Be sure to visit America’s Great Loop Cruiser’s Association!

Though the days of the legendary sailing adventures of Magellan, Columbus and Ponce de Leon may be long past, the mighty lure of the water for many modern day mariners remains strong.  For those who seek their own mythic-like nautical adventures, America’s Great Loop provides a boat enthusiast’s dream come true.

The Great Loop is a continuous waterway encircling the eastern portion of North America. The Loop includes the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, the Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America’s heartland.  Most boating experts believe the Great Loop (also sometimes referred to as the Great Circle Route) to be the safest long distance water route. Those who travel all or even a portion of the incredible Great Loop proclaim it to be the adventure of a lifetime. 

The Great Loop trip is anywhere from 5000 to 7500 miles, depending on whether or not you take advantage of any of the many side trips that comprise the additional distance.  With points as far north as the North Channel in Ontario and as far south as the ICW in Florida, long voyages can span multiple seasons and weather challenges, which knowledgeable Loop travelers typically take into consideration when planning and scheduling their Loop adventure.

The Great Loop is accessible to almost all recreational boats, everything from jet-skis to yachts 45′ and larger.  Some adventurers chose to travel the Loop in segments, while many retiree boaters plan their Loop voyage as their major lifetime water adventure.  In either case, traveling the Great Loop is something to be proud of, and a good story to share when meeting fellow boaters.

For those who may be considering a Great Loop voyage, be sure to research the organization America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association™ (AGLCA).  The AGLCA exists for those boaters who have an interest in traveling the Great Loop and want to know more about it. The association’s primary purpose is to educate those who wish to navigate the Great Loop as well as to enhance the overall experience for those who have already started exploring and cruising America’s Great Loop. 

AGLCA members (known as Loopers) range from novice to experienced Loop travelers. This is a very supportive and active community of boaters; the organization even hosts two annual gatherings for Loopers of all types, typically in Charleston, SC and then another in Joe Wheeler State Park in AL. 

Traditionally those who strive to travel the entirety of the Great Loop do so in one of two ways.  The first is to travel the Loop in segments, stopping and storing the boat until the next time your schedule allows you to return to the water.  The other is to take as much time as possible to make the entire Great Loop trip.  Either way, it’s good to participate in the AGLCA community so that you can stay informed regarding updates and tips on the route, places for docking and repair, and other Loop information.  

Though there may no longer be much by way of unchartered waters for modern day sailors, America’s Great Loop provides its travelers the same spirit of adventure. 

Source: America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association

“Get in the Loop” by visiting
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association™
at http://www.greatloop.org/

or call 877-GR8-LOOP (877-478-5667), ext. 7104.

* AGLCA Members receive MarineFuel.com Membership discounts and special promotions – Join today to begin your adventure!

BoatFlorida.com – Florida’s Interactive Waterway

In this age of information, it’s fairly easy to find what you’re looking for on the internet. But finding it all in one place? Now, that’s a different story.  When you’re looking for information about boating in Florida, look no further than BoatFlorida.com.

The brain child of entrepreneur and Merritt Island, FL, native, John Kavaliauskas, BoatFlorida.com is a culmination of resources providing everything from news and events to classified ads and networking opportunities for Florida boating enthusiasts.

Looking to plan an outing for this upcoming weekend?  Check out the Events section to see what might interest you and your family or if you’re looking for general suggestions, visit Boating Destinations. 

 It all started with BoatBrevard.com back in early 2009 which turned into the expansive network known as BoatFlorida.com by that same winter.  Cited as the ‘ultimate social networking connection’ website for boaters in Florida, BoatFlorida.com is comprised of over twenty local community websites that include:

Each of the hub websites in the free online BoatFlorida.com network offers a number of advantages to users including the ability to:

• Have a personal webpage
• Search for fellow members by their name, their boat name, by city, or by marina
• Take advantage of networking opportunities
• Explore Florida Waterways by accessing the interactive National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) navigational charts and NOAA Bouy Markers
• Ask a question or make a comment in the discussion forums
• Upload photos and videos of your family outing or best catch ever
• Create and Upload your own blog posts
• Distribute your own local boating club events
• Access state-wide classified ads
• Access state-wide news and events
• Access the regular newsletter and receive email alerts
• Access a mobile version of the BoatFlorida.com website
• Access the Boating Business Directory

The latest addition to the BoatFlorida.com family will be the launch of the BoatFlorida.com Store in the near future which may prove to be one of the most desirable features for boaters as it will offer members close to wholesale prices on parts, accessories, and supplies.  

