Dock Floats
1. Choose preferred buoyancy
Average per square foot
| Basic | 20 lbs / sq.ft. |
|---|---|
| Good | 25 lbs / sq.ft |
| Commercial type | 30 lbs + / sq.ft |
2. Choose the height of the float
According to the free-board* that fits your needs
| Example of Free-board | Corresponding heights of floats |
|---|---|
| +/- 13″ | 8″ |
| +/- 17″ | 12″ |
| +/- 20″ | 16″ |
*Free-board: height of the dock above waterline with a “good” buoyancy
Example of floats calculation
Your use of the dock and your boats will guide you in choosing the floats model you need:
- For swimming, pedal boating, canoeing or kayaking: low free-board
- For a pontoon or large motorized boat: high free-board
To calculate the amount of floats needed (for residential use) we recommend do this calculation:
- Multiply the dock area (length x width) by 25 (for 25 lbs buoyancy per square foot).
- Divide this amount by the buoyancy capacity of the chosen float (ex. the R-750 float has a capacity of 750 lbs).
- Then round the result to the nearest even number.
Examples
Low free-boards
1. 8′ x 12′ – 96 sq.ft.
2. 96 x 25 – 2400 lbs
3. 2400 / 370 – 6.4 floats so 8x the Model R-370
High free-boards
1. 8′ x 12′ – 96 sq.ft.
2. 96 x 25 – 2400 lbs
3. 2400 / 750 – 3.2 floats so 4x the R-750 model
Make sure you have enough space to install all floats under the dock.
Hollow or foam-filled…
same format equals same buoyancy
Hollow float
- A hollow float is lighter (the dock is therefore easier to move) and less expensive.
- If a float gets damaged by banging on big rocks, constant friction on lake bottom, it would not be repairable and would fill with water very quickly.
- 1-year warranty*.
Foam-filled float
- More robust, because of the expanded foam, heavier, it results in a more stable dock.
- If a small break occurs, it can take several years before the float loses its efficiency as it is filled with an expanded foam that takes all the space and will not let the water seep in.
- 15-year warranty*.
Download our most popular floats
*Against manufacturing defect and on a pro rata basis. See Multinautic Warranty details.