Build a Floating Home or Boathouse, What You Need

At HarborWare we get hundreds of calls throughout the week with questions about how to build a boat dock, particularly what size and quantity of dock floats are needed. Our more complicated answers are usually about floating homes and boathouses that are extraordinarily heavy.

First of all, we highly recommend consulting with a local licensed engineer familiar with boat docks to obtain a weight estimate of the structure. They have the ability to do this even if the structure isn't built yet. Second, you'll need to get necessary permits in place before breaking ground. Third, you want to pick the right size of dock floats and the right quantity. Floating homes and boathouses are usually a much bigger investment than a small lake house dock, so you'll want to do things right the first time!