How Do You Secure a Dock Ramp to the Shore?
Varying shoreline conditions mean you often need to make some modifications to your dock design in order to create a safe and functional dock. For many owners, this includes adding a dock ramp, or gangway, to connect your floating dock to the shore.
Dock ramps can vary in length depending on how far from the shoreline your floating dock is. For example, if the water depth near the shore is too shallow to support a floating dock, you may need a gangway to access the dock. Dock ramps can also make docks more accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
As with all water structures, dock ramps must also be secured to the shore or seafloor to ensure dock safety and stability. Here are some ways to anchor your dock ramp.
Steps to Anchor Your Dock Ramp
Anchoring your floating dock and ramp is key if you don’t want to spend your summer chasing run-away docks.
The way you tie down your dock in deeper water will be a little different than what you need to do closer to shore. In deeper water, you want to implement the crisscross method to anchor your floating dock. The deeper the water, the heavier the weights you’ll require.
Closer to shore, you have other options for your dock ramp. The system you use will depend on the type of shoreline you are working with. For example, you may choose to rest your dock ramp on the sand, on cinder blocks, or on 4×4 wood beams. Alternatively, you could attach the dock to a bulkhead using a product like our Deck Stand-Off Bracket (DSO094). The bracket also helps prevent moisture buildup between the two structures. Another option is to use pipe legs, sides and bases to secure your dock ramp to shore.
As you choose your anchoring method, be sure to have the appropriate tools and products to securely stabilize your floating dock. You want to use durable materials that can withstand the conditions of your shoreline.
The dock and anchoring method you choose will likely depend on your specific needs and the type of shoreline and lakebed you have. Our team at RDS Dock Hardware can help you design an effective dock system for your needs. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
