November 21, 2024

Written by ShoreMaster Marketing

Why the Infinity FTS9 Dock Is the Best Floating Boat Dock for Winter

Winter can be a challenging season for docks, bringing conditions that can threaten the stability, durability, and safety of waterfront structures. Born from the lakes of Carlos, Minnesota, no one understands the impacts of these seasonal shifts better than ShoreMaster. Below, we delve into the key features of the Infinity FTS9 floating dock and why it’s the optimal waterfront solution for those frequently facing challenging conditions.  

The Challenges of Winter for Floating Boat Docks  

For waterfront owners in northern regions, ice formation and movement around the dock is a primary concern in winter. Ice buildup can strain dock materials, hardware, and anchoring systems, potentially leading to costly structural damage. Additionally, logs, branches, and other debris from winter storms, fluctuating water levels and currents, or shifting ice can cause impact damage – or worse – rip the floating dock system from the shoreline. 

Even in temperate climates, winter’s increased moisture can compromise a dock’s structural integrity. These common winter challenges make it essential for waterfront owners to invest in high-quality dock systems designed to withstand seasonal shifts and unpredictable weather patterns. They say you either buy nice or buy twice. With an investment as substantial as a dock, nobody wants to do the latter.  

Why the Infinity FTS9 Floating Dock Excels in Winter Conditions  

Every ShoreMaster Infinity FTS9 floating dock component is designed to handle the most challenging waterfront environments. Its premium floatation is constructed from rotationally molded high-density polyethylene. Rotomolding is a production process that involves adding plastic resin into a mold, which is then heated and rotated. This technique evenly distributes the resin inside the mold, fusing it to form a seamless structure with uniform wall thickness and minimal weak points (RotoMold USA, n.d.).

These robust floats support the FTS9’s nine-inch, precision-welded truss frame. As welding expert Rob Steven notes, in addition to producing aesthetically pleasing weld beads, the dime-welding technique ensures a strong and seamless bond, which is crucial for structural integrity (Welder Stream, n.d.). ShoreMaster also uses dime-welded frames for floating boat lift models that support vessels up to 32,000 lbs.

Should conditions require you to remove the dock system from the water, the FTS9‘s modular design and intuitive connectors make removal and reinstallation quick and manageable with minimal tools and effort. Be it harsh winters, fluctuating water levels, or muddy bottoms, the Infinity FTS9 is perfect for waterfront enthusiasts in challenging marine conditions.

Key Features of the Infinity FTS9 Floating Dock for Winter Durability  

The Infinity FTS9 reinforces its dime-welded frame with a continuous truss stringer to withstand the rigors of seasonal shifts, including waves, winds, and ice movement. This design feature provides a robust structural backbone that distributes weight evenly and reduces stress points across the entire floating dock system. Under rough water conditions, the truss design also allows water and small debris to pass through, reducing the risk of structural damage. 

You can have the most robust dock structure, but if it doesn’t have the appropriate anchoring system to keep it in place, it’s all for naught. We offer several anchoring options for the FTS9 to ensure it performs in any environment, including pipe and collar, stiff arm, and winch and cable anchoring systems. Contact us today for more information and to upgrade your setup to a year-round dock system. 

Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Floating Boat Dock  

Caring for docks during winter months is essential to waterfront property ownership. Here are a few tips to help prepare your dock for the challenges of colder months and ensure a hassle-free start to the next boating season:

• Regular Inspections: Check the dock regularly for signs of ice or debris buildup or structural stress, especially following winter storms or heavy snowfall. Look for loose connections and promptly address minor issues to avoid costly repairs. 
• Ice Prevention: We recommend removing the dock from the water in regions commonly experiencing below-freezing temperatures and ice formation. If this isn’t feasible, consider installing de-icers around the dock. These devices continuously circulate water to prevent ice formation and potential freezing damage. 
• Anchoring System Inspections: As water conditions fluctuate, inspect the dock’s anchors and ensure they remain secure. Some adjustments may be necessary to accommodate changing conditions and keep the dock safe.  

Maintaining the Infinity FTS9 requires little effort. These basic, albeit proactive, practices are enough to protect your investment through even the harshest winter months.

How to Get the Infinity FTS9 Floating Dock for Your Waterfront  

Ready to elevate your waterfront experience year-round with the Infinity FTS9? Contact us today to discuss your requirements. Our team of experts will help you design the optimal dock configuration, Infinity Track dock accessories package, and anchoring system for your specific needs. Once you’re ready to order, we’ll connect you with an authorized ShoreMaster dealer in your area who’ll assist you throughout shipping, assembly, and installation. Just like maintaining our docking solutions, it’s that easy. 

FAQs

• How does a floating dock handle ice and freezing conditions in winter?

High-quality floating docks like those from ShoreMaster offer distinct advantages against challenging winter conditions. Unlike stationary docks, these versatile docking solutions move with the water rather than resisting it, making them less prone to ice damage. As floating docks adjust to fluctuating water conditions, they experience less structural strain, enabling them to maintain durability and stability even in harsh environments. 

If you’re storing your boat on a lift over winter, this adaptability helps keep the vessel safe and secure. If this sounds like a solution you need, you can use our online tool to find boat lift dealers near me. 

• Why is the Infinity FTS9 Dock better suited for winter than other floating docks?

The Infinity FTS9 Dock stands out as the best choice for winter due to its unique combination of premium materials, robust construction techniques, and innovative design features—all tailored to withstand the challenges of colder months. 

First, the FTS9’s flotation is crafted from rotationally molded high-density polyethylene – a durable material that resists cracking and puncturing even in freezing conditions. The roto-molding process ensures uniform wall thickness and a seamless structure, minimizing weak points and giving it superior resilience against ice buildup and fluctuating water conditions. This premium flotation system keeps the dock stable and buoyant, reducing stress on other dock components in turbulent winter waters.

Another factor is the FTS9’s precision-welded nine-inch truss frame. ShoreMaster employs a dime-welding technique to produce clean, strong welds essential for structural integrity. This is the same weld used in boat lift systems that can handle substantial weights, demonstrating the FTS9’s ability to endure pressure from ice and shifting water without bending or warping.

References:

• RotoMold USA (n.d.). What is Rotational Molding? Retrieved from https://rotomoldusa.com/rotomold/?form=MG0AV3 
• Rob Steven (n.d.) Weld Like a Pro: The Ultimate Guide to Stacking Dimes. Retrieved from https://welderstream.com/how-to-stacking-dimes-welding/