In addition to the services already provided and in true entrepreneurial style, Kavaliauskas also offers members an array of  Internet Marketing Services for the Marine Industry and  advertising solutions.   BoatFlorida.com is also very active on Facebook and keeps its members updated through Twitter. 

Whether you’re new to boating or have been enjoying the sport for a lifetime, you’re sure to find something of interest on BoatFlorida.com.

Sources:

BoatFlorida.com   |     BoatBrevard.com

When you make the choice to use green bio-products for your marine needs, you’re making the choice to help the environment along with helping to sustain overall life of your boat. 

With so many bio-products available, going green can be as simple as making the switch to bio-diesel fuel (which is fish & user friendly) over petroleum based diesel. 

Green bio-products available for marine use include the following general categories:

Interior Cleaners

• Available for vinyl, canvas, leather, scuffs, and carpet
• try the multi-purpose Bio-Kleen Amazing Cleaner ($8.95; 16 oz.) for marine, home, auto, and RV use

 Bilge Cleaners

• cleaning the bilge is part of basic boat maintenance to keep crud and oil build up from forming
• Bio-Bilge Wash from WISE ($19; 32 oz.) acts as an emulsifier; it’s highly concentrated and should be diluted minimum 15:1
• Centek Industries offers a environmentally friendly BilgeKleen Filter System ($96.99) which attaches directly to the bilge pump to remove contaminants before they reach the ocean

 Exterior Cleaners

• Designed to remove scaling, algae, waterlines, and chalking, hull & fiberglass cleaners are another essential part of regular boat maintenance – try Bio-Kleen Hull & Fiberglass Cleaner ($9.95; 16oz)
• To remove grease, tree sap, bugs, and oils, try non-toxic Bio-Boat Wash ($14; 32 oz) in a highly-concentrated formula dilutable as low as 128:1
• Barnacle Buster by TRAC Ecological Marine Products ($24.95 gallon) is specially designed to remove zebra mussels, barnacles, and mineral deposits 
• Ocean salt can be hard on a boat but can be removed with eco-friendly Salt Halt ($21; 32 oz.) and Bio-Boat Wash with Salt Halt ($14; 32 oz.)

Anti Fouling

• SeaJet offers an ecological anti fouling paint, 039 Platinum ($125; 68 oz), that is tin-free and offers protection for most boat types (except aluminum)
• Speed Finish is another SeaJet product that provides fouling protection for up to three years

 Bottom Paint Removing

• Try a non-toxic Soda Blasting (sodium bicarbonate) washing/stripping service which uses no chemical solvents; natural baking soda is both non-flammable and water soluble

 Hydraulic Fluid

• WISE offers 1000 Bio Hydraulic Fluid made from a vegetable oil base; available in ISO 32, 46, 68 ($8.50; 32 oz)

 Water & Sewage

• TRAC PSR is specially formulated, non-toxic, and bio-degradable, to keep your fresh water system free of discoloration & odors ($77.95; one gallon)
• Sew Clean is another TRAC product designed to clean boat sewage systems; it helps to remove clogs and prevent nasty odors ($80; one gallon) 

General Maintenance

• Use lint-free reusable microfiber cleaning cloths and towels
• Use a solvent-free, non-toxic, hand cleanser such as all-natural TRAC Hand Cleaner 

If you’d like to take the green idea further, you may want to consider alternative energy sources including wind generators and solar panels for your boat. 

