Why Pontoons Are So Much Easier To Maintain Than Fixed Structure Jetties And Docks

In boating and marine culture, there are two main types of ways that people access the water: via fixed and non-fixed structures. The differences between the two are almost self-explanatory, as the fixed structures use permanent foundations and are connected to the river or ocean bed all the way out. On the other hand, non-fixed structures are generally connected to the shore but float on top of the body of water's surface, therefore requiring fewer anchors. If you are looking for the easiest structure to maintain in the long term, then you can't go past non-fixed pontoons, and here are a few reasons why.

Low Structural Maintenance

Because pontoons are made almost entirely of synthetic material that is perfectly capable of spending its entire life in water, they age very slowly. While you might have some cosmetic changes, such as a squeaky walkway, this can be fixed by spraying some lubricant on the brackets that connect your gangway to the shore. On the other hand, timber and concrete jetties require constant monitoring to ensure that they have not eroded too much. Every few years, they will need to have supports switched out and new structural work done to keep them from becoming unsafe. 

Mould- And Bacteria-Resistant

The only place you are likely to find mould growing on your pontoons is the carpet surface. This mould can be fought off with some strong chemicals, and because it is so out in the open, it is not hard to spot when the time comes. On the other hand, for fixed structures, mould can and does grow in very hard-to-reach places, from under the gangway to on the supports and even on the ladders into the water. Natural material is always going to be more susceptible to mould, and that is just the price you have to pay if you want to have a timber jetty. 

Bleaching Colours

Perhaps the most common sign of aging on pontoons is the bleaching of metals, carpets and any fixtures left out in the open. This is an unfortunate reality when you store something so blatantly out in the open, especially when it is being assaulted by salty seawater all day. However, there are metallic cleaners you can use to give your pontoons back their sparkle and remove any oxide films or corrosion sitting on the surface. On the other hand, to give timber back a good colour requires frequent staining, which is backbreaking work at the best of times. There really is no comparison when it comes to all-around maintenance, so if that is important to you and you are thinking long term, you cannot go past a pontoon over a jetty.

To learn more, contact a pontoon supplier.

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