Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Dock
Buying a dock is an exciting step, but also an important investment. Whether it’s for a cottage, a marina, an outfitter, or even an institutional project, the right dock makes all the difference between a durable, practical, and safe installation… and a costly headache.
But be careful: when choosing and purchasing your dock, certain mistakes can compromise its durability, reduce your comfort, or even generate extra costs.
Here’s a complete guide to the most common mistakes to avoid so your dock becomes a reliable investment for years of peace of mind.
1. Choosing a dock based on price alone
The most common mistake is letting the lowest price be the only deciding factor.
Yes, there are many options on the market, but not all docks are created equal. Docks built with lower-quality materials may seem affordable at first, but their lifespan is often limited, and the maintenance or replacement costs quickly outweigh the initial savings.
With Candock, you invest in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) cubes, resistant to UV rays, impacts, and harsh weather conditions. The result: a dock designed to last, with cubes backed by a 20-year warranty and requiring no structural maintenance. Better to focus on quality and peace of mind.
Suggested read: How Much Does a Floating Dock Cost? A Guide to Help You Estimate Your Project Budget
2. Overlooking maintenance and the time it requires
Another frequent mistake is underestimating how much time traditional docks require. Sanding, varnishing, repainting, inspecting welds… all tasks that eat into your weekends and keep you away from enjoying the water.
On top of that, recurring costs for maintenance products, repairs, or replacements add up over time and significantly increase the initial investment.
With Candock, you no longer have to choose between maintenance and enjoyment: no structural treatment is required, and only occasional cleaning is needed. The result: you save not just money, but more importantly, valuable hours to spend where they matter most — on the water.
Suggested read: How to Maintain and Clean a Floating Plastic Dock
3. Ignoring the characteristics of your waterfront
Another common trap is buying a dock without considering the specifics of the location.
Key questions to ask:
- What is the water depth at the installation site?
- Does the water level fluctuate significantly throughout the season?
- Are there strong currents, winds, or frequent waves?
- Is the bottom rocky, sandy, or muddy?
These factors directly influence the ideal dock configuration, the choice of anchoring system, and required accessories. Candock’s unmatched modularity allows you to adapt your dock to nearly any environment — but evaluating your site properly is a crucial first step.
4. Underestimating the importance of anchoring
A floating dock doesn’t rest on piles like a fixed dock — it floats. That’s what makes it flexible and durable, but it also requires carefully planned anchoring.
A frequent mistake: opting for an anchoring system that’s too light or poorly placed. The result: the dock drifts, shifts during storms, or gets damaged against the shoreline.
Candock offers different anchoring systems tailored to every situation. A certified distributor can guide you to the most secure and durable solution.
5. Forgetting about modularity and future needs
When buying a dock, think not only about today’s needs but also about tomorrow’s.
A common mistake is choosing a rigid configuration with no room for evolution.
With Candock, every cube is like a building block. You can start with a small platform and, over time, expand it, add a kayak launch bar, or even a specialized dry dock systems for boats and Jet Skis (JetRoll, JetSlide).
Failing to anticipate future needs may leave you wishing you had chosen a modular solution from the start.
6. Ignoring winter conditions
In northern regions, winter is a major factor. Leaving a dock unprotected against ice is an expensive mistake.
With Candock, you have two options:
- Remove and store the dock: modularity makes disassembly quick and easy.
- Leave it in the water: only possible if ice conditions are stable and there is no movement.
Skipping this step, or misjudging winter conditions, can result in costly damage.
7. Underestimating the importance of a warranty
A dock is a long-term investment. Too often, buyers overlook the warranty and end up without protection when problems arise.
With Candock, every cube comes with a 20-year warranty — proof of durability and a guarantee of peace of mind.
In summary: an investment that pays off in peace of mind
Buying a dock is exciting, but it’s also a choice that requires careful thought. By avoiding common mistakes — focusing on price alone, choosing inadequate anchoring, neglecting winter conditions, or forgetting about modularity — you ensure a durable, adaptable, and worry-free installation.
With Candock, you get:
- A modular, scalable, and maintenance-free dock;
- UV-resistant, robust materials;
- A system designed for safety and reliability;
- Professional support every step of the way.
Ready to get started?
Our experts and distributors are here to support you, from choosing the right configuration to installation.