How is a Dock Anchored?

Different dock systems require different anchoring methods to secure them to the seafloor or shoreline. The method you use to anchor your dock will depend on your waterfront conditions, the type of dock you have and its design, as well as how you intend to use the dock.

Anchoring a Floating Dock to Shore

Common dock systems include floating docks and the traditional pipe- or wood-leg dock systems. Floating docks must be tied to the shore to prevent them from, you guessed it, floating away.

One of the best ways to anchor a floating dock is to use the crisscross method. Drop heavy (we’re talking at least 600-pound) anchors to the seafloor. Attach a galvanized chain to them and bring the chain up in a crisscross pattern before securing it to the dock. This will give it the stability and support it needs to stay in place regardless of heavy winds or changing water levels. To learn more about how to tie a floating dock to shore, be sure to read this post.

Anchoring a Pipe-Leg Dock to Shore

For pipe-leg docks, you’ll anchor the base directly to the seafloor. A cross-brace design can then mitigate any dock wobble and create a stable, secure dock.

To apply a cross brace, attach the cross-brace bar at roughly a 45-degree angle between the two adjacent dock legs. This additional bracing significantly reduces the amount of wobble and instability you feel in the dock legs and thereby creates a much safer, more stable experience.

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