Posted on December 15, 2022
Back to the Basics
Back to the Basics
Written by PolyDock Products Marketing
Whether you’re new to boating or a seasoned sailor, there are a lot of options on the boat dock market. Luckily, there are also reputable dealers out there that can help you find the perfect system for you. Before you start shopping, though, there are some basic considerations you need to keep in mind.
- Think about your needs. This isn’t just the size of the boat dock system you’re looking into, but everything you need and want it to do. Consider:
- Whether you want to hold more than just your boat
- The size of shoreline you have to work with
- Whether you have fresh or saltwater
- How the tides behave
- What your bed and shore are like
- What the climate, weather, and seasonal conditions are like
- Whether you need a floating, dry, or combination system
- Consider the legalities. You don’t want to take down your project because of a missed footnote in some paperwork, or not looking at any paperwork at all before you get started! Think about these potential trouble spots:
- Some municipalities require authorizations and permits before installation
- Some bodies, like homeowner’s associations, require docks to be unobtrusive or visually attractive to be installed (and likely have their own separate approval process)
- The dimensions and distance you have to stick to in order to stay compliant
- Any mooring restrictions
- Any environmental restrictions
- Shop around! It’s always better to make an informed purchase from an authorized dealer!
- Figure out which suppliers and products you might use
- Talk to some dealers—most of them have online contact forms, a way to call, and physical locations to visit
- Authorized dealers in your area will know your water and the products best suited for it—take advantage of the expertise!
