6 Common Floating Dock Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

June 19, 2025

Floating docks are a flexible, practical solution for waterfront property owners. Whether you’re launching a boat, enjoying a swim, or soaking up sunset views, floating docks provide easy access, withstand frequent movement, and adjust naturally with changing water levels.

Floating docks offer the additional following advantages:

Easy to install and move
Great for areas with soft bottoms or fluctuating water
Customizable layout and accessories
Ideal for both residential and commercial use

However, they’re not maintenance-free. Just like stationary docks, floating docks can have some issues if you don't design them right or take care of them.

What common problems with floating docks should you be aware of? Why do they happen? How do you avoid or fix them? The floating dock pros at Haven Dock & Marine offer some advice on floating docks for the best boat dock setup.

Let’s dive in!

1. Cracks or Splintered Wood

Wood naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes and moisture. Exposure to the sun, high water levels, and foot traffic can lead to the cracking, warping, splinters, or rot of your boat dock wood decking without regular maintenance. This isn’t just an aesthetic issue—it’s also a safety risk for bare feet, especially in high-traffic areas.

What to do:

Seal and stain wood surfaces annually.
Use marine-grade lumber or consider composite decking.
Inspect boards regularly and replace any that are damaged.

Haven Dock & Marine offers composite decking and heavy-duty aluminum options for floating docks for ultimate low-maintenance and durability.

2. Unsteady or Wobbly Feeling Underfoot

Some floating docks can feel unstable when walking across them, especially in rough water, high tide, heavy water traffic, or under heavier loads. This is often caused by poor anchoring, an unbalanced float system, or undersized dock floats that can’t handle the dock’s weight.

Since this is a common problem for dock owners, we wrote an entire floating dock guide to give you multiple solution options, including dock stabilizer kits and pilings!

Here are a few pointers:

Use proper float placement and sizing to distribute weight evenly.
Make sure your dock is well anchored to minimize sway.
Add stability features like cross bracing or spud poles for additional structure.

3. Sections That Look Like They’re Sinking

The problem: One side of your dock dips noticeably lower than the rest. Sometimes it’s gradual, other times it’s sudden. This typically points to waterlogged floats or uneven weight distribution from stored gear, attached accessories, or damage to a float section.

What to do:

Choose high-quality, sealed floats that won’t absorb water over time.
Don’t overload one area of the dock.
Check for damage regularly and replace any compromised floats quickly.

4. Low-Tide Trouble

During low tide, with more shallow water, your dock might get too close to the shore or sit on the lake or bottom, making it unusable or even damaging it. Floating docks rise and fall with frequent movement of the tide, but if your boat dock or ramp is too short or your location has extreme tides, you can run into trouble.

What to do:

Use longer, flexible gangways that adjust with tide levels.
In extreme tidal zones, the dock’s position should be designed carefully to ensure clearance at low tide.
Add anchoring systems that maintain dock position without stressing joints.

If you're not sure how long of a gangway you need or are still running into trouble, Haven Dock & Marine can help you choose the right setup for your next dock location and customize a design that works with your tide patterns.

5. Noise Issues – Banging or Creaking Sounds

Floating docks can be noisy, especially in windy conditions, stormy waters, or when waves hit. The movement creates banging, creaking, or thumping sounds that travel from deep water through your dock and even into your home. This usually comes from loose joints, poorly fitted plastic components, or metal-on-metal contact in connections.

What to do:

Install noise-dampening bushings or rubber spacers where needed.
Tighten and inspect floating dock hardware regularly.
Upgrade to higher-quality hinges and connectors designed to reduce movement noise.

6. Wear and Tear from UV and Water Exposure

UV rays and constant moisture take a toll on any type of dock—fading, cracking, rusting, or general degradation can sneak up faster than expected. Sun, salt, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles all work together to wear down even the toughest materials.

What to do:

Choose docks with UV-resistant, marine-grade materials.
Clean and maintain your dock at the start and end of each season.
Replace any rusted or compromised hardware quickly.

Want a Fixed or Floating Dock that’s Quiet and Sturdy?

Haven Dock & Marine’s floating dock systems use durable, watertight floats designed to perform in all conditions. Our secure, marine-grade components minimize noise and maximize comfort for any kind of boat dock. Built with UV-stabilized floats, rust-resistant hardware, and aluminum or composite decking options, our boat docks hold up beautifully against the elements.

What's more, the floating dock kits from Haven Dock & Marine are designed for easy installation and long-term durability. These kits are customizable, letting you choose your preferred decking and layout. Built to handle tough marine environments, they're ideal for both residential and commercial use. Choose from the industry’s most trusted top brands: PermaFloat®, AccuDock®, and CWI®.

Ready to Build a Better Dock?

Haven Dock & Marine builds systems and floating devices that address these common issues. We don’t just sell floating docks—we help you design one that fits your environment, goals, and lifestyle. With the right materials, installation, and upkeep, a floating dock can give you decades of safe, solid use without the headache. We also have all the dock accessories you'll need for comfort and style!

Check out our full line of floating dock systems, or get in touch for a custom quote. Whether you're upgrading an old system or starting from scratch, we’ll help you build something rock-solid and ready for the water.