Calculating floating boat dock buoyancy requirements.

There are two methods for calculating the float requirements of a dock.  The first uses a complex calculation and the other obtains derived values from known requirements.   A good rule of thumb is a minimum of 30lbs of buoyancy per square foot of dock surface for small docks and 38lbs. of buoyancy per square ft of dock surface for large docks.   Please note that obtaining a precise floating height is not possible with this method but it does provide good numbers for a well functioning dock.   We recommend you increase these numbers to gain additional freeboard for varying loads and tall boats or lower them a few pounds for constructing a dock that will be used to access canoes, kayaks, etc that require a low freeboard. 

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