Going green is easy by simply taking the time to choose bio-degradable, non-toxic products over chemically based ones.  Have a small recycling bin onboard for beverage cans and be sure to recycle any plastic product containers. 

Sources:
WISE Solutions 
Bio-Kleen Products 
TRAC Ecological Marine Products 
Centek Industries 
SeaJet Paint
Total Marine Supplies 
All At Sea Caribbean

When you’re on the water enjoying the day, coming to the disappointing realization that you’ved planned insufficiently for snacks and meals onboard your day trip can be a real mood cruncher.  You don’t have to create masterpiece works of art from fruit and vegetables, but you can certinaly have fun with your food choices & presentation, while maintaining a simple appraoch to meals and snacks onboard your day trip.

Prepare ahead of time onboard snack ideas:
Cold meat and cheeses, to be served with a variety of crackers and whole grain breads

• An array of colorful vegetables and dip
• Fresh fruits with yogurt for dipping or dried fruit
• Spinach dip in a hollowed out bread bowl
• Microwavable popcorn
• Pasta salad or potato salad
• Tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese and salsa or tacos in a bag
• Pretzels, Doritos, Pringles, or other potato chips
• Beef jerky
• A selection of granola bars or power bars
• Banana bread
• Shrimp cocktail
• Bagels and smoked salmon
• sushi
• Trail mix, nuts, or party mix
• Muffaletta sandwich or take-out submarine sandwiches
• Wraps such as chicken breast, ham, or marinated grilled beef or pork
• Hummus and pita bread
• On a cold day, hot chocolate and a treat of cookies, muffins, or pastries 

Snacks to prepare while onboard:

• Buy cherry tomatoes or peppadew peppers and stuff with cream cheese just before serving
• Put together an antipasto platter with olives, tuna, pickled onions, artichokes, cauliflower, salami, prosciutto, along with a cracker and bread assortment
• Quick guacamole dip made from avocado, lemon juice, sour cream, to be served with tortilla chips (chopped tomato is optional)
• Sun-dried snacks of tomatoes, cream cheese, and crackers 

Prepare ahead of time meal suggestions for day trips:

• Pasta salad with the addition of pre-cooked chicken breast slices, to be served with buns
• Pork tacos and black bean salsa
• Chicken and asparagus casserole
• Kalamata pork with pita bread and tomato/mozzarella salad
• Sliced pork tenderloin served with grilled chilled asparagus
• Meatloaf, to be served with a salad
• Chilled grilled salmon with salads
• Take-out fried chicken or pizza and assorted salads
• On a cold day, try a chunky gazpacho or hearty chili and an assortment of buns 

Meals to prepare while onboard:

• Hamburgers served with dill pickles and potato chips
• Barbecued catch of the day
• Chicken and vegetable soup
• Anything seafood such as chili lime prawns or scallop linguine
• Lamb cutlets with a strawberry, bean, and feta cheese salad
• Easy omelets 

And, if all else fails, simply find a marina in your area with a restaurant, and leave the preparation and dishes to someone else!  Find Marians with Restaurants or Grocery in your area by searching the E-Marina™ database.

Besides the food itself, ensuring food safety for passengers onboard any recreational boat should be a top priority.  Evolving around food storage, preparation, and cooking, it’s important to check the temperature of your refrigerator, to clean and properly sanitize surfaces, and to be acutely aware of any food allergies guests onboard may have.

Have a reciepe you’d like to share?  Post it here
Earn MarineFuel.com Points toward prizes when you post to the Forum!

Enjoy these links to some of the best onboard snacks and meals for day trips when you’re boating or even when you’re at home.

Sources:
TugBoats Online.com 
Forums Chef2Chef.net
ChowHound.com
SavannahMagazine
Women and Cruising.com – sun-dried snacks
AllRecipes.com – kalamata pork; pork tacos
About.com Camping – Tacos in a Bag
Yacht and Boat.au – chili lime prawns; scallp linguine
Yacht and Boat.au – Lamb cutlets; easy omelets; chicken and vegetable soup

Please submit information about additional Green Boating Festivals by completing the form below.

