The cost of a floating dock depends on the dock system, the size of the project and the site it is built on. No two sites are the same, so a commercial floating dock is priced project by project. This guide explains what moves the cost up or down and what to prepare before you ask for a quote.
What drives the cost of a floating dock
- Dock system and material. Concrete, aluminum, steel and timber systems differ in material and manufacturing. See our comparison of concrete, aluminum and timber floating docks.
- Size and layout. The number of slips, the length and width of fingers and walkways, and the boat sizes they must serve.
- Site conditions. Exposure to wind, waves and wake, water depth and how far the water level rises and falls.
- Anchoring. Guide piles, telescoping piles, chain or Seaflex moorings and stiff arms suit different sites, and the bed conditions decide which are possible. See how floating docks are anchored.
- Utilities. Power, water, lighting, fire protection and pump-out.
- Access. Gangways, security gates and shore connections.
- Removing old docks. Demolition and disposal on a replacement project.
- Engineering and permits.
- Location. Freight from the manufacturing plant and local installation conditions.
- Finishes and options. Decking, colored or stamped concrete, rounded finger ends and accessories.
Purchase price vs. lifetime cost
The purchase price is only part of the cost of a dock. What matters over time is the cost per year of service, which depends on how long the system lasts and how much maintenance it needs. Bellingham Marine’s published service lives range from 20+ years for timber frame docks to 50 to 60+ years for concrete floating docks.
Our free planning tools, including a future replacement cost calculator and a marina proforma template, are on the brochures and resources page.
How to get an accurate price
A reliable price needs a few facts about your site. Have these ready when you ask for a quote:
- Location and a site plan or aerial image.
- Number of slips and the boat lengths they must serve.
- Water depth and the range between low and high water.
- How exposed the site is to wind, waves and wake.
- Utilities you want on the docks.
- Whether existing docks need to be removed.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a floating dock the most?
The dock system and material, the size and layout of the project, the site conditions, the anchoring method and the utilities on the docks have the largest effect on the cost of a floating dock.
Why can a floating dock not be priced without site details?
Exposure, water depth, the range between low and high water and the bed conditions decide which dock system and anchoring method will work, so a reliable price needs those facts first.
How should I compare the cost of different floating dock systems?
Compare the cost per year of service as well as the purchase price. Bellingham Marine’s published service lives range from 20+ years for timber frame docks to 50 to 60+ years for concrete floating docks.
Contact Bellingham Marine for a price based on your site and layout.
