If you’re new to boating or considering a waterfront property for the first time, you might feel like you hear a lot of nautical jargon. It never hurts to ask if you need an explanation. Boat slips and boat docks might sound like the same thing, but they are actually two specific things.
In the most basic sense, a boat slip is like a single parking space. On the other hand, the boat dock refers to the actual structure of the wood or metal pier where you are parking the boat.
Residential Boat Docks & Slips
Homes on lakes or rivers often have docks with one or two slips. The dock is commonly in the shape of the letter F or T or L, but it can be built in any configuration. Each slip is basically a parking space enclosed on three sides, so you can pull your boat in easily.
Otherwise, you can dock without a slip but it’s a bit harder getting in and out of the boat.
Slips can be custom-sized to fit your boat or personal watercraft. To make using a boat slip even easier, you can install a boat lift.
Some people build platform docks or swimming piers without any slips, either because they don’t own a boat or they prefer to park their watercraft at a public marina. With or without a slip, a dock can be a great place to relax and entertain.
Boat Storage: Slip vs. Dry Dock?
One of the most common questions we get asked is whether you can leave your boat in the slip all year long, or if it should be stored on land for the winter or other periods of inactivity. The term “dry dock” means long-term boat storage, typically at a marina or a general storage facility.
We recommend that you consider several factors. Does your lake or river experience freezing or extreme weather during the winter? Will you find it stressful to worry about your boat in the slip? Having a well-designed boat slip with a proper lift system makes it easier to store your boat at home during the winter rather than paying to park it elsewhere.
Boat Docks & Boat Slips In Knoxville
If you’re beginning to think about building a custom dock in the Tennessee River area, Knoxville Barge can help you explore the options. We build luxurious boat docks that improve your waterfront and shoreline while making it much easier to enjoy boating and swimming. We can design a custom boat dock with a slip and lift system that let you get on the water and back on shore with little effort and low maintenance.
Contact us online to ask about boat docks and slips in Knoxville, or learn more about our custom dock builders.