If you’re one of the many homeowners along the Gold Coast who are looking to purchase a pontoon dock for your waterfront home, you may have some questions about what’s involved in the process. Here at Micks Marine Maintenance, we want to make the process as easy as possible for you, so we’re answering 10 of the most common questions we hear from our clients.
Read on to find out more!
1. What materials are pontoon docks made out of, and what is their lifespan expectancy?
Pontoon docks differ around the world. Therefore, there are a few different types, and each is made from different materials.
The most common type of pontoon dock on the Gold Coast is made from an aluminium frame, a concrete deck and a polystyrene void wrapped in HDPE liner These pontoons have a much longer lifespan than plastic pontoons and can last up to 25 years.
The second type of pontoon dock is made out of an aluminium frame, with the floating dock being made out of rotomoulded plastic floats. The lifespan expectancy for this type of pontoon dock is around 15 to 20 years.
The third type of pontoon dock is made out of concrete – concrete deck and concrete side with a polystyrene void encased with the concrete. These are the strongest pontoons and more suited to a commercial application and can last up to 50 years, but they are also the most expensive option.
When choosing a pontoon dock, it is essential to consider the climate and conditions where it will be used and your budget. The first option is available for those looking to buy a pontoon dock on the Gold Coast.
2. How much do pontoon docks weigh, and how much can they hold in terms of weight capacity?
The weight and weight capacity of pontoon docks vary depending on the size and type of dock. Generally, pontoon docks on the Gold Coast are custom-made to suit a specific site, based on the width of the property and quay line (see our blog post, Important Considerations When Buying a Pontoon on the Gold Coast for more information). Though, they can typically hold between 650 and 1300 kilograms.
When shopping for pontoon docks on the Gold Coast, it is important to consider the weight capacity and the size of the pontoons in order to ensure that the dock will be able to accommodate all of your needs.
3. How many people does it take to install a pontoon dock, and how long does it typically take them to do so?
There is no set answer to how many people it takes to install a pontoon dock, as it will depend on the size and type of pontoon dock. However, it typically takes two or three people to install a small pontoon dock and four or more people to install a large pontoon dock.
Pontoon docks are a great way to enjoy the water, and they can be a great addition to any home. So if you’re thinking about buying a pontoon dock on the Gold Coast, be sure to contact us today. We would be happy to help you choose the perfect pontoon dock for your needs and help you get it installed quickly and easily.
4. Can you customise pontoon docks to fit your specific needs or wants (e.g., shape, size, gangway flooring)?
Yes, pontoons can be customised to fit your specific needs or wants. For example, you can choose the shape, size, and type of gangway flooring that best suits your needs. However, again, this will be determined and may be limited by your property boundary and quay line.
There are various options in terms of the gangway flooring, including aluminium sheeting, aluminium mesh, marine carpet, and timber decking boards.
In addition to these customised options, you can also customise a pontoon with a range of accessories, such as those we offer here at Micks Marine Maintenance. Popular accessories include jet ski roller systems, kayak / SUP holders, cleats, fenders, and light posts. You can learn more about pontoon accessories by reading our post, What Are the Most Popular Pontoon Accessories?
Pontoon docks on the Gold Coast are made from high-quality materials and are built to last. So, if you’re looking for a custom pontoon dock that will meet your specific needs, Micks Marine Maintenance is the team to turn to.
5. Do pontoon docks come with a warranty, and if so, for how long is the warranty?
Pontoon docks may or may not come with a warranty, so it is up to you to do your due diligence.
Most pontoon dock manufacturers on the Gold Coast and surrounds offer no warranty that the products, once installed, will be suitable for any particular purpose or vessel. Furthermore, they are only designed for domestic and non-commercial usage.
However, if your pontoon dock features marine carpet, that will generally also be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. At Micks Marine Maintenance, it’s a 2-year warranty on the marine carpet.
6. Are pontoon docks easy to maintain, and if not, what kind of maintenance is required on an annual/biannual basis?
If you’re looking for an easy-to-maintain mooring option for your Gold Coast property, pontoon docks are great.
