Abstract: A floating drive on dry dock includes a variable buoyancy beam positioned below the deck of the dock. The beam is formed of separate cells that can be filled with air from a common feeder line. Separate inlet risers allow air into each cell. As the air moves into each cell, water is displaced out an opening in the bottom of the cell. The flow of air and water is restricted or damped to assure even filling of the cells in a beam. The feeder line and risers can be back filled with water to limit air flow between cells. Multiple beams can be used to achieve the desired buoyancy.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a modular dock system with louvered planks which can be rotated away from their horizontal configuration. The planks have bristles along their upper edge to discourage bird roosting.

Abstract: A dock or pier assembly is constructed of a series of substantially identical dock modules. The dock modules are preferably rectangular in shape, and a post and bracket support arrangement is provided at each corner of each dock module for supporting the dock modules above a body of water. Each dock module includes a frame assembly, constructed of a series of metal frame members welded together to define a rigid frame. A series of deck members are mounted to the frame, and may be in the form of extruded plastic deck members. Each side frame member includes an upper flange to which a connector strip is secured, and the connector strip defines engagement structure for mounting the deck members to the side frame members. Each frame member of the frame assembly further includes a vertical web and a lower flange. A bumper or cover member is secured to the vertical web of each frame member, for providing a finished appearance and for protecting the web and lower flange when in use.

Abstract: A floating dock module has a hollow body, preferably hexagonal prismatic, with hexagonal top and bottom walls with side walls and bolt access wells in the top wall with bolt holes extending laterally between each bolt access well and an adjacent side wall for interconnecting dock modules together into various shapes. The resulting dock assembly is flexible and able to conform with wave action. Mating protrusions and recesses in side walls together with bolts secure the high-density roto-moulded polyethylene plastic modules together. Preferably the side walls have a chamfered top and bottom edge to enhance the flexibility of the connection. The top wall includes drainage grooves, the side walls of which form vertical reinforcing ribs. An upwardly extending peripheral wall enables placement of mats, foam, carpet, wood, gravel or sand in the top surface. The bottom wall includes downwardly open float cavities and the top wall includes accessory support holes for railing posts or parasols.

Abstract: A floating dock for use in areas having endangered flora, sensitive to the lack of sunlight, is assembled from modular units in such a manner that sunlight can pass through the dock to impinge on the ecology.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and storing a boat above the water in the well of a floating dry dock is made up of a frame onto which the boat can be driven under its own power and which pivots on a rear bar mounted across and away from the entrance of the well. After being loaded on the frame, the boat and frame are tilted such that the frame is made to bear on a second bar located further away from the well entrance. A method of forming the apparatus and a kit containing the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drive-on dry dock (10) especially suited for a boat (12) longer than about thirty feet and weighing more than about seven thousand pounds. The dock (10) includes a platform (14), a guide (16), and a lift (18). The platform (14) includes an aft section (20), a forward section (22), and a hinge section (24) therebetween. The guide (16) defines a path for movement of the boat (12) from the aft section (20) to a rest position whereat the boat's bow engages and is supported by the forward section (22). The lift shifts the platform (14) between a first condition in which the aft section is only buoyant enough to support itself and so can be downwardly flexed form a ramp for the boat (12) and a second condition in which the aft section is sufficiently buoyant to lift the boat out of the water.

Abstract: A peripherally weighted floating platform system comprising a peripheral frame with side portions and end portions and formed of a hollow plastic structure with a heavy material therewithin. There is a plurality of stringers which are parallel with each other and parallel with the side portions of the peripheral frame and secured to the end portions of the frame. A plurality of plank members are located parallel with each other and parallel with the end portions of the frame and secured to the stringers.

Abstract: In a first embodiment the combination boat dry dock and boat launching apparatus includes two planar dock sections pivotally connected to each other. The dock sections include cradle straps for supporting the hull of a boat with the longitudinal axis of the boat in substantial parallel relationship with the pivot axis of the dock sections. Each dock section is supported by two pontoons attached at proximal and distal portions of the dock sections. The two pontoons at respective proximal portions of the dock sections may be flooded with water to allow the proximal portions of the dock sections to descend below water level for launching of a boat. Air is introduced into these two pontoons for expelling water and thereby raising the dock sections above the water level. In a second embodiment, a constant buoyancy pontoon is mounted to each dock section intermediate the other pontoons. A pump and conduits transfer water between the proximal and distal pontoons of each dock section.

