Floating finger docks

[RogerHM]

Maybe the question is out of place, but... We have had to delay Boats-in twice because of high-water elevating the outer end (on floats) of our finger docks that are attached to a non-floating main dock built on rock filled cribs. Some members blaim the "high water" I blame the "floats"... "Get rid of them! Never had the prob before!"

(This is in an ice region where the fingers come out in the Fall & go back in the Spring.)

Your experience with "floaters" opinions, advice sought--PULLLeeeeeeeeese... Roger

 

[sailingdog]

Our docks have floating finger piers, and the main piers are floating as well. Why would someone put floating finger piers on a stationary main pier???

 

[RogerHM]

Good question. The plan WAS to have a floating Main but that was decided against for several reasons. Ours is a small co-operative volunteer Club with well-intended changing decision makers--like me ;-) So, what advantages/disadvantages do you experience? Are your docks taken out for the winter?
Thanks for your response... Roger

 

[Tim R.]

In Maine we really have no choice with 12' tidal swings. All of our floats are floating with a rolling ramp. They are all removed in the winter and replaced in the spring by a group of members and the assistance of a large crane.

"Floats in" is always a lot of fun and we have a big party at the club afterwards to celebrate the new season.

Here is our web cam so you can see our setup. Feel free to click on the blue square at the bottom right to control the cam. Please forgive the slowness. I am upgrading the speed next week.

Centerboard Yacht Club Live Web Cam

 

[sailingdog]

Our piers are all floating, and the ramp has wheels so it can roll in and out as the tide changes the height. The piers are kept in water all year round, but we do use quite a few bubblers to keep the docks ice-free.

 

[RogerHM]

Thanks guys. Interesting pics. I guess with tides, floaters are more practical.
But here???
Roger

 

[sailaway78]

Don't forget

Don't forget hurricanes. Many if not most of the boats lost here, during Katrina, were the result of the floating docks, floating above the pilings, letting the entire marina, docks, boats and all, end up in one big pile. Quite a mess.

 

[RogerHM]

Thanks for that. In a MUCH smaller scale this is our predicament. The fingers are pointing skyward while the main is solid and above the water. All would be well without the floats. One size doesn't fit all... Roger

 

[sailingdog]

One big reason I'm glad I'm in Fairhaven harbor, since the Fairhaven/New Bedford harbors are protected by the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier.

Don't forget hurricanes. Many if not most of the boats lost here, during Katrina, were the result of the floating docks, floating above the pilings, letting the entire marina, docks, boats and all, end up in one big pile. Quite a mess.