While a pier may not be as large as a port, it is not easy to design and build. It involves a great deal of planning and understanding of several concepts ranging from basic to complex.
If you are a key stakeholder in the process, it is even more important to properly understand how the infrastructure works and how it is created. Many people often do not master this knowledge because they would rather not let themselves feel heavy. If you are here now, it is likely that you have chosen to leave that group/group of people and you would like to find out more about dock design and construction.
In this case, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will tell you all about ship design. Think of it as some kind of crash course. Without further ado, let’s get right into it!
What is a dock?
In the simplest terms, a dock is a fancy dock for sailing boats and yachts. It bears a slight resemblance to a port, where large ships can dock to pick up cargo and passengers. However, unlike a port, a dock is not designed for large ships, as it is usually much smaller.
What are the docks used for and where are they used?
Docks are basically built for sailing ships and yachts to dock at. These ships and yachts can perform several different tasks, including:
- Transporting passengers from one end of the sea to the other.
- Bringing bits and pieces of goods into a city that was once surrounded by water.
- Allow visitors to enjoy the city’s ocean views.
Besides that, they can also be used as recreational areas where people can sit and watch the boats come and go. However, it all depends on whether dock construction makes room for it.
Who needs this service?
The people who need docks most live in areas surrounded by water on all sides. On an island like this, when yachts are available, there’s no point boarding a big boat to pick up a few things on the other side of town. In this case, a dock is appropriate. It provides space for smaller, more versatile ships to dock and do business.
Is there any time or place you should not build a marina?
Docks should not be built in a place where access to all tide levels is difficult or impossible.
Advantages and disadvantages of wharf construction
The advantage
While the dock concept has been subject to a great deal of scrutiny by many over the years, it has many redeeming qualities. We’ve listed some of them below:
- They provide a wonderful place for boaters to feel together.
- The dock is convenient and eliminates the stress of attaching the boat to the trailer and carrying it around.
- Dock chutes protect your boat from the elements.
- They provide excellent access to all the major resources humanity needs. Between trips, you can stop, take a shower, use the Internet, get some supplies and so on.
The disadvantages
While docks are largely beneficial, they have one major drawback:
- They can be harmful to the environment by increasing water toxicity.
However, this can be managed by setting specific rules as well as intuitive design decisions.
Pier design and construction
How do you get started using these services?
- First, you need to conduct a feasibility study and plan your business. This will help you see if it is feasible in your current location.
- Form a legal entity to ensure that you are separate from the business itself.
- Register for taxes and open your business account.
- Obtain key federal and state permits. This is especially important.
- Buy insurance.
- Define your brand and build it.
Of course, these cater mainly to the commercial side of the dock. To begin design and construction, you will need to contact a dock design and construction company. The experts there will guide you through the necessary steps.
What materials are needed or can be used?
Wharf design materials that can be used are those that are environmentally neutral. You don’t want to be the one who causes damage to the planet. However, the most common materials are steel, fiber-reinforced plastics and aluminum.
Wharf design standard
Currently, various standards exist for budding marina owners. In many other ways, your pier should have the following qualities:
- Multiple easily accessible fire extinguishers.
- Proper lighting and signage to guide pier users. This is especially important for emergency lights and exits.
- Nfpa-compliant fire alarms and smoke detectors.
- First aid kit.
- A variety of facilities such as showers, bathrooms, etc. are available to pier users.
- The floating dock must be at least 5 feet wide.
How much does it cost to build the dock?
Dock costs vary from state to state, averaging about $625,000 in places like upstate New York to about $8,000,000 in places like Florida. The numbers don’t just depend on location. Location does play a crucial role, though, as busy cities need larger docks to keep up with traffic. That equals spending more money.
Beyond that, however, materials also play a key role. For example, higher quality steel pipes and materials will undoubtedly cost more than cheaper ones. Building a pier is a considerable investment. But, if done right, it will certainly pay off.
When tendering for the construction of a pier, you should remember:
- Be as specific as possible. This will encourage people to invest in your idea.
- Let your bidders talk and ask basic questions.
- Don’t simply choose the company that offers the service at the lowest possible price.
How to start wharf business
Finally, if you are going to start your dock business, you will need to have the following on hand:
- Business plan
- An architecture and design firm to help you build the pier first
- Accountants make sure your finances are in order
- Commercial bank account
- Insurance etc