Abstract: A floating, drive-on dry dock assembly for a small craft is assembled from two kinds of hollow floatation units, tall units and short units. The units are interconnected so that their top surfaces are substantially coplanar. The units are arranged to form two arms which support the hull of the craft on each side of the longitudinal center line of the craft. The entire length of each arm is made up of tall units except the distal end portions of each arm which may be made up of short units. The short units are able to flex downward as a craft begins to ride up on the dock because of the location of the connection between adjacent units. The tall units, however, cannot flex relative to each other nearly to the same extent as the short units, and so they form a stable generally planar surface. The distal ends of the arms are connected to each other by an upside down short unit.

Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,736 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. The boxes can be sized and proportioned so as to be conveniently assembled in such structures and to be easily transported via intermodal transportation media. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed. Shellfish habitats based upon the boxes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The removable pier support system of the present invention comprises a plurality of folding pier support posts. Each post has a platform section having a horizontal base plate for supporting the post on a bed of a body of water. The base plate has a lower surface which in use rests on the bed. An anchoring probe extends from the lower surface of the base plate, and a support arm section extends upwardly from the horizontal base plate. A folding arm section is coupled to the support arm section. The folding arm section is movable between a first position extending upwardly from the support arm section and a second lying adjacent the support arm section. A pivot mechanism couples the support arm section and the folding arm section to one another. The pivot mechanism comprises two sets of cooperating pins and slots with the pins disposed on one section and the slots positioned in the other. The pins are vertically aligned, and include a pivot pin and a locking pin.

Abstract: An elongated member suitable for flooring, decking, or seating, having a top plate formed as an extrusion of plastic material, wherein the top plate includes ribs constituted by protruding parts of parallel, spaced, elongated friction elements co-extruded therewith, the friction elements being formed of plastic having distinctly greater softness or flexibility than the main parts of the top plate and suitable for providing a non-slip surface. The member may include an elongated support formed as a relatively rigid extrusion of plastic material having a base plate with upstanding side walls and a central support portion, the top plate overlying the support and having edge formations engaging the side walls. Alternatively, the top plate and support may be formed integrally by extrusion, or the top plate may be part of a plank cover having integrally formed ribs for spacing the top plate above a plank.

Abstract: A submersible floating dock which can be sunk beneath the water line in the event of the approach of a violent storm for protection of the dock against wave action, storm surge, and high winds. A dock with a deck supported on hollow floatation chambers is attached to pilings by rings. The rings allow the dock to move up and down in response to changes in the water level. As a storm approaches water is allowed to enter the hollow floatation chambers which are ordinarily filled with air. This causes the dock and deck to sink beneath the water line making it resistent to damage from storm surge, wave action, and high winds. After the storm has passed, pressurized air is introduced into the floatation chambers forcing the water in the floatation chambers out of the chamber. The air increases the buoyancy of the floatation chambers, hence, of the dock so that it rises above the water line for use by an owner after the danger of storm surge, high winds, and waves has passed.

Abstract: A floating boat house includes a pair of elongate cylindrically shaped floats adapted to float on water and a plurality of frame members attached to the floats in a spaced relation with one another and extending above the floats. A flexible cover extends over and is detachably attachable to the frame members thereby forming a semicircular enclosure. The frame members are detachably attachable to the floats. The floats are made of a plurality of hermetically sealed pipe sections collinearly detachably attachable to one another. The cover includes a doorway and a flexible flap selectively detachably attachable to the cover for selectively opening and closing the doorway. The boat house is generally easily assembled and disassembled as needed for use, storage and transport.

