How to choose floats for your needs?

Choosing the right floats is key to the stability and durability of your dock. To make the best decision, you should consider several factors:

1. Purpose of the dock
Think about what the dock will be used for. Will it be a small fishing platform, a boat dock, a floating stage, or a large recreational dock? Different applications require different load-bearing capacity and stability. Docks that will accommodate many people or have heavy equipment will require floats with much greater buoyancy.

2. Type of body of water
It is important where the dock will be located. Will it be a calm lake, a river with a changing current, or a body of water exposed to waves? Floats with a larger surface area in contact with the water and a more stable structure, resistant to impact and movement, will work better in rough waters.

3. Material and durability
Drop floats are most often made of polyethylene (HDPE), concrete or steel. Polyethylene is lightweight, corrosion and UV resistant, and easy to install. Concrete offers great stability and load-bearing capacity, but is heavy and more expensive. Steel is very strong, but requires regular maintenance to prevent rusting. The choice of material depends on your budget and expected durability.

4. Load capacity and dimensions
Each float has a certain buoyancy, or the maximum weight it can carry. You need to add up the weight of the dock structure, equipment, and people who will be on it. Then choose the right number and type of floats that will provide the right amount of buoyancy. Remember, it is better to have a slightly larger buoyancy than too small. The dimensions of the floats also matter - they affect the stability and appearance of the dock.

5. Fastening system
Make sure that the floats you choose are compatible with the planned system for fastening the dock to the shore or bottom. Various solutions are available, such as chains, ropes or permanent posts, and their choice will depend on the characteristics of the water and your preferences.

Careful consideration of these aspects will allow you to select floats that are ideal for your situation and will provide safety and many years of use.