Pontoon docks are made of durable materials that resist damage from salt water and sunlight, so they require very little maintenance. However, you will need to inspect the pontoon regularly to make sure everything is in good condition. Other than that, pontoons are practically maintenance-free. For tips on reducing your maintenance needs, please read our blog post, How to Reduce & Manage Pontoon Maintenance.
Pontoon docks are also a great choice if you’re looking for a dock that’s easy to install and remove. So if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option for your Gold Coast property, pontoon docks are a great choice.
7. How much does a pontoon dock cost to install?
Assuming you are looking for pontoons on the Gold Coast, the cost of installing a pontoon dock will vary depending on a number of factors such as the size and type of pontoons you choose, as well as the complexity of the installation.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $35,000-$65,000 for a complete pontoon dock installation. Of course, the exact price will depend on your project’s specific pontoons and installation requirements.
However, by working with an experienced pontoon dock installer such as Micks Marine Maintenance, you can be sure to get the best possible price for your new Gold Coast pontoon dock.
Learn more about pontoon dock costs by reading our post, ‘How Much Does a Pontoon Jetty Cost‘.
8. Can I install a pontoon dock myself, or do I need a professional contractor?
If you’re thinking about installing a pontoon dock on the Gold Coast, you might be wondering if you can do it yourself or if you need to hire a professional contractor. The good news is that pontoons are relatively easy to install, and with a little time and effort, you can definitely do it yourself.
However, your governing council will likely require approval. For example, if you’re thinking of installing a pontoon dock on the Gold Coast, you will first need approval from the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC).
You must also supply a lot of supporting documentation when applying for a tidal works application, which includes the following:
- A State government DA Form 1
- A set of engineering plans, including all construction details and specifications validated by the Queensland (RPEQ) Board of Engineers.
- A pre-referral response from the Gold Coast Waterway Authority
- Where the application is located outside of a canal (i.e., within a natural waterway), the owner of the waterway must be notified. Because the State government owns the waterway, it must get consent from that government.
- Complete and submit a Council operational works application
- Payment of the council’s assessment fee.
Applying for a tidal works licence can be long and complicated. Because of this, many homeowners choose to have professionals install their pontoon by professionals, such as Micks Marine Maintenance – we take care of all the paperwork pertaining to the tidal works application process.
9. Are there any specific regulations governing the installation of pontoon docks in my area?
If you’re looking to buy a pontoon dock on Gold Coast, there are some specific regulations you need to be aware of. First and foremost, pontoons are only permitted in waterfront homes with a ‘sufficient waterway allocation area’. Secondly, pontoons can only extend to the quay line. Finally, a maximum vessel size is specified on the development approval or approved plans for the pontoon.
These regulations are in place to ensure that pontoons and jetties don’t encroach on navigational areas and cause problems for other vessels.
So if you’re thinking of buying a pontoon dock, make sure you do your research and check with the relevant authorities to ensure you comply with all the regulations. If you’re on the Gold Coast, you will find all relevant requirement details on the GCCC’s Coastal Development Works page.
10. If I purchase a pontoon dock, what kind of maintenance is required to keep it looking its best year-round?
There are a few maintenance requirements to keep a pontoon dock looking great. First, you need to make sure the pontoons are free of any debris. Second, you need to clean the decking regularly. Third, if you have a pilled pontoon, check the pile rollers for wear and replace them when required. Fourth, you need to inspect the pontoons and decking for any damage. Fifth, you need to repair any damage immediately.
You can keep your pontoon dock looking great year-round by following these simple tips.
For more detailed maintenance information, be sure to read our blog post, How to Reduce Marine Maintenance Costs.
Conclusion
You may have many questions if you live on the Gold Coast and want to buy a pontoon dock for your waterfront property.
Pontoon docks are a great way to enjoy the Gold Coast’s waterways. They’re relatively easy to install and don’t require much maintenance. Pontoon docks are also an excellent investment for any homeowner who wants to enjoy their waterfront property. However, there are some regulations you need to be aware of before purchasing one.
If you have any further questions about pontoon docks, please get in touch with us or submit an enquiry below. We’re always happy to help!