Anchoring
The method and quality of the anchoring on a floating dock has a direct impact on its durability, longevity, and maintenance requirements. For the most part, the anchoring for a floating dock is intended to keep the dock in place and is not for stabilization purposes. Factors used to determine which anchoring method to use include the depth of the water, the distance the dock resides from the shore, the potential amount and frequency of water level fluctuations, the amount of wind and wave loads on the dock, the dock configuration, and local regulatory restrictions, among others. Because the anchoring points on a dock are subjected to exceptionally high stresses, we give our docks extra reinforcement at all anchoring points and use intelligent design to minimize any stresses that result from the constant, multi-dimensional forces exerted on floating docks.
As it relates, we highly recommend you take the advice of your local Wahoo Docks dealer when deciding on the anchoring method to use on your dock. All of our dealers have extensive training and experience with anchoring methods, and the most attractive or convenient option may not be the best solution if your conditions dictate otherwise. Anchoring is perhaps the area most susceptible to problems, so ensure you've consulted heavily with your Wahoo Dealer before making a decision.
Although we have used a wide variety of anchoring methods over the years, the vast majority of all docks are anchored using one or a combination of the methods described below.
Cable Anchoring
The most common, cost-effective, simple, and often the best method for anchoring a floating dock is with Cable Anchoring. This flexible method is commonly used because it is economical and suitable for situations that can be challenging for other anchoring methods, such as in areas where water fluctuations are frequent and severe or where water depths are extreme. It can also be used on docks that need to chase the water during seasonal fluctuations. There are four general forms of cable anchoring, and each offers a unique set of advantages based on different needs.
Pole & Sleeve anchoring is a useful anchoring method for docks that experience heavy wind and wave loads but require the flexibility to move toward and away from the shore to chase seasonal water level fluctuations. This system consists of a rigid sleeve attached to the dock, through which slides a 4" or 3" diameter, 20' long galvanized steel pole. Because the sleeve keeps the pole vertical, the pole buries itself into the lake bed and does not need to be driven (unless the bottom is rocky). A winch secured to the sleeve reels in a cable that is attached to the bottom of the pole to facilitate its withdrawal from the ground when the dock needs to be moved.
Pile anchoring is a stable system suitable for heavy load locations and is a good option for docks that do not need to chase large seasonal water fluctuations. Two-piling and multi-piling options are common and can consist of a variety of materials including wood, steel, concrete, and fiberglass. Our docks are secured to piles using Pile Rollers, which consist of UHMW-PE rollers (an ultra-hard plastic material) enclosed in an aluminum frame or UHMW-PE rub rail enclosed in an aluminum frame.
Stiff Arm anchoring is an economical and effective means for dock anchoring when a dock layout runs primarily along the shoreline and the dock does not need to chase seasonal water level fluctuations. Cables can be run diagonally between the stiff arms to secure the dock if needed. In many instances, the gangway provides one 'leg' of the stiff-arm arrangement in residential dock applications. Wahoo incorporates several Stiff Arm designs depending on the expected loads placed on the system and the overall distance from the shore that the dock resides on. Stiff arms can be provided in lengths up to 60 feet.Anchoring Method Comparison
| Pole Anchoring | Pile Anchoring | Stiff Arm Anchoring | Cable Anchoring | ||||
| Dock to Shore | Dead Weights | Combination | Self-Adjusting | ||||
| Depth | 15' | 20+Dependent on location | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Fluctuation | Unlimited | 15'+Dependent on location | VariableDependent on stiff arm length | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Action | Heavy | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Cost | Moderate | Moderate to High | Moderate | LowHigh if not aligned correctly | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Maintenance | Low | None | None | Low | High | High | Moderate |
