TLDR
YES! Modern Floating Dock systems leverage Adaptive Anchoring, Flotation Dynamics and Impact Control, to achieve a stable water stance.
Float Dynamics and Performance will differ between brands dependent on the target application. But, all floating docks use the necessary components for on-water stability.
Let’s take a look at how they do it!
Unlike stationary docks, floating dock anchoring must move to maintain stability. While that may sound like an opposing idea (we get it), it’s for a good reason.
Floating dock anchoring must withstand the constant swirl of water movement, and to do this, it has to move with the water to protect it’s positioning and level.
Anchoring
SYSTEMS
provide the
FOOTING
Floating dock anchoring systems have to be varied and flexible to the location, because the nature of floating docks is to go where fixed docks cannot.
When a standard Piling (post) setup is not suitable, deep water anchoring like dead weights and bottomless anchoring is used. Floating dock anchoring is designed to be combined when the dock placement involves challenges like uneven bottom, steep drop-offs or severe current.
Floating Dock anchor systems have two primary functions: maintain position and respond to water level change.
Each anchoring type performs these tasks differently, but the job remains the same.
Piling anchoring (aka Posts) is the most common floating dock anchor type. When the placement allows for it, this type of anchoring should be used first. Post anchoring consists of a post, a bracket (sheath) and an auger (to drive into the bottom).
This anchor type is known as ‘Active Response’. As water level fluctuates the entire dock will lift or fall as the water dictates. But, this does not upset the equilibrium. Anchor posts allow the dock to keep its footprint even when the water around it is moving the structure up and down.
Waterfront owners love the fact that this setup requires no adjustments, the dock does the work when the surrounding environment changes. The stability of post setups is about placement, platform size and prevailing currents.
Stiff-Arm anchoring arms are used when the depth exceeds the Piling (post) option. The Stiff-arm brackets are also ‘Active Response’, meaning you do not have to adjust them as the water level fluctuates.
This type of anchoring works like a hinge to allow the platform to move up and down, but not side to side. When the size of the dock system is too big to be supported by shoreline anchoring alone, the Stiff-Arm brackets are strengthened with other anchor types.
Dead-weight anchoring is the deep water setup for floating dock systems. While not an example of ‘Active Response’ - dead weight anchoring offers security.
Dead weight anchoring is usually supplemented with another anchor type, like bottomless stand-off or stiff-arm brackets. This type of anchoring combination provides a topside shoreline brace and deep water tethering that creates several points of opposing tension.
While dead weight anchors require manual adjustment at times, their strength and ability to work the complementary anchor types produces a solid water stance in deep depths.
Floating Dock Anchoring system contributes to stability by establishing the footprint for the dock. It’s the foundation for how the dock stands and reacts in inclement conditions. It provides the framework for how the dock will move, when required.
The next stability point is the dock platform and its water stance. While the anchoring setup determines the footprint, the dock platform maintains topside steadiness so movement is not felt during level changes.
Water Stance refers to how the dock platform floats in the water. This is different for each floating dock design type.
There are 3 floating dock design types that encompass most models: Integrated Flotation, External Flotation and Standardized docks. Floating dock ‘Water Stance’ is about how its design leverages scientific principles to float with control.
Float
DYNAMICS
Determine
STABILITY
Anything that sits in water has a water stance, whether it’s a dock, watercraft or seaplane. Anything situated in water “stands” based on its design and construction material.
This is called: Float Dynamics. In simple terms - it determines how objects in water will behave. Specifically, their balance and movement in response to buoyancy and upward gravitational forces.
Floating dock systems are designed to leverage float dynamics to create a stable platform position.
Floating dock section Design determines - Float Dynamics, Water Stance and Float Profile
Float Dynamics
This refers to the dock’s underside design and how its meant to float. Buoyancy Displacement and Hydro-static pressure are the scientific principles that help floating docks maintain a stable connection to the water.Water Stance
This refers to how a floating dock’s complete footprint is established and controlled. The combination of anchoring, float dynamics and wake management is what determines the overall stability of a floating dock system.Float Profile
The design engineering of dock sections also determines how it stands in the water, specifically - how much of the dock is above and below the surface. This is important for boat disembarking, wake level and impact.
The third aspect governing floating dock stability is the ability to absorb and redistribute the shock of water impact.
Dock systems of any kind reside in environments with constant water movement, which produces significant torque and twisting pressure.
While fixed dock systems are built rigidly to endure this impact, floating dock design approaches it with
WAKE
MUFFLING
Stabilizes
STANCE
How floating docks handle wake and chop is essential to maintaining stability. The mould of a floating dock is designed for more than looks. Engineers use the connection points and underside design to allow for the passage of water.
Wake muffling function absorbs and redistributes torque pressure away from the dock sections to minimize impact. It does this with the use of water channels, shock absorbing connectors and the flexible movement of the entire structure.
Floating Dock Impact Defence - Wake Muffling Technology
Impact (wake defence) is the third component to floating dock stability, alongside: footprint (floating dock anchoring) and stable platform (floating dock water stance).
Not all floating dock designs include wake defence technology, but for those systems that do - it provides a significant advantage. Floating docks engineered with wake muffling design have an increased life span and a sturdier stance (even in inclement weather).
Wake Impact defence is made possible by water channel deflection, shock absorbing connectors and independent dock section movement to protect a floating dock.
These design features are crucial to maintain top side stability.
The Last Word.. Are Floating Docks Stable?
The stability of a floating dock system depends on the flotation type, surrounding environment, anchoring structure, and the size and design of the platform (dock footprint). As stated in this article - stability is not one component, brand or design - but rather, its performance is the result of how the entire system works together.
Are floating dock systems stable? Yes. But it’s important that a floating dock system be chosen to address the intended use and environment in which it will reside and perform.