Dock Floats That Can Be Left in Freezing Water

Winter's ice and snow are hard on structures. Freezing water expands, melts, refreezes and expands again, causing any material caught in the cycle to eventually break under the pressure. Ice flows are another major obstacle for docks and marinas. Large ice floats move with the current, get caught on structures in the water and pile up as the current pushes on them, destroying anything in their path. By constructing floating docks that can hold up in freezing water, you can save money over the life of the dock.

  1. Advantages

    • Floating docks have many advantages over permanent docks. They are portable and can be relocated by simply towing them to a new location. Floating docks move with the tides. If flooding occurs, the dock will rise with the water, reducing strain on lines and ropes tied from the dock to a boat. But since they are portable and lighter, floating docks are more susceptible to winter weather.

    Parts

    • The parts of a floating dock include the deck, vertical poles to hold it in place, rollers, floats, anchors and cables. The docks can be made of wood, floating poly dock made from plastic, or metal. Galvanized steel is the most durable, corrosion-free and long lasting material, making it the best choice for a dock left in freezing water.

    Makeup and Design

    • During winter, freezing water will expand floating dock material. If the material is not strong enough or designed to withstand expanding and contracting, it will break. Ice flows are also destructive if allowed to pile up and onto the dock. A deep ice flow will destroy most things in its path and even docks designed for freezing water might not withstand the pressure. The shape of the dock also facilitates longevity. A "T" or "L" shaped design with fingers jutting out is structurally very sound and durable.

    Brand names

    • A number of manufacturers claim their floating docks can be left in freezing water. O'Neill Marine Products states on its website that the floating docks it manufactures are made from steel and have a trapezoidal profile, letting the docks rise to the surface in freezing water and roll over the ice. King Industries also advertises a floating dock. called the JetDock, that can be left in freezing water unless heavy ice flow occurs. When that happens, King recommends taking part of the dock out of the water.