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Located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the small town of West Michigan Marine Construction has been transforming the waterfront for more than half a century. Since its creation in 1933, the company has become well-known for its high quality, award-winning work. Today, the company is considered an innovator in the marine construction industry. In addition to providing services for public works and commercial projects, they also offer design and construction of floating dock and floating structures as well as several other commercial projects. West Michigan Marine Construction prides itself on providing a safe and efficient work for their clients. As a trusted leader in the industry, they are continually seeking ways to improve their work environment and maintain the best quality possible.
A floating docks system involves the installation of a floating dock system on an existing lake or oceanfront property. The project consists of different stages including preliminary engineering, surveying, site investigations, contract management and design. During these steps, various experts collaborate with one another to determine what type of structure will best fit the site and how to make it work properly. After this is determined, a consultant then communicates the findings of the team throughout the entire project from start to finish. The goal of the project is to create an attractive structure that will enhance the beauty of the waterfront.
In addition to creating an attractive floating dock system, the project requires thorough planning and careful design. One of the most important decisions involves the location of the structure. Waterfront property is usually located on an east or west coast, so a majority of the planning must take place on the lake front or on the waterfront itself. It is important to determine where the structure will be positioned relative to the existing infrastructure. The dock should not block any boathouses, docks, boat slips, utilities, public walks or anything else that currently exists on the waterfront.
Once the location is determined, the next step involves the size of the structure as well as the number of watercraft that will be placed in the dock system. When considering the number of watercraft to be placed, it is best to consider the typical number of passengers that will be using the watercraft. If the ship carries only one passenger, then the maximum size of the boat should be kept in mind. Also, if the boat carries more than one passenger, it is important to make sure that the maximum size of the dock is also determined. Typically, an average-sized boat weighs about 45 tons and the maximum weight is usually around 70 tons.
In addition to the total weight of the boat and the maximum weight allowed, the size of the watercraft should also be taken into consideration when it comes to the type of floating pontoon or dock system that will be used. Large boats that are able to carry a large number of people will require a floating pontoon that is wide enough to accommodate the boat and the number of people who will be boarding while it is docked. Smaller boats will need a smaller floating pontoon or a docking system that is designed for that specific boat. When determining the size of the dock system, it is important to also take into account the shape of the lake or pond that is located near the proposed location of the boat launching.
One type of floating pontoon or dock system that is used on a regular basis in Wisconsin is the “Rip Jack”. This specific boat ramp allows one person to easily and quickly exit a boat without having to climb aboard through a small gap in the pontoon. The “Rip Jack” can usually accommodate up to five different people. Other docks that are used in Wisconsin include the “One Touch System” and the “One Touch Dock”. Both of these types of docks use hydraulics to raise and lower the boats; however, the One Touch Dock requires manual control.