Abstract: A molding apparatus. The apparatus includes a preformer for supplying a predetermined amount of molten material and an asymmetrical core for receiving the molten material. The asymmetrical core includes a first cavity and a second, female cavity, wherein the depth ratio of the second cavity to the first cavity is greater than about 4. A movable bottom plate in the second cavity varies the depth ratio of the second cavity. A pressure differential system is connected to the asymmetrical core for forming the molten material inside the asymmetrical core. The apparatus of the present invention is particularly well suited for forming a blow molded float for a floating dock system. In the preferred embodiment, the floating dock system includes a docking surface and at least one blow molded float. The blow molded float preferably has at least four sides; a thickened top mounting surface; and a bottom joined to the thickened top mounting surface by the sides.

Abstract: A boat ramp assembly is disclosed. The boat ramp assembly includes a rectangular frame, a metal support mounted adjacent the top of the frame. A connector pivotally mounts the frame to a shore support. In another embodiment a floating dock assembly is positioned adjacent the rectangular frame. The floating dock assembly includes a main floating dock portion, an intermediate parallel arm section and a shore mount assembly.

Abstract: A tethering system for a floating boat dock that allows both vertical and horizontal motion of the dock in response to changes in water level while maintaining the dock in a constant position relative to the moving shoreline. The system comprises cables attached to earth anchors, maintained under constant tension and mechanically coupled to rolling ground contact elements that bear against the bottom of the body of water.

Abstract: A dock bridge to overlie a gap between two connected dock sections. The dock bridge includes two connector plates and a flexible material connected between the two connector plates. Each of the connector plates is made of a corrosion resistant material and the flexible material is made of a water resistant material. The flexible material includes a plurality of ribs positioned in a substantially parallel orientation and lying substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dock bridge.

Abstract: A floating dock including many buoyant wharf modules having approximately the same exterior size and shape, as well as density properties, relative to a pile extending through a vertically extending passage in one of the modules. The passage has four straight walls defining a square in the horizontal plane. A roller is at each corner of the square. The roller which is normally spaced from the cylindrical pile, contacts the pile as the dock bobs. A bracket mounted on a carrier having fixed tabs encased in a concrete deck of the module can be moved to different radial positions relative to the center, vertical axis of the passage, to accommodate different diameter piles. A permanent mold form for the concrete includes the lips extending upwardly from the passage side walls and lips extending upwardly from exterior side walls of a closed shell having foam therein. The shell has a roof forming the permanent mold form floor. The roof extends between the lips.

Abstract: A staggered fairing system is disclosed for suppressing vortex-induced vibration of a substantially cylindrical marine element in a plurality of fixed fairings are deployed. Each fairing has a leading edge substantially defined by the circular profile of the marine element and a pair of shaped sides departing from the circular profile of the marine riser and converging at a trailing edge. The connections between the marine element and the fairings through which the fairings are secured to the marine element in a non-rotative manner hold the fairings in an array of different orientations along the axis of the marine element. A method for protecting a substantially cylindrical marine element from vortex-induced vibration is also disclosed in which a plurality of fairings are installed about the marine element in a non-rotative manner so as establish an array of fairing orientations along the axis of the marine element.

Abstract: A floating dock section that is secure, economical and durable and can be coupled together with a similar type section by a connecting member that fits into a socket of the dock section. Each connecting member has flanges that fit into receiving sockets of two adjacent dock sections to form a dock of a preferred configuration so that the dock sections can be arranged in a plethora of configurations. Modular pieces for end posts and other accessories can be added. The bottom surface of the dock section includes a plurality of rectangularly shaped closely spaced apart troughs that are in a parallel alignment with one another.

Abstract: A floating boat dock assist assembly has a frame with a substantially V-shaped mouth which is truncated by a flexible rubber tire supported by the frame.

Abstract: A buoyant walkway module for a boatlift is formed from a plurality of pneumatically discrete elongated compartments. Each of the compartments has a substantially flat upper horizontal exterior surface and complementary exterior end surfaces. With the end of one such module in abutment with the complementary end of another such module, the upper horizontal surfaces lie in the same plane so as to provide a suitable walkway for the boatman. Preferably, the end surfaces are perpendicular to the horizontal surface so as to provide maximum stability in the walkway.With the modules positioned in end-to-end relationship, they are coupled together by a flat plate disposed across the upper exterior surface of their junction and by a pair of straps extending longitudinally across the lower exterior surface at their junction.

