How Much Do Drive on Boat Docks Cost? - Hiseadock
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How Much Do Drive on Boat Docks Cost?

June 18, 2020
Boats Lined Up Along A Wooden Dock
Source: Pixabay

Any form of construction requires money. There is a cost of acquiring materials as well as procuring labor. Drive on boat docks are no exception to this rule. The cost of setting up a drive on boat dock is not uniform across the board; it depends on the type of dock you have in mind. You can also explore the option of going for used boat docks for sale.

Quality docks require quality materials that cost more. Complicated docks require professional labor, another extra dent on your wallet. Let’s take a look at how much do drive on boat docks cost.

Table of Contents

Cost of Drive-On Boat Dock Based on Type

Is your dock permanent or temporary? Are you going for a floating dock or crib dock? These are some of the questions that you ask yourself as you set the budget. Here is a breakdown based on the type of the dock.

Floating Docks

The average cost of constructing a floating dock ranges between $15-$35 per square foot. The decking determines where within that range your budget will fall. The cheapest option for floating docks is prefabricated aluminum. Prefabricated docks are easier to maintain and move.

A yacht and a motorboat docked alongside a floating drive-on dock
An L-shaped pipe dock with ladder
Source: Pinterest

Pipe Docks

Pipe docks have the option of being purchased prefabricated. The cost ranges between $1000 and $10,000, depending on the size. There are other setup and installation charges as well that can be between $500-$5000.

The advantage of getting a prefabricated pipe dock is that they are easy to assemble. Many manufacturers invest heavily in this kind of ready-made boat docks for sale. They are also not permanent, which means you can quickly move them about as you see fit.

Crib Docks

Crib docks are the most expensive to set up considering the work that goes in to prepare their site. Crib docks are like tiny islands; you start with filling them up with rocks before actual construction begins. The cost ranges between $10,000 and $50,000.

Owing to the ecological disruptions they cause, you will need a construction permit. Aside from all that, crib docks are the most durable docks. An adequately made one can last up to 50 years.

 

L-shaped wooden lake dock
Source: Pinterest
A small wooden boat dock
Source: liberaldictionary

Pilings Docks

The average cost of setting up a pilings dock ranges between $20-$40 per square foot. Their complexity requires professional labor. Pilings docks last for ages when properly maintained. In terms of flexibility, it allows for the addition of other facilities like gazebos and boathouses.

Suspension Docks

There is no standardized cost of constructing suspension docks because they are very uncommon and complicated to make. Your best bet is getting in touch with boat docks expert who will come up with rough estimates.

The advantage of suspension docks, they add an aesthetic touch. They also have the least impact on the environment, making them the ideal choice for fragile waterfronts.

A wooden suspension dock
Source: flemingmarine.com

Cost of Drive-On Boat Dock Based on Material

Boat dock materials also determine the overall cost of constructing a drive-on boat dock. The three main materials include the following.

A Wooden Dock Stretching Into the Ocean
Source: Pixabay

Wood

Wood is the most environmentally friendly material as it is biodegradable. The cost of building wood boat docks depends on the type of wood Cedar, cypress, and redwood usually cost about $4 per foot. Higher quality types like hemlock cost about $9 per foot. Wood ducks can last between 15-20 years with proper maintenance.

Aluminum

The cost of using aluminum ranges between $10-$14 per foot. Compared to wood, aluminum is way better and cost-effective. It does not suffer from rot and is much lighter and sturdier than wood. Aluminum made docks can last for over 30 years with minimum maintenance.

An Aluminum Dock with 2 Resting Chairs
Source: images.costco-static.com
A Floating Dock Made of Plastic
Source: images.costco-static.com

Plastic

Other than lasting the longest docks made of plastic have other advantages For instance, they are flexible, which means they don’t take too much physical damage. For this reason, they cost a lot more. The average cost is about $30-$40 per foot, and they can last for up to 50 years.

Conclusion

When choosing a drive on dock for your waterfront, the key factor you should pay close attention to is future plans. The dock you settle down for should afford you the room to expand without incurring a massive extra cost. You should also pay attention to boat dock accessories.

So, now that you are armed with all the information you need, it is time to go out and get yourself a drive-on boat dock. Get in touch with us today to get the best plastic drive-on boat dock that will last you ages.

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