How Do I Anchor a Dock to Keep it Stable?

If you suffer from wobbly dock syndrome or want to improve the stability of your floating dock, there’s one simple strategy you should use to anchor your dock. Read on to learn more about what that is.

“X” Marks the Spot

Anchoring a dock is important not only for your safety but also to prevent your dock from floating away. What’s more, a poorly anchored floating dock could also cause damage to your watercraft or shoreline property.

As you install an anchoring system for your dock, you’ll want to apply a criss-cross configuration. Essentially, you’ll be making a big X underwater.

To start, choose a compatible small or large anchor ring for your dock system. Connect a chain from both anchor rings to the pipe leg bases or underwater weights on the opposing side. The X configuration provides greater stability for your dock and a stronger anchoring system so you don’t have to worry about safety or damage.

Should You Use Cross Bracing? 

If you have a stationary dock that feels unstable, you might consider adding a cross-brace bar to mitigate dock wobble. Wobbly docks are common in situations when:

• The bottom of the dock to the lake bottom is greater than 6 feet
• The lake water is really choppy
• You own a large boat
• Your dock is longer than 40 feet

If you think you have a wobbly dock, start by evaluating the flex in the dock legs and assess the dock’s cross bracing. As you get into deeper water (5-6 feet and beyond), the dock’s legs begin to flex more as the legs themselves are much longer. Greater flex in the legs creates the wobbly sensation you feel as you walk on the dock.

To apply a cross brace, attach the cross-brace bar at roughly a 45-degree angle between the two adjacent dock legs. This additional bracing significantly reduces the amount of wobble and instability you feel in the dock legs and thereby creates a much safer, more stable experience when walking on the dock.

For help determining the appropriate dock design and hardware needs for your custom dock, contact us at RDS Dock Hardware today or fill out our free custom dock quote form. All of our products are made of durable frames and superior dock components and manufactured in New Hampshire and Minnesota.