It is important to consider more than just the style of the dock. The dock should match your shoreline as well as how you intend to use it. Both work well, but not under the same conditions. This guide will walk you through the differences and the trade-offs. It also shows you how to make a quick decision. Jump to the scenarios and checklist if you need a quick response. If you like details, take your time.
Quick Take
- Dock floating: Modular, follows water levels. Ideal for lakes that fluctuate and shorelines protected.
- Fixed dock: Stable water levels and heavier boats are best with a fixed dock.
- You should consider the following factors: depth changes, type of bottom, exposure to waves and wakes, utilities and permits.
Supreme Floating Docks is a company that designs both, however, more importantly we begin by studying your water. The brochure is not as important as the site.
Step 1: Read Water
You should walk the site to note some basic information before you choose a dock.
- Depth and seasonal lowest: Compare the normal level to what you’ve seen. Large swings are usually indicative of floating.
- Sand and mud are easy to anchor or piling. Rock requires planning.
- Exposure: In open water with a long fetch, or in a protected cove. Your stability requirements are determined by this.
- You will feel the movement of traffic and busy routes.
- Winter forces: Storm surges, ice, and debris can change the way you secure or remove sections.
- Utility and lifts. Power, water and lighting affect the layout and structure.
- Safety and accessibility: Handrails, ramps, kayak launchers, swim ladders and lighting at night.
The choice becomes much easier once you have these notes. No more guessing.
What is a floating dock?
The floating dock is supported by buoyant floats. It can be secured using anchors, guide piles, or shore hardware. The dock moves with the current so that boarding is predictable.
The sun shines
- Tracks seasonal tides and drawdowns with no fuss
- Keeps you close to the surface of the water for easy boarding
- Modular sections allow you to grow, reconfigure or move seasonal.
Watch out for
- The wake zone and chop zones are a source of motion.
- Simple routine checks are needed for anchors, chains and hinge pins
- It is normal for the deck to creak or thump as water flows beneath it
Anchoring techniques that are commonly used
- Choose from piles or sleeves with rollers or shore cables depending on the type of bottom and exposure.
Supreme Floating Docks use marine grade hardware and encapsulated floats that can withstand sun, salt and regular usage. We label all hardware to make seasonal removal easy.
What is a Fixed Dock (Static Dock)?
The dock is supported on pilings that are driven into the seabed or lake. Deck height remains constant.
The sun shines
- The ground is very stable and quiet.
- The ideal platform for larger vessels
- Lifts, pedestals and lighting can be integrated seamlessly.
Watch out for
- The deck is not affected by the movement of water. Plan steps or create a gangway
- Permitting and upfront costs can be higher.
Details are important to us too. The layout of the piles, cap connections and hardware will determine how your dock will feel in ten years, not just for this summer.
Materials Snapshot
- Aluminum frame + composite decking: Light, corrosion resistant, low maintenance. Initial cost higher, but less hassle in the future.
- Treated wood: A warm look with a quiet feel. Sealing is required on a regular basis. Fasteners should be kept away from salt.
- Steel (select locations): Stronger where the loads are high. Needs serious coating care near salt.
- Foam encapsulated or roto-molded plastic. Check for UV stability and impact resistance.
- Hardware: Marine stainless steel or hot dip galvanized, with bushings that reduce noise and wear.
Supreme Floating Docks can recommend the right materials for you based on water chemistry, sunlight exposure and how you intend to use your dock. There is no one-size-fits all.
Permitting, footprint, and neighbors
Most waterfronts require approval. Plan ahead for:
- Jurisdiction: Local or county laws plus sometimes state and federal review
- Check for protected habitats such as shellfish beds or seagrass near the footprint
- HOAs’ preferences and setbacks for riparian boundaries.
Early permits avoid the “great weather but no permit” season. We can help you keep your project moving by coordinating with local requirements.
