Apr 8, 2025
Floating Pier
If you’re looking for a dock that can handle changing water levels, a floating pier is your best option. These customizable docks are perfect for homeowners, marina operators, and even government projects. They are durable, adaptable, and can be customized for different needs. In this blog, we’ll explain floating piers and how they can benefit you.
What is a Floating Pier?
What is a floating pier? A floating pier is a dock that is supported by buoyant materials such as high-density plastic or foam-filled floats. This design allows the pier to rise and fall with water levels, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to seasonal variations or flooding.
Unlike traditional fixed docks, which are anchored to the ground with posts or pilings, floating piers are not stationary. Their flexibility and adaptability make them an ideal solution for situations where water levels fluctuate, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Floating Piers
- How do floating piers stay in place?
Floating piers can be anchored with systems like chains, ropes, or pilings. These anchors keep the pier stable while allowing it to move with the water.
- Are floating piers safe?
Yes, floating piers are designed with non-slip surfaces. Safety features like handrails and lighting can also be added. Their ability to move with water levels also minimizes the risk of structural damage.
- Can floating piers handle rough water?
Most floating piers are engineered to withstand small waves and currents. They will not work well in rough water conditions.
- What is the lifespan of a floating pier?
With proper maintenance, floating piers can last for decades, especially when constructed with high-quality materials.
- Can floating piers be allowed to freeze in the winter? Yes, but Winter / Spring service is required.
- Can the freeboard of a floating dock be adjusted? Yes, by adjusting the float size. (“Freeboard” is the distance from the top of a floating dock to the top of the water.)
By understanding what floating piers are and their many applications, you can determine if this adaptable and efficient dock solution is the right fit for your waterfront needs.
Floating Piers Handle Changing Water Levels
Floating piers are designed to adjust with the water. Whether the water rises due to rain, falls during a drought, or fluctuates due to Great Lake level changes, the pier stays level and accessible. This adaptability ensures uninterrupted use and convenience, making it especially important for:
- Marinas and boat launches, where consistent dock access is essential for boat owners and customers.
- Residential docks, ensuring ease of use regardless of seasonal changes.
- Public and commercial waterfront areas, where fluctuating water levels can otherwise disrupt operations.
Floating Pier Benefits
A floating pier is the perfect solution for changing water levels. It’s flexible, durable, and can be customized for almost any use. Whether you’re improving your waterfront property, running a marina, or working on a public project, floating piers are a smart, long-term investment.
Mar 16, 2021
Is a Floating Dock in your future?
Not all floating dock systems are created equal. Some are better than others.
For many waterfronts, a floating dock system is a perfect fit. ShoreMaster PolyDock systems float on the water and remain stable in waves up to two feet.
PolyDock floating dock
How Does it Work?
A floating dock is usually a platform supported on air-tight, buoyant floats. In the case of a PolyDock, the platform is part of the float system. The platform serves two purposes in this case. It is available in 4′ and 6′ widths for more stability.
A gangway connects the floating dock system to the shoreline. The docks are easy for seasonal boat owners to install and remove.
Floating docks are anchored into the water at the shore end and, depending on the dock’s length, at the water end.
Benefits of a Floating Dock
Floating docks are popular for inland lake shorelines. It’s easy to see why. It’s simple to install, add to, and remove modules, allowing the dock’s design to change.
Does a floating dock have to be removed in the winter?
Standard practice dictates you remove the dock in the winter. On small bodies of water, they can be allowed to freeze in place. Freezing in place can occur when there little chance of ice movement in the winter and early spring. If there is any movement, you must remove it each year.
An alternate method allows the dock to move with the ice in a contained area. Marinas use this technique all the time.
DEEP or fluctuating water levels?
The PolyDock system works great on shorelines with deep or fluctuating water levels. There is never a concern about the depth of the water. The flotation allows your dock to adjust along with the water. An anchor holds the floating dock in place.
Are you concerned about the environment?
Are you concerned about the natural environment and the look of your dock? The PolyDock systems’ low profile is the answer.
PolyDock systems set the standard for stability, reliability, and ease of ownership.
ShoreMaster floating dock systems meet or exceed the Hunt Absorption Test. Even in the unlikely event of a puncture to the outer shell, your dock will remain buoyant.
The PolyDock system has rotationally molded outer shells. UV inhibitors infused in the body ensure durability for many seasons to come.
The unique construction gives you unlimited customization options. Install accessories anywhere around your dock perimeter.
PolyDock Floating Dock Systems by ShoreMaster
ShoreMaster is an industry leader and expert in dock life and products. This expertise helps you find the perfect plan for your shoreline.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions will help you decide whether a floating dock is right for you.
Contact PWS today. We will help you start planning your dock set-up.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is located 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. Go 1 mile PAST the intersection with County road MM (heading north). Look on the right at the next intersection – Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
Please use face masks
The Covid virus continues to spread and affects many people. Don’t be one of them.
PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines whenever possible.
Our display yard is OPEN 24-7
Red Tag
PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.
PWS will provide estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email us today with any questions.