Abstract: Floating wharf or pier for boat or ship mooring, comprising a body having a cell-like hollow structure defining floatation chambers whose volume is accessible from outside and defines corresponding storage compartments. Admittance into each storage compartment is provided by a respective upper hatch and an inner ladder.

Abstract: A dock, pier or floating deck wherein the sections comprising the dock include a wheel support and a wheel mounted thereon to enable easy movement of the dock section over the surface to thereby facilitate placement and removable of the dock section in a body of water.

Abstract: An apparatus of and a method for the construction of an environmentally-friendly floating dock structure using heavy-gauge plastic tubing as pontoon floats with an overlying series of deck crosspieces is presented. The plastic pontoon floats are made from a high-density polyethylene material and arranged with the overlying deck crosspieces in such a manner as to provide the floating dock with a greater degree of stability, and are themselves constructed containing a highly buoyant material. The junctures between the adjoining pieces of the pontoon floats are sealed water-tight by a plastic joining process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a floating dock that is secure, economical and durable. The dock is comprised of modular floating dock sections coupled together with flanges that fit into receiving sockets on the docking sections. The versatile dock sections can be arranged in a plethora of dock configurations, and modular pieces for end posts and other accessories can be added.

Abstract: A portable boat dock and ramp, whose overall length is adjustable telescopically, one end of which connects to a swim step of a water skiing boat or other boat equipped with a swim step and the other end of which is anchored to a shoreline, thereby providing a secure mooring of said boat to said shoreline as well as providing a bridge between said shoreline and said boat for ingress and egress of people, equipment and supplies. One section of said boat dock fits slidably inside the other section for transport and storage. In use, an inside ramp section slidably projects or telescopes-out of the outside ramp section to create a ramp whose overall length can be up to almost twice the length of a single ramp section. A cushioned, "U" shaped channel, which connects to the swim step of a boat, is fixed at one end of said dock. A polystyrene foam board is installed inside said inside ramp section to provide adequate buoyancy for floatation when a boat is not moored to said dock.

Abstract: A floating pontoon structure with adjustable draft includes a lower section with an enclosed hollow hull and a lower deck connected thereto, a supporting framework extending upwardly from the lower deck, an upper deck connected to the supporting framework in parallel spaced apart relation to the lower deck, a ballast tank disposed in the hollow hull of the lower section, a valved passageway between the ballast tank and the exterior of the hull for filling and emptying the ballast tank, and one or more flotation tanks disposed between the lower deck and the upper deck to provide positive buoyancy when the ballast tank is filled. A method of connecting a plurality of pontoon structures to form a larger composite structure and a method of adjusting the draft of the larger composite structure are also provided.

Abstract: A boat protection and storage device including a housing dimensioned for receiving a boat therein. The housing is adapted for floating in a body of water. A gate member couples with an open rearward wall of the housing. A buoyant member is secured to the housing.

Abstract: An improved float drum for marine structures which includes a floatation material in the interior of the float drum which conforms to the interior surfaces of the walls of the float drum. The float drum also includes a fluid regulator to prevent a build-up of gasses in the interior of the float drum from deforming or damaging the float drum. The float drum also designed conveniently accommodate dock utility systems.

Abstract: An improved float drum for marine structures which includes a controllable buoyancy device in the interior of the float drum to control the buoyancy of the float drum. The float drum can include a valve to control the type and/or amount of fluid in the interior of the float drum, and/or to check the integrity of the float drum. The float drum can include a stabilizer to dampen the movement of the float drum in a liquid medium. The float drum is made of a corrosion-resistant, puncture resistant material to enhance the like of the float drum.

Abstract: A floating dock and raft system utilizing a non-skid structural surface or deck plate walking surface, without substructure, and which is attached directly to all other components of the dock system such as floats, hinges, splice plates, gangways, etc. A U-shaped rub rail is attached to the edge of the surface plate. The dock surface or deck plate is supported by floats which are attached to the surface plate by bolts or by adhesive materials. The deck plate has the strength and stiffness to meet accepted design standards for docks, which includes the capability of resisting tear-out of fasteners used for assembly. Materials which may be fabricated as a sheet or strip may be utilized as the deck or surface plate, and such includes fiberglass reinforced plastic, aluminum, plastic, and laminated or honeycomb composite panels. Also, galvanized steel may be utilized since it can be formed in a sheet, but the weight is considerably greater than the other types of materials.