Cascadia Green Boating Festival, Tacoma, WA
Although the 2nd annual Cascadia Green Boating Festival has already taken place for 2010 (May 22), be sure to make a note on your calendar for next year.  Presented by Citizens for a Healthy Bay along with the Tacoma Liveaboard Association, this year’s events included free education seminars on topics like storm water and clean water education in marinas.  There were green product demonstrations as well as tours of dockside boats fitted with energy saving devices; exhibitors and vendors offered information and suggestions for eco-friendly green boating products.

Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival, Vancouver, BC
Hailed as one of the premier green boating events in the Pacific Northwest, the 23rd annual Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival takes place on Granville Island, August 26 to 29, 2010. Enjoy the displays of wooden boats including an 18th century Spanish replica; take part in the hands-on boat building demonstrations which include instruction in marlinspike as well as knot tying.  Family events include a 12-foot dinghy building contest with a launch of the boats on Sunday.  Be sure to take the time to browse around Granville Island and watch the Spruce Cup race from English Bay.

Tampa Boat Show, Tampa, FL
September 10 -12, 2010, marks the 45th annual Tampa Boat Show to be held at the Tampa Convention Center.  This year’s boat show features the Green Boating Zone where visitors can learn about eco-friendly marine products as well as environmentally safe boating practices.  Boats on display will include the low maintenance Endeavor Green Electric Hybrid line of yachts that offer comfort, quiet, and eco-friendliness.  Other green products to be displayed at the Tampa Boat Show include JSI Solar Panels & Wind Generators, Eva-Dry Humidifiers, and SeaLand Environmental Inc., producers of hydrogen generators. 

The Broads Green Boat Show, Norfolk, England
Cited as the ‘original boat show dedicated to sustainable boating and green energy,’ The Broads Green Boat Show, September 26, 2010, encourages boaters to consider installing propulsion systems that have a low carbon output such as bio-fuel or electric.  Planned demonstrations include the use of solar panels, fuel cells, wind turbines, and more!

Georgia Straight Alliance’s Green Boating Events Schedule here.

Sources:
Cascadia Green Boating Festival |  Montreal Classic Boat Festival  |  Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival   |Tampa Boat Show   |   The Broads Green Boat Show

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Yacht Solar Panels

Yacht solar panels are increasing in popularity.  With the inital, relatively inexpensive, investment and proper use, your yacht solar panels will provide power to onboard electronics and small appliances for many years to come; up to 10 years, in most cases.

In simple terms, yacht solar panels work by attaching solar cells (pulled from silicon boule which has had phosphorus and boron introduced to alter and increase silicon’s electrical conductity), to the inner surface of aluminum framed sheets of low-relective, highly durable, tempered glass.  Each yacht solar panels solar cells is wired together  in series strings, which are then wired in series parallel configuration and finally, encased by another piece of tempered glass.  When light hits a solar cell in your yacht’s solar panel, a portion of it is absorbed by the altered silicon, and electrons are knocked free, allowing them to be extracted and channelled. 

Keep in mind that yacht solar panels are very sensitive to shade.  If the solar panel is not designed to protect the stored energy while in shade, the solar cells begin to pull energy, rather than produce it.  For best results with your panels, be sure to purchase a product that has been designed to protect against partial shading.  Panesl with this design will have a diode between every solar cell  (a diode is a a two-terminal electronic component that conducts electric current in only one direction).  Semi-flexible solar panels come in three basic forms:

1.  Monocrystalline:  Best output and efficiency.  This type of solar cell is one that is grown in only one (plane) direction.  This single directional growth generates a slightly smaller cell which is slightly more efficient in energy conversion, but more expensive to manufacture and produce than other types of solar cells.  The benefit of choosing yacht solar panels made with this type of cell is that the panels generally require less space in relation to others types of panels when comparing output; they are, however, not typically shadow protected.

