Docks - RowAmerica

OUR COMMITMENT

Our dock systems are engineered and designed with safety as the first and foremost priority.

Our dock systems are built with the best materials and manufacturing methods in the industry. We have a 25-year guarantee to back up this promise.

Having a dockout-of-commission due to repairs or improper mooring can cost a facility a great deal of time and money. We are committed to providing unparalleled service and support to our customers.

Our dock systems are designed to eliminate dock issues for the next generations of rowers. We explore common rowing dock problems, and how our design provides long-term solutions.

the problem

A life time rowing dock must best strong enough to sustain the weight of athletes and their boats and be fabricated with safe, durable material. In the past,most rowing docks were built with pressure-treated wood decking. This material is not ideal due to checking (splitting/cracking), splinters, water-logging, and eventually, rot. Pressure-treated deck boards do not provide a lifetime dock.

rowamerica solution

The RowAmerica (RA) Solution: Our decking is made of long-lasting synthetic material. The deck boards can be used near water (or under water, for that matter), and have a 25-year guarantee against mold or other damaging factors such as sunlight. Our decking manufacturer also incorporates technology that keeps the boards 35% cooler in the sun.

the problem

The frame is the most important part of a rowing dock, and not all wood, plastic, or even aluminum dock frames can stand up to the test of time when it comes to everyday use and the elements..

rowamerica solution

Our frames are built with marine-grade aluminum (6061-T6) and consist of a 2 inch by 6 inch rectangle tube, with 1⁄4 inch thick aluminum (twice the thickness of most rowing docks). Our heavy-duty box frame vs. typical C channel frame can be seen to the right. This is the strongest dock frame in the industry, but there is more to its strength than just its size and thickness. The corner construction is vitally important. Our dock frame has double gussets on each corner and each gusset is attached to the frame with both top and bottom welds. This greatly increases the frame’s strength. An example of the heavy-duty gusset can be seen to the right.

the problem

A dock’s freeboard(heightabovethewater) and stability are directly related to the size of its floats, their buoyancy, and how they are arranged under a dock’s frame. A dock that is too high or too low makes it hard for crews to balance when launching or landing. Additionally, it’s difficult for rowers to carry boats on unstable, sinking docks, and it provides for a poor experience.

rowamerica solution

Our proprietary floats ensure the proper freeboard height for rowing (5-6 inches) AND allow us to have floatation under every inch of our docks. Eight 200 pound rowers holding a 200 pound boat plus the weight of a cox and coach will not cause our docks to go below the water line. There are no other docks in the industry that exceed the strength and buoyancy of our docks.

the problem

If docks don’t have proper bumpers, have ripped bumpers, or have nails sticking out, then rowing shells and riggers can become damaged. This leads to the need for repairs and time off the water.

rowamerica solution

The rub-rail (bumper) on our docks does not have a flap over the deck boards, which is easily ripped off by rigger bolts. Instead, the rub-rail is a heavy-duty piece of black rubber that provides a safe and boat-friendly landing bumper when docking.

the problem

If a dock doesn’t have a grids separating its decking from its floats then over time decking becomes loose, warped or wavy, and creates tripping hazards. Additionally, debris builds up and will not clear even with heavy rain or a hose.s

rowamerica solution

We’ve created an aluminum grid that provides a structure for attaching floats on the bottom and boards on the top, placing a space of 1 1⁄2 inch between them. (Aluminum grid shown in green in diagram and pictured below.) This allows for easy drainage and cleaning.

Our dock systems can include any combination of our docks, piers, ramps, and gangways.

The dock sections are modular and can be configured to the width and length that is optimal for your site.
Installations are often completed by our team. However, we can provide instructions and guidance for any crew that would prefer to complete their own installation.
Mooring is critical to the long-term viability of a dock system. We provide engineers to determine the optimal plan for your location if you have not done so already.