Here's what matters: Eagle Floats dock floatation and Dock Shop hardware work great for both saltwater and freshwater environments!
When you’re building a floating dock, you don’t really get to choose between freshwater or saltwater—it’s simply the water you’ve got. But where your dock lives makes a difference in what your floats and hardware are up against.
Freshwater vs Saltwater Docks
Lakes and rivers may not have the same corrosive punch as saltwater, but they come with their own challenges. Algae growth can build up over time, and poor-quality hardware can still rust out if it isn’t made with the right coatings. Saltwater, on the other hand, is the true test of durability. Between constant waves, tides, and the corrosive nature of salt itself, every weak point in a dock shows up fast.
Our floats and hardware were made with both of these environments in mind! In addition to being made with top of the line HDPE plastic resin, and virgin-EPS foam cores, our floats have 8+ molded connection points, giving you plenty of ways to tie into your dock frame. For most freshwater builds, four connections are more than enough—but in the ocean, you can double up. Our custom heavy-duty washers let you build connections as strong as the dock frame itself, so heavy waves don’t stand a chance. Best of all, all of our hardware is made from hot dipped 1/4" galvanized steel, which is extremely heavy duty, and corrosion resistant!
One Float, Both Worlds
Whether your dock is anchored in a calm reservoir or facing down Atlantic swells, our floats and hardware are built for it. They resist corrosion, handle all weather exposures, and give you flexible connection options so you can reinforce your dock as much as your location demands.
Bottom line? You don’t need “freshwater floats” or “saltwater floats.” You just need floats that are engineered to handle both—without compromise.
Looking for the right floats for your project? Check out our dock floats or contact us if you’d like some help figuring out the best setup.