2. Polycrystalline (Multicrystalline):  Good output and efficiency.  These solar cells are grown from a multifaceted crystalline material (multiple directions / planes) and are thusly larger than Monocrystalline cells, with slightly less efficiency.  The yacht solar panels constructed with this type of cell are typcially larger, but slightly less expensive. 

REMEMBER:  Regardless of the type of cell used in your yacht solar panels, the real question to ask yourself is:  Do I want to spend a little extra to save on space and increase efficiency?  Also, you may want to do some research on the developments in silicon nitride multicrystalline technology .  These cells are rated as high, and sometimes higher in efficiency, than monocrystalline cells.

3. Amorphous silicon panels could emerge as an exceptional technology in the future as they are much less expensive to manufacture.  However, at this point, the thin film design is flawed in that it is the lowest rated in efficiency and bulkiest end product, plus there are still many uncertainties in terms of length of life for these yacht solar panels.

For more information on Green Boating, please visit The Green Captain™

Have you read about Turanor, yet?

Sources:
Best Buy Solar
Wikipedia.com

Florida DEP Recycling Initiative

The Florida DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) and state legislature recently introduced a new recycling initiative aimed at boosting Florida’s recycling level to seventy-five percent by 2020. The state has created this goal to save energy, protect the environment, and prevent the waste of useful materials. Here is some information about the Florida DEP initiative and recycling in general:

The state of Florida currently has an average recycling rate of about twenty-eight percent. Some parts of Florida have achieved higher rates; Sarasota County recycles forty-one percent of its solid waste. Nonetheless, most Floridians will have to more than double their present level to achieve the new goal. Considering that Florida successfully raised this rate to seven times its level twenty years ago, this is certainly possible to achieve.

This can be accomplished in many ways; people can recycle everything from magazines and aluminum cans to building remnants and fishing line. It’s important for people to realize how many things may be recycled. For example, it’s possible to refill printer ink cartridges or reuse concrete as a parking surface. However, local governments and businesses must offer adequate opportunities for area residents to easily recycle a wide range of items.

Florida DEP Recycling Initiative

As the Florida DEP points out, it’s also important for more businesses to use recycled material; there’s no benefit in recycling if the materials sit unsold in a warehouse. This applies to many types of businesses; a factory might use recycled plastic containers, a restaurant may put recycled paper towel in its kitchen, or a marina could purchase recycled outdoor furniture. Retailers can promote recycling by stocking more recycled products.

The new Florida DEP recycling initiative has encouraged state government agencies to buy supplies made with recycled materials and enhance opportunities for state office employees to recycle. It also calls upon schools to recycle more and better educate students on the subject. Some schools collect drink containers, used paper, and even leftover food (for compost). School cafeterias could also reduce waste by using metal eating utensils rather than plastic.

A paper released by the Florida DEP earlier this month suggests various strategies to expand recycling in the state. Residents could be charged a fee based upon how much garbage they discard, rewarded for recycling more, or allowed to put all recyclables in the same container. The state could also establish a bottle redemption law, which would require a deposit of five or ten cents per beverage bottle or can (the deposit is refunded when someone returns the container).

The Florida DEP recycling initiative’s success will likely depend upon the commitment of the public, business owners, and other government agencies to improve and expand efforts to recycle. Much of the rest of the United States can do more to expand recycling as well; the national recycling rate is about thirty-two percent. If Florida’s initiative can achieve success, it will help inspire other states to recycle more as well.

SOURCES:
1. Florida DEP
2. Fusion Recycled Products
3. Environmental Protection Agency

Yacht Designer Guy Thompson

Yacht designer Guy Thompson was a British designer who created a series of triumphant racing yachts during the 1940’s and ‘50s.

As a prominent member of the Royal Burnham Yacht Club in Essex, UK, yacht designer Guy Thompson was a great believer in first producing a model yacht for testing prior to the actual building of a yacht, which may not perform to his standards.  In doing so, Thompson saved money and was able to produce a series of very successful yachts.

