Floating dock anchoring systems are critical for strength, maintenance, and durability. It is a common misconception that floating dock anchoring systems are for stability purposes. In fact, anchoring systems are actually intended to keep floating docks in place. Take these things into account prior to picking your anchoring system(s).
- Water Depth
- Distance dock needs to reside from shore
- Potential amount and frequency of water level fluctuations
- Amount of wind and wave loads the dock needs to withstand
- Dock configurations
- Local regulatory restrictions
Wahoo Docks has more than two decades of experience in the dock manufacturing industry. We understand the high pressure that anchoring points need to withstand. That is exactly why we have engineered anchoring methods or systems to suit varying floating dock situations. You can combine more than one of the following methods.
Pole & Sleeve
Pole & Sleeve anchoring systems consist of a rigid sleeve that installers attach to the dock through which slides a 4” diameter, 20’ pole. Through the sleeve, the pole buries itself into the ground. This type of anchoring is good for bottoms that are not rocky. It is perfect for locations with heavy wind and wave loads. Pole & Sleeve Anchoring gives the dock flexibility to move toward and away from the shore during seasonal water fluctuations.
Piles
Pile anchoring systems may be composed of two piles or multi-piles in a variety of materials such as wood, steel, concrete, and fiberglass. The installer secures the piles to the dock through pile rollers (UHMW-PE enclosed in an 8” aluminum box). It is somewhat the same as Pole & Sleeve except that it is suited for docks that require little to zero movement during seasonal water fluctuations. The piles also bury themselves in the ground.
Stiff Arm
A stiff arm anchoring system consists of cables running diagonally between stiff arms. The gangway usually serves as one ‘leg’ of the stiff arm. This type of anchoring provides a highly economical and effective means of dock anchoring for floating dock layouts that run primarily along the shoreline (without the need to run after seasonal water fluctuations). Installers incorporate several stiff arm designs depending on the expected loads and overall length.
Cables
A cable anchoring system consists of cables in varying layouts to achieve different sets of feature benefits. Cable anchoring is the most economical and flexible method we offer. We generally offer layouts in dock to shore, dead weights, combination, and self-adjusting. Installers use cables in areas where the fluctuations and water depths are severe (when poles and piles required by the depth will just be too expensive to reach the bottom). Cables keep the floating docks flexible, making it ready to chase extreme fluctuations and heavy wind and wave loads.
Wahoo Anchoring Systems
Are you confused on which anchoring method(s) to use? Compare and learn more about our other anchoring methods through animated layouts and in-depth descriptions here. Or, contact your Wahoo authorized dealer for more information and a quote.