Floating Dock Terms Quick Links

Polyethylene is the ‘plastic’ used to construct floating docks systems. Single-mould (single unit) docks generally use Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE).

Cube style floating docks most often use High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Dock Cleats, also known as boat tie-offs, are key points of security for docks.
Most plastic floating dock systems manufacture cleats of composite, nylon or aluminum.

‘Coupler’ is a general term used to describe the connection points that secure dock sections together.
In addition to connecting the docks, connectors flex to allow for independent flotation. Often made of rubber, polyethylene, aluminum and composite.

The ‘Draft’ - refers to the distance measured from the surface of the water to the top of the dock. The distance of a dock’s water stance is a key functional aspect for safe boat docking.

Cube style refers to the ‘Cube’ type of floating dock system design. These are small buoyant cubes (typically 2ft, 0.19 meters) square.

These dock cubes are most often made of HDPE.

Pontoon Floating docks are characterized by a deck platform, frame and affixed external flotation.

Pontoon docks are commonly referred to as ‘barrel float’ docks.

Single-Mould, or single unit (integrated flotation) are floating docks that combine the platform and flotation into a single, seamless dock section.

This design type of floating dock is the most advanced in terms of water stance.

Stiff-Arm refers to an anchoring option for floating dock systems. Typically made of galvanized steel or aluminum.

As the name states, these stiff arms extend from the shore out to the dock. They are often used in conjunction with other anchoring for superior strength.

Ultra-violet (UV) inhibitors are stabilizing additives used in the production of floating docks.

These inhibitors work to repel or absorb the sun’s rays that cause the breakdown of chemical bonds in the material.

The Pipe Bracket is a sheath that holds a piling (post) of a floating dock. It floats and rides up and down the post as water levels fluctuate.

Pipe (piling) anchoring is the most common floating dock anchoring system.

Dead weight anchor systems are used for floating docks in places with a water depth of more than 20 ft (6.1 meters).

Dead weight anchoring systems are typically used in combination with other brackets for added security.

Dry Docking refers to storing watercraft out of the water. Floating dock systems all have watercraft docking options that include lifts and drive-on port systems.

Polyethylene dock systems can accommodate from small self-propelled watercraft to full size boats.