Yacht designer Guy Thompson also believed that in Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) racing, there were two prominent features required to make a yacht both fast and safe when sailing – she must be easy to steer when going down wind and the less she pitches, the better she goes.

Thompson also realized that front runners on yachts were too fine near the ends and that the position of the rudder was becoming too far towards the bow.  With this is mind, Guy Thompson created a model of a yacht with a fin and a skeg extension on the keel which produced a straighter and faster sailing ship.

In 1956, Thompson built the victorious Calliope VII followed by the Calliope IX in 1958.  Out of this grew a very strong link between Thompson and his racer, Dick Pitcher.  Pitcher went on to race dinghies and became the World Champion in 1965 when he sailed the Flying Dutchman; in 1966, Pitcher became the North American Champion.

Pitcher then collaborated with yacht designer Guy Thompson to build a cruiser yacht with 5 berths, speed, and safety, and so the 24’ Goosander was created.  It was very successful in the 1967 East Anglian Offshore Racing Association (EAORA) events.  This yacht design proved so successful that in 1968 it entered into production as the newly named T24.

Built by J.C. Perfect/Thames Marine of the UK, the Thompson 24 had a fin keel hull of glass reinforced plastics (GRP) up to the deck, a deck built of marine ply, and a cabin top made of GRP.  The T24 was configured with 5 sleeping berths while the galley provided ample storage and workspace.  The cost of the T24 in 1969 was £3,500 GBP or the equivalent of approximately $5,768 USD.

Presented by the Crouch Yacht Club, the Houghton Cup (Britain’s oldest offshore race) was won three times by Guy Thompson designed yachts.  The first was crewed by Thompson himself onboard the Maresta in 1947; Pitcher won in 1969 onboard the Willi Waw; and the last by B. T. Moore in 1972 while sailing the Bottom.

The Willi Waw also entered into production in 1968 as the T31, the next endeavour of yacht designer Guy Thompson.  Of similar looks as the T24, the larger T31 featured a skeg with a trim tab and moderate bustle, along with GRP construction.  The cost of the T31 in 1969 was £5,000 GBP exclusive of the sails; comparatively, the same yacht today would sell for approximately £18,000 GBP or the equivalent of $29,700 USD.

Thompson went on to construct the T27 in 1971 featuring a deep V-hull, skeg hung rudder, and a heavy keel which provided her fast speed and always predictable handling.  This was once again proof that the philosophy of yacht designer Guy Thompson to always building a model first, was a true model for success.

Sources:
Royal Burnham Yacht Club
Visual Arts Data Service (VADS)
Crouch Yacht Club

Dyna Rig Yacht

The concept of the Dyna Rig yacht was developed in the 1960s by Wilhelm Prolss, a German naval architect, to provide increased propulsion for commercial ships in response to a projected energy crisis.  When the crisis did not materialize until the 1970s, the Dyna Rig yacht concept was once again brought back to life with further testing, however, no Dyna Rig yachts were ever built and eventually the idea was archived.

In essence, the Dyna Rig yacht would be fitted with a square rig system.  The mast would be completely free standing while the yards were to be tightly connected to the mast.  The most prominent difference from a standard square rig was that a Dyna Rig yacht had a designed curvature of the yards which was calculated at twelve percent of its cordage.

The sails on a Dyna Rig yacht were configured between the yards so when they were deployed they would stack upon one another with virtually no gaps in between which would enable the sails to act as if they were one.  When the sails were not in use they furl back into the mast.  Since there would be no rigging, the yards would be able to rotate without any restriction and in conjunction with the curvature and the uniformity of the sails, the Dyna Rig yacht was an unproven combination in aerodynamics.

Until 2001, that is.  American billionaire Tom Perkins commissioned “the world’s most spectacular sailing yacht” to be built.  Following the Dyna Rig yacht designs of Prolss, naval architect Gerard Dijkstra & Partners (Holland) and builders Perini Navi (Italy/Turkey), produced the statuesque Maltese Falcon in 2006. The luxury 290’ sailing yacht, which cost between a reported $150-300 million USD to build, features three twenty-storey tall carbon-fibre masts covered by 28,500 square feet of canvas.

