially in fluctuating water levels.
A2: The floating dock is buoyed by pontoons or other buoyant materials that are kept stable on the water's surface. It allows the structure to rise and fall with changing water levels while maintaining stability for users and their equipment.
A3: Floating docks have easy installation processes. Their prefabrication allows for quick assembly without the use of special tools. This makes them accessible for seasonal use or temporary installations.
A4: Maintenance requirements for floating docks include washing the structure regularly to remove any debris, algae, or salt build-up, inspecting the flotation components, and replacing the worn-out parts to ensure the dock remains in good condition.
A5: Generally, floating docks constructed using HDPE, wood or aluminium, have the tendency to resist corrosion, UV damage, and wear that is typically associated with marine environments. This makes them long-lasting and very durable structures for outdoor applications.
