Floating dock vs Fixed dock - pros and cons

[Seaginger]

We have recently received our new Ranger Tugs R-25, and started looking for a slip to keep the boat at during the next boating season. We have a couple of river-based marinas nearby, one is with floating docks and another with fixed docks/slips.
I see the benefit of a floating dock in a tidal area. But does someone have a different opinion? What are the pros and cons of each option from your own experience? Thank you for your reply!

 

[KKRCRACE]

We have been on a fixed dock for the past 4 years and moved to a floating dock for this past season. I would never go back to to a fixed dock if floating is available. My wife and I love the floating dock for many reasons.
KKRCRACE

 

[Todd_D]

I would always go with a floating dock. If you have any tidal range the boat will be below the dock at low tide and you will have to use fenderboards to protect the hull from the pilings. Plus if you come in at low tide it can be a real pain to tie up without help from the dock crew. Of course our maximum tidal range her is about 17' and is normally about 12'-13'. We only have floating docks here.

 

[Seaginger]

We have been on a fixed dock for the past 4 years and moved to a floating dock for this past season. I would never go back to to a fixed dock if floating is available. My wife and I love the floating dock for many reasons.
KKRCRACE

Thank you for your reply! Well noted.

 

[Seaginger]

I would always go with a floating dock. If you have any tidal range the boat will be below the dock at low tide and you will have to use fenderboards to protect the hull from the pilings. Plus if you come in at low tide it can be a real pain to tie up without help from the dock crew. Of course our maximum tidal range her is about 17' and is normally about 12'-13'. We only have floating docks here.

Thank you for your reply! It helps.

 

[Brian John]

I have a stationary dock and a floating dock at my house, I so prefer the floating dock to the stationary dock. I replaced the stationary dock if it was not so expensive.

 

[Seaginger]

I have a stationary dock and a floating dock at my house, I so prefer the floating dock to the stationary dock. I replaced the stationary dock if it was not so expensive.

Thank you very much, Brian!

 

[doke01]

If your tidal range is small, 1-2 feet, it doesn't matter. If not, floating is the way to go. Climbing down to a floating dock, if you even need to do it, is much easier then climbing down from a fixed doc to your boat.

 

[KKRCRACE]

The floating dock at our marina is at the same level as our swim platform so there is no climbing at all. Just a small step across and through the transom door. It’s also far easier for people not so mobile.
KKRCRACE

 

[Craigmconrad]

I am replacing my fixed dock with a hybrid dock. Fixed 40ft pier to a 10ft ramp and a 26 x 12 floating dock. Once I experienced floating docks at marinas, I was determined to get one installed when it was time to replace my dock. Just about 10K more expensive to install the floating portion, but well worth the price to enter and exit with ease.