The exterior/interior design of the Maltese Falcon was developed by Ken Freivokh Design (UK) and features accommodations for twelve that include one master cabin and five guest cabins, plus eight cabins for crew.  The modern spacious interior offers up a fully equipped gymnasium, plasma screen televisions and a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system throughout.  Extra amenities onboard the Maltese Falcon include four Laser sail boats, two 32’ Pascoe rigid inflatable tenders, a Castold 14’ jet tender, water skis, snorkel gear, and six sets of scuba diving gear.

Powered by two 1,800 HP Deutz diesel engines, the Maltese Falcon can attain a top speed of 24.9 knots, allowing the passengers and crew to enjoy smooth sailing all the way.  The ingenious Dyna Rig yacht design has enabled the Maltese Falcon to spend an estimated 55-60% of her time under sail cruising at a comfortable 20 knots during her first 72,000 nautical miles at sea.

With all of its success due to the Dyna Rig yacht design, Tom Perkins sold his beloved Maltese Falcon in August 2009 to an unknown, but obviously wealthy private buyer, for a reported $103 million USD.  The Maltese Falcon remains under both charter and full operations management by Burgess Yachts of the United Kingdom.

Sources:
The Maltese Falcon
Wikipedia
Sailing Ships
Yachting Magazine

floating docks

Floating docks have the advantage over the fixed variety anywhere there is significant fluctuation in the water level. If the water level at your locations fluctuates enough you can end up with a fixed dock that is underwater or the necessity to have a ladder to move between the dock and a boat. Lakes and tidal areas can show significant water level fluctuations. A floating dock will rise and fall with the water level keeping the dock functional in all conditions.

Deep water indicates selecting a floating dock. If you shoreline drops abruptly to very deep water and floating dock is much easier to install than very long pilings or posts. In fact, if the water is deep enough, a floating dock may be the only options. If the water depth at the proposed dock location is over 10 feet, a floating dock is the way to go. Conversely, very shallow water may not be appropriate for a floater. There needs to be enough water depth for the dock to actually float and not settle on the bottom.

Floating docks provide flexibility to alter the size and shape of the dock. Many floating docks are put together in sections and it is easy to add sections for another boat slip, swim dock or other purpose. Changing the width or length of a floating dock is a relatively easy task compared to a fixed dock.

For the do-it-yourself dock builder, putting together your own floating dock is a doable task. Floating docks can be put together with a combination of parts such as flotation units that are available from firms that specialize in dock hardware and supplies from the local lumber yard.

Several issues should be kept in mind when considering or planning for a floating dock. The biggest concern with a floating dock is stability. A tippy dock is no fun and can result in an unexpected swim!  Three criteria make a floating dock more stable: longer, wider and heavier.  If you want a thin, finger of a dock jutting out into the water, a fixed dock is more appropriate. Width and length allow a dock to be stable as activities take place near the edge of the dock. A heavier dock will also resist tipping as the mass of a person moving to the edge will have little effect on the overall balance of the dock. Dock manufacturers often put extra flotation in the dock where tipping or instability may occur, such as where a ramp from the shore attaches to the dock.

The second important consideration for a floating dock is the anchoring system. The dock needs to anchored to both the shore and offshore. Offshore floating docks are usually attached to a series of heavy concrete anchors with chains crossed between anchor positions on the dock and the anchors. The dock should be allowed to move with changing water levels but also stay firmly in position. One tip I saw was to have weights partway down the anchor chains that do not reach to bottom, but keep tension on the chains. The shore anchor should be a sturdy connection from the dock to to the shore, but again, allow for changes in water level. A gangway or ramp may be firmly connected to the shore and just rest on the floating dock or have another form of connection that allows dock movement.

Sources: CottageLife, Marine Dock and Lift