floating vs. fixed docks?

[randall]

No brainer - Floating

not me...i like a hard bulkhead i can back up to and back my truck up to also. easiest to transfer rods , tools , coolers and the like.

[Shakyground]

I went with a floating dock when building mine. It's easier getting the little ones on and off the boat. Works out well for the grand parents also when they go out.

[CSkipR]

Floating all the way.

[sapelocat]

Each has it's negatives. The newer dock floats solved most of the problems with critters. You may wish to consider a mixture. Use the fixed for such things as lounging, dock storage and picnic tables and floating for boat access with a ramp in between. I suggest that you look around in your area and talk to folks that have docks that you like. Then talk to a couple of dock contractors for pricing and suggestions. Definitely floating for the dock section you will be using for boat access. Look into your crystal ball, will you be needing a lift or purchasing a larger boat?

build those potential considerations into the dock design. (make space considering water depth ect)

[Libra]

Floating only......... Have dealt with both and no way would I personally build fixed.

[seayoulatertoo]

floating is the way to go and those concrete covered are like steping on land

[daved]

Had both and without a doubt floating docks are my choice. The best are the concrete topped docks with steel piles.

[autobaun70]

I'm a fresh water guy, our lake gets anual shifts in water level around 8'. For this reason, floating is the only viable option. My personal favorite are docks that have 2 wood piles driven deep that the dock rides up and down on (go through the dock with rollers on all sides). The plank then rest on top of the dock and has a roller on the end allowing it to shift as needed.

Floating docks with cable stay's rather than piles aren't bad if you don't have a ton of traffic. as long as they are adjusted from time to time.

[cataholic]

Good quality floating.

Another advantage is you can MOVE a floating dock if it becomes necessary for some reason.

[BobT]

Have used both fixed and floating docks in CT (tide range is 4.5 to 5.5 feet normally) and floating dock.

If you're young and agile either. If you or your passengers are elderly, floating dock would be a must

unless you bring them out and back at high tide.