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Commonly Asked Questions

Floating Docks

What is the size of the float?
3' x 4' x 9" (l x w x h)
How much weight does one float support?
The buoyancy rating is 500lbs. Three Floats are required per dock section!
How deep must the water be to support a floating dock?
Approximately 1 1/2" to 2" with no additional weight on the float.
What are the floats made of?
They are made from High density Polyethylene. This same material is used for fuel tanks in the automotive industry. It is impact resistant, will not rust and is impervious to gas, oil, ultra violet light and most other chemicals.
Are the floats filled with Styrofoam or any other materials?
No, the blow-molded design with the conical center supports is engineered to provide maximum buoyancy so no internal support is required. We intentionally do not use Styrofoam filler, as it can be very hazardous to the environment.
Can I mount the floats under a 3 ft. wide dock?
No, PortSide's floats are intended to provide the maximum stability by mounting them with a 4 ft. orientation under the width of the dock.
Why do I not mount a float at the very end of the first dock section?
The float is intentionally left off the front of the first section of every PortSide floating dock to serve as a gangplank and allow the dock to properly reticulate with changes in seasonal water levels.
How do I install the pipe with the auger?
Drill one hole in your pipe 5/8" in from the end, on center. Insert auger into the pipe align holes and finish drilling through opposite side of pipe. Secure with nut and bolt provided with auger. Align pipe so it is vertically plumb (use of a level is recommended). Turn pipe clockwise with pipe wrench to anchor pipe to bottom.
How far do you sink poles with auger into the bottom?
A minimum of two feet into a firm bottom is required. However, each situation is different. Please consider the following:
  • How soft or firm is the bottom?
  • What is the bottom made of?
  • What is size and weight of watercraft you may be attaching to your dock?
  • How many poles are going to be used?
  • What are the normal wind conditions?
  • How much current is there?
  • How much wake and wake action will the dock be subject to?
How many pipes should I use? (Floating Docks)
We recommend a minimum of 1 pipe per 4' x 10' section. However, each situation is different. Please consider the following:
  • What is size and weight of watercraft you may be attaching to your dock?
  • What are the normal wind conditions?
  • How much current is there?
  • How much wave and wake action will the dock be subject to?
Can I attach a Floating Dock to a Stationary or Roll-In Dock?
No, for long-term performance and stability we do not recommend that you use two different types of support methods under PortSide docks.

Roll In & Stationary Docks

What is the Dock Wheel Made from?
Roto Molded Polyethylene. This same material is used for fuel tanks in the automotive industry. It is impact resistant, will not rust and is impervious to gas, oil, ultra violet light and most other chemicals. It has holes to allow water to drain.
What is the size of the wheel?
It has a 23" diameter, 1 7/8" diameter hub, is 6" wide and has a 750 lb. weight rating.
How many pipes should I use? (Roll In & Stationary Docks)
We recommend 2 pipes per 4' x 10' section.
How much weight do the pipe sleeves/pipe support?
They will support up to 750 lbs. each or 1500 lbs. per pair/dock section.
How do I attach my first dock section to shore?
This will vary based on your shoreline. You can rest the front of the first dock section directly on the shore by not placing pipes at the shore end or you can build a gangplank to access your dock.

All PortSide Docks

Can I use a different pipe than what is recommended?
The pipe that is recommended is 1 5/8" O.D. commonly found with a 16-gauge wall. You can substitute 1 7/8" x .120 thick wall pipe. 1 7/8" schedule 40 pipe can also be used. In addition, you can utilize pipe longer than 8 ft if necessary.
Do I need to remove my Dock during the winter months?
Normal freezing and thawing will not damage a PortSide Dock. However, docks are left in at owner's discretion. No dock can withstand heavy ice movement. You should consider the following factors:
  • What has been the history of ice movement at your location?
  • Do other dock owners in your area take their docks in or leave them out?
  • Are there local restrictions or requirements?
  • What kind of recreational activities take place around the dock during the winter?
If I take my sections out of the water for the winter can I store them outside?
Yes, normal freezing and thawing will not damage a PortSide Dock.
Do I really need all the frame brackets and hardware provided in the Wood Frame kit?
The twisting forces of water, wind, and waves place continual stress on a wood frame. The metal brackets provide corner and joint support to keep your dock frame stable and secure for many years.
Do you have Swim Rafts?
Yes, All PortSide docks have instructions available for use as swim rafts.
How do I anchor a swim raft?
Purchase a Mooring Ring PS 1195 and mount in center of the frame. Attach chain/rope and anchor with a boat anchor, bricks, milk jugs filled with cement, or other heavy objects.