Abstract: A dock system storage device includes a base and an enclosure including doors at one side. The enclosure is constructed of laminated panels connecting at their edges to connecting channel members. The storage device has a width and length substantially equal to dock system sections. The storage device connects to an edge of the dock system with connectors below an upper surface of the dock sections. The storage device includes legs or pontoons supporting the device independently of the dock sections.

Abstract: A float module that can be combined with other float modules to form a floating dock apparatus with the float module being constructed with a flat concrete deck bonded with a construction grade adhesive to a closed-cell foam pontoon, the exposed surfaces of the pontoon being covered with a protective coating, particularly one having anti-fouling properties.

Abstract: A floating, drive-on dry dock assembly for a small craft is assembled from two kinds of hollow floatation units, tall units and short units. The units are interconnected so that their top surfaces are substantially coplanar. The units are arranged to form two arms which support the hull of the craft on each side of the longitudinal center line of the craft. The entire length of each arm is made up of tall units except the distal end portions of each arm which may be made up of short units. The short units are able to flex downward as a craft begins to ride up on the dock because of the location of the connection between adjacent units. The tall units, however, cannot flex relative to each other nearly to the same extent as the short units, and so they form a stable generally planar surface. The distal ends of the arms are connected to each other by an upside down short unit.

Abstract: A buoyant walkway module for a boatlift is formed from a plurality of pneumatically discrete elongated compartments. Each of the compartments has a substantially flat upper horizontal exterior surface and complementary exterior end surfaces. With the end of one such module in abutment with the complementary end of another such module, the upper horizontal surfaces lie in the same plane so as to provide a suitable walkway for the boatman. Preferably, the end surfaces are perpendicular to the horizontal surface so as to provide maximum stability in the walkway.With the modules positioned in end-to-end relationship, they are coupled together by a flat plate disposed across the upper exterior surface of their junction and by a pair of straps extending longitudinally across the lower exterior surface at their junction.

Abstract: A watercraft support structure formed from a plurality of rigid platforms that are coupled together by the use of linking pins or insertion plugs. Each platform having independent buoyancy formed integral therein for support of most any size watercraft. The structure includes multiple ramp, cradle, and flat platforms, allowing an individual to customize a support structure for a particular sized watercraft. The platforms allow the structure to raise or fall with each tidal change. One embodiment of the dock assembly 110 includes a hinge-type connection that promotes ease of loading and unloading of a watercraft. The dock assembly 110 may also be configured to provide a surface to which watercraft may be moored.

Abstract: A flotation element for placement under a floating dock provides an elongate rectilinear flotation block carrying two spaced upper surface beams on its upper surface, and two spaced lower surface beams on its lower surface. The upper surface beams extend from one end of the flotation block to project beyond the second end, where they define holes to interconnect a tension member, and the lower surface beams extend between the ends of the flotation block. For use, a pulling support carrying a pulling device having an elongate flexible tensile element is positioned on or adjacent to the dock. The flotation element is placed on a first dock side, the pulling device is supported to move the tensile element toward the second dock side, and the tensile element is passed beneath the dock and attached to the projecting ends of the upper surface beams.

Abstract: A floating, drive-on dock for personal or commercial watercraft is assembled from a combination of hollow, air-tight floatation units. The dock includes a beam formed from a plurality of floatation units coupled together positioned underneath and attached to the dock to provide transverse support and lift for the floatation units and thereby reduce bowing or flexion when substantial forces are exerted, such as by large size watercraft, on the dock surface. Additionally, at least one of the floatation units that form the beam includes an aperture so that the buoyancy of that unit can be adjusted.

Abstract: A maintenance free, easy to install portable dock system has a molded shell constructed of a UV resistant, linear low density polyethylene. The dock shell includes a plurality of internal columnar supports strategically located to provide structural integrity as well as a desired adhesive surface area for the polyethylene. An "L" or "T" pier type or floating type dