Choosing the right dock for your cottage property requires carefully considering your shoreline, the makeup the lake’s bottom and what you’ll be using your dock for. But once you’ve found your perfect dock, there’s one more vital component to get the most out of your waterway—installing a method of easy access.
Rick Hickson, founder of R & J Machine, spoke with us about the best methods for choosing and connecting a ramp.
Are ramps always necessary, or are there certain situations where a dock may not need a ramp?
A ramp is the most popular way to access your dock, because it allows the dock to be positioned higher or lower than the shoreline. A ramp attached to a floating dock will go up and down in alignment with the dock. This allows the movement of the water to be accommodated. The only time you won’t need a ramp is if you have a lift dock.
What are the main methods for connecting a ramp to the shoreline?
A ramp can simply sit on the beach. It can also be anchored with a hinge assembly to a rock or landscaped shoreline.
Are there any accessibility issues that cottagers should be aware of when installing a ramp. For example, if they want to provide access to aging cottagers or children?
The main issue to be aware of is the angle of ramp. If you are in an area where the water level fluctuates, it’s important to make sure that your ramp is long enough to accommodate the changing angle of the ramp. That way it won’t become too steep at low water levels, which will prevent slips and falls.
For cottages that are located on a cliff’s face, what types of solutions are available?
Cottagers on cliffs often request larger docks as they become their seating and socializing area in the absence of a shoreline.
