Floats are an important part of any floating dock because they give the structure buoyancy and keep it from sinking. But how many floats do you need for your dock?
The answer will depend on the size and design of your dock, as well as the materials you are using. If you’re building a floating dock yourself, you may want to purchase dock floats from a reputable dock manufacturer like Tommy Docks.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Dock Floats
Here are some factors to consider when determining how many floats you need:
- Size of your dock: The larger your dock, the more floats you will need to provide sufficient buoyancy. A good rule of thumb is to use one float for every 10-15 square feet of deck area.
- Weight of your dock: The weight of your dock will also affect the number of floats you need. Heavy materials such as concrete or steel will require more floats to provide the same level of buoyancy as lighter materials such as wood or plastic.
- Water depth: The depth of the water where your dock will be located will also impact the number of floats you need. In deeper water, you will need more floats to keep your dock at a suitable height above the water.
- Wave action: If your dock will be located in an area with significant wave action, you will need more floats to provide additional stability.
- Local regulations: In some areas, there may be local regulations or guidelines that dictate the minimum number of floats required for a given dock size. Be sure to check with your local building department or water authority to see if there are any specific requirements you need to follow.
Here are some examples of how many floats you might need for different dock sizes:
- Small dock (10-20 feet): 3-6 floats
- Medium dock (20-40 feet): 6-12 floats
- Large dock (40+ feet): 12+ floats
These are just rough estimates, and the actual number of floats you need will depend on the specific factors listed above. When figuring out how many floats your dock needs, it’s always a good idea to ask a professional or look at what the manufacturer says.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth guide on choosing dock floats for your floating dock, check out this guide by Tommy Docks.
Overall, the number of floats you need for your boat dock will depend on the size, weight, and design of your dock, as well as the water depth and wave action in your area. By considering these factors, you can determine the right number of floats to ensure your dock is stable and safe to use.
