Submerged Lands 2007

So you’ve just purchased the boat of your dreams. You brought it back home but then you realized it doesn’t have a home of its own. What you need is a pier. Perhaps when you bought the waterfront property there was some form of pier or dock. If it has become old and outdated or there was never one set up, now may be the perfect time to invest in a new, easy to install pier system. What features do you need to consider so that you choose the pier system that is right for you? Let’s consider a few important factors.

Installation is one of the most important considerations. Especially if it is a residential pier, it may be more cost effective to a buy pier system that you can install yourself. Several companies in the pier market offer easy to install pier systems that can quickly be put together with one person, a socket wrench and rope. These types of pier systems come packaged in sections, usually about six feet or less, meaning they are lightweight and east to handle. A good truss system design for the pier’s frame means that it will be very durable and able to withstand the elements without being unduly heavy or hard to maneuver. Another important benefit of pier systems that come in sections is that if the pier needs to be moved to another location or removed entirely, the sections can quickly be taken apart and stacked away for storage.

The design for the legs of the pier is very important since they provide the stability of the pier. Flared steel legs are a good choice because they provide extra stability to the pier due to their wide bases. Adjusting the leveling of the pier is another task that should be easy if you choose the right pier system. Since the level of the ground underwater is usually graded in order to maintain a level pier, you will probably need to adjust the level of the decking during installation and over time if the water level changes, or just as part of normal maintenance. A good pier system will allow these adjustments to be made quickly and easily through some form of sliding leg and locking screw system. Adjusting legs should provide you with at least a foot of potential height adjustment to keep your pier adaptable to a changing environment.

Once the frame of the pier has been assembled, it is then simply a matter of installing the decking. Most companies offer a variety of options in decking material including woods, vinyl and composite decking material. The type of decking material you choose will depend on the amount of maintenance you want to do as well as the look you are going for with your deck. If you choose wood decking, it is important to realize that while very durable, this decking material is prone to splintering and discoloration if it is not well maintained. After wood decking is installed and has stabilized to the environment, it needs to be sealed. Choosing a good pier system will mean years of enjoyment for friends and family by the water and easy access to your favorite boat. Consider investing in an inexpensive, easy-to-assemble pier system today.