Docking Systems Guide
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Step 1: Single or Double Sided?
Single-sided 100 series Mono-Ports are ideal for channels with parallel piers, or when you only need single-sided coverage off a perpendicular pier. 100 series systems are the least expensive and simplest to install. Double-sided systems provide coverage for more watercraft on both sides of a pier, as well as offering additional protection over the pier. Double-sided systems can become more cost effective when covering multiple watercraft. Double-sided systems also turn your entire pier into a “screen porch” under a “boat shelter” providing more protection from rain and sun for you, your watercraft, and pier.
Step 2. Determine Size
Size is usually determined by your largest watercraft. For example, if you wish to protect a 20′ Pontoon with 17′ of seating plus a 2′ front transom and a 1′ rear engine mount, you can leave the boat ends exposed and use an 18′ Mono-Port or Dual-Port. But if your 20′ boat has full seating that goes front to back, you’ll want to consider a 21′ Mono-Port or Dual-Port (or even a 24′ for high driving winds or low setting sun angles) for better protection.
Step 3. Connected or Split Center?
The 500 series strut halves rotate for easy installation, and then connect together in the center. The 600 series struts also rotate, but the fabric sections can either be zippered together, or left completely open over the pier. The 500 series costs less and provides full protection to the entire pier. The 600 series can be installed completely from the pier, and can be left open in the center for additional light and ventilation, or to allow cables for a “hanging-pier” to pass through. Remember, both the 500 and 600 have 2′ open mesh fabric for light and air penetration over the middle.
Step 4. Select Optional Pier Brackets
All Mono-Port and Dual-Port systems come complete and ready to be installed onto your unique pier configuration. Optional pier connector brackets are available for virtually every type of pier; wood or metal, rigid or floating, year-round or removable. The 100 Series all include a 2-5/8” Adapter Post (AP) which can slide into the 2-7/8” Universal Bracket (UB, optional), or over a 2-3/8” Lakebed Post (LP, optional). The 500 and 600 Series all include the 2-5/8” Vertical Posts, designed to slide into the 2-7/8” Universal Bracket (UB, optional), or into the 2-7/8” Floating Dock Bracket (FB, optional), or over the 2-3/8” Lakebed Post (LB, optional). Contact us or your local dealer for assistance.
Step 5. Consider Orientation
It is important to take sun angles into consideration when positioning your dock and Mono-Port or Dual-Port. For most northern US locations, the sun will cast a shadow to the north side of a dock, providing more extended shade out farther from the pier. For optimum sun and rain protection, position the higher watercraft (pontoons, deck/ski/fishing boats) on the south side or west side of the pier, and the lower watercraft (wave-runners, kayaks, paddle boats) on the north or east side.
Step 6. Choose your colors
Standard Mono-Port and Dual-Port colors are Green and Tan. Custom colors are available for an additional $200. You can see the list of available colors here
Step 7. Install on any type of docks
For EZ-Dock™ Floating Piers, using universal brackets.
For other Floating Docks, using floating dock brackets.
For fixed metal or wood piers, using universal brackets (can add optional back plates).
For unstable or stand alone piers, using Lake Bed Brackets, augered into lakebed.
Step 8. Brackets
Mono-Port and Dual-Port easily connect to virtually any type of dock….floating, fixed, even custom or unstable docks. Use your own mounting systems, or select one of our optional bracketing systems shown below. Don’t be afraid to contact us with your unique condition. We’ll help design and fabricate whatever is needed. We love a challenge, and haven’t been stumped yet!
Floating Dock Bracket
Slips easily into any floating pier pipe connector opening. Drop the 4 brackets in, secure with connector ring, insert the 4 vertical support posts, and tighten with the tool we provide. The Mono-Port or Dual-Port remains affixed in position to the floating dock, so whatever the water level fluctuation, your height is always consistent.
Universal Bracket
Ideal for a stable wood dock, metal dock, metal truss dock, and some floating docks. Connect the outer brackets directly to the dock, or use with the optional the Back Plates and Bolts to “sandwich” the dock wall. Insert the vertical support posts, and tighten with the tool we provide.
Adapter Post
Included with all PPS100 Series, single-sided system. Connects Pier-Port to the universal bracket or floating dock bracket, with or without lake bed supports for additional stability. Adjustable height.
Lake Bed Support
Bypass any custom or unstable dock and install the Lake Bed Support directly into the lake bed by turning with a metal rod or pipe wrench. Acts as stand-alone support for two-sided Pier-Ports, or use for additional stability with single-sided models. Lake Bed Supports can fit inside of Universal Brackets, Floating Dock Bracket, and Adapter Post.