FAQ

Q. Why can Galv-a-Dock moor larger wide body cruisers up to 43' in length with a maximum of 27,000 lbs, while all other conventional docks cannot?

A. The strength of Galv-a-Dock is a result of our research and development over the years. The one piece welded steel brackets, double strength light-weight structural steel tubing (stronger than pipe to eliminate bending), above water interlock tubing framework that has its vertical tubing driven into the ground, make up the unequalled strength of Galv-a-Dock.

Q. What is the maximum water depth Galv-a-Dock be installed in?

A. Up to 14' of water. However, in soft ground you must include the silt depth with the water.

Q. Why is Galv-a-Dock easy to install or remove?

A. The frame is designed to use a modified 55 gallon drum as a flotation device. It supports 440 lbs., more than adequate for the dead weight of the frame along with the dock installers. Our dock system uses an above-water method of installation and removal, so you stay dry. View our video demonstration on this web site for a clear presentation.

Q. Can Galv-a-Dock be installed in rivers?

A. Galv-a-Dock is a stationary dock normally installed with the dock 18" above the water. Therefore Galv-a-Dock and all other stationary docks are limited to lakes & rivers that do not fluctuate more than a 18" rise in depth during a season.  Our system with a modified flotation device, does allow the dock to be set at a higher elevation (30").  Making Galv-a-Dock the only stationary dock with the ability to work with greater lake/river elevation changes.

Q. How easily can Galv-a-Dock be raised to accommodate rising water depths?

A. Each vertical post has only one ½” square head set screw that needs to be loosened. Using the leveling jack or come-along, a section can be raised and retightened in less than 10 minutes.

Q. Does Waterfront Specialties, Inc., the manufacturer of Galv-a-Dock have a toll free customer support line if I need assistance?

A. Yes, our 1-800-861-8882 line is answered Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time. After hours you can leave a voice message and we will return your call.

Q. What makes Galv-a-Dock the most rigid portable dock system available?

A. The bracket is the key to what differentiates this steel-framework dock from other docks that use pipe. The strength of the bracket is what keeps the vertical standing pipe at right angles to the horizontal framework pipe.  This in turn gives the steel-framework dock an unequalled rigidity with nearly any kind of bottom condition and water depths up to 14 feet. 

Q. Why is Galv-a-Dock 100% maintenance free?

A. All the steel is finished with hot-dipped galvanizing. The metal is compatible, being all steel, with the same finish. Galv-a-Dock engineering utilizes a zinc-plated steel setscrew in a zinc-plated steel bracket, then goes one step further and coats that setscrew with an anti-seize  lubricant product, compounded from microscopic metallic particles and graphite to reduce corrosion and eventual breakage.

Q. Does Galv-a-Dock offer a boat cover for protection?

A. Yes. As an option you can purchase a covered boathouse with the original dock order, or add it years later. It is attached by using the existing vertical posts that extend above the decks. There are various sizes depending on the specifications of your boat. The vinyl cover is offered in various colors (some states such as Wisconsin have restrictions pertaining to the color of covers, along with limited sidewalls).

Q. Does the off season storage of Galv-a-Dock require an excessive amount of space?

A. No, the 3 main components of each section will stack directly on top of each other, and the accessories are the fourth stack. Realtors have commented on how neat and contained the dock is when stored over the winter on shore.

Q. What are the limitations for dock length of Galv-a-Dock?

A. There are no limitations in length, only in water depths up to 14'. Today with a few severe shallow applications plus a wetland, Galv-a-Dock has docks of over 400' in length.

Q. Can we change the configuration or add on in future years?

A. Yes! This is a component type system with flexibility limited only by the imagination.

Q. What accessories are available?

A. A wide variety of accessories are available, such as covered boathouse, bench, ladder, straight bumpers, corner bumpers, flagpole, deep water stabilizer, white molded plastic corner dock locker box, and extra wide L section such as the 5' platform, 7' sundeck, or 10' super sundeck (be aware that some states, such as Wisconsin, have restrictions pertaining to the overall width of your dock).

Q. What is the life expectancy of Galv-a-Dock?

A. Our first docks were sold in 1970 and are still in use today.  All of our metal components are steel with a galvanized finish making them compatible.  The life expectancy under normal care should well exceed 30 years.

Q. What information is needed to receive a quote?

A. The more information we have the better we can serve you. We need to know the boat specifications, the length and configuration of the dock you are requesting and the details of the area, such as depth of water at 8 foot intervals and ground conditions, whether soft, sandy or rocky. All of the necessary questions are asked here on the on-line Design-a-Dock page.

Q. How long has Galv-a-Dock been manufactured and sold?

A. The prototype was manufactured, installed and tested for 2 years before our first year of selling the product in 1970.

Q. Does Waterfront Specialties Inc. track any retail customers?

A. It has been a practice that all retailers like Serv-a-Dock send their customers a satisfaction survey. Waterfront Specialties, the manufacturer, has consistently made improvements by reviewing their dealer's and their customer’s comments.

Galv-a-Dock's unique design has been proven for over 30 years. It's easy to install and remove with an above water method of installation. It is the strongest dock that is totally maintenance free. With a 10 year warranty and expected life of over 30 years, Galv-a-Dock is the last dock you will ever buy.