Comparative Side-by-Side Comparison
| Features | Floating Dock | Fixed Dock |
| Stability | Best natural movement in protected waters | The boat is very stable even in the presence of chop and boat traffic |
| Water level changes | Water that rises and falls | Add steps or a gangway to a fixed height |
| Comfortable boarding | Keep your feet near the water surface | Height changes with water level |
| Noise | Normal for some creaking or shifting | Quiet and Still |
| Maintenance focus | Anchor wear, floats, hinges and chains | Fasteners, brackets and coatings for pile wraps |
| Lifts and utilities | Large lifts are not allowed; only basic utilities are permitted | The ideal boat lift for all utilities |
| Storm and Ice Strategy | The Detach and Move plan is effective | Engineer for load; secure lifts, utilities and utilities |
| Permitting footprint | Anchor review: smaller footprint of benthic organisms | Careful layout allows for more interaction between the seabed and the surface. |
| Cost curve | Wear items more often; they are usually lower up front | Value for money: Higher upfront price and strong long-term value |
Maintenance You Will Actually Do
Floating dock routine
- Check floats for cracks and water ingress
- Check hinge pins, bushings and corner brackets
- Replace worn shackles and inspect the scope of the chain.
- Replace any stripped deck hardware and tighten the boards.
Fix dock routine
- Check for UV damage or impact on piling wraps and caps
- Check for corrosion and movement of brackets, through bolts and hangers
- Tighten deck fasteners; replace split or cupped boards
- Test all GFCIs and lift controls
Small problems can be prevented from becoming bigger by maintaining a steady 30 to 60 minute pace each season.
Storm and Ice Planning
- If you are floating, keep a detachment plan clearly labeled with hardware. Tow your boat to a protected ramp or cove before a big event.
- Fix: Build to local design loads. Secure lifts and raise utilities as much as possible. Consider breakaway sections for high-energy zones.
Plan is as important as hardware. We assist clients in writing a simple, realistic plan.
Cost Framework
- The initial cost of a floating system is usually lower. The lifecycle of a float includes replacements, hinges or anchorage wear.
- Fixed: Initial cost is higher due to pilings and equipment. Lifecycle offers you fewer wear-related items, and the integration of utilities and lifts is easy.
Site conditions affect cost more than any material. Everything is shaped by depth, exposure and access.
Common Scenarios
- Fluctuating Lake with a seasonal drop of 3 to 6 feet – Floating
- Calm cove with floating dock or fixed dock for kayaks and family swimming
- Open water with heavy wakes and party traffic
- Plan for a boat lift of ten thousand pounds – Fixed
- Winters with ice breaking – floating with removal plan or fixed engineered for it?
Docks that are designed to mimic the behavior of water just work.
Mini FAQ
Can a floating dock be unstable?
In protected waters, the movement is predictable and gentle. A dock that is fixed feels better when there are constant wakes or open fetch.
Can floating docks withstand big storms and high winds?
With the correct anchoring, and a simple plan for detachment or relocation. Preparation is key.
Can I add a boatlift to a floating dock?
Not for larger boats. Ports for personal watercraft work well with floating systems. Full-size lifts typically require fixed pilings.
How long will these systems last?
With care, frames and pilings will last for many decades. Over time, you will need to replace worn items: hinge bushings and floats on floating docks; boards, wraps and hardware for fixed constructions.
What is the main driver of cost?
The depth of exposure, the type of bottom, the utility runs and permit complexity. The site is the most important factor, not the materials.
In Five Easy Steps, Decide!
- Use the “Read the Water Checklist” to walk along the shoreline.
- List the top three uses you can think of: launching (or lounging), lifts or all three.
- Choose the worst possible day, and not the calmest.
- Select materials suitable for your exposure to water and sunlight.
- Set a schedule for maintenance and start early.
Are you ready to design a dock that fits your shoreline?
Supreme Floating Docks begins with your water and not a catalogue. We will map out your goals and read the site to design a system which feels right from day one, but also ten years down the road.
Free Shoreline Review
Tell us about your intended docking method, depth range and exposure. We will outline the next steps and recommend the best path with a simple, clear plan.
This post was written by a professional at Supreme Marine Floating Docks. Supreme Marine Floating Docks is dedicated to providing top-quality floating docks and marine accessories that combine durability, innovation, and superior performance. While we are a new brand, our team brings over 50 years of combined industry experience, making us a trusted name in the marine world. We are passionate about designing and delivering products that meet the highest standards, ensuring reliability and longevity in all marine environments. Whether for residential, commercial, or recreational use, our docks are crafted with precision and care, setting a new benchmark in the industry. At Supreme Marine, we aren’t just floating dock builders Miami—we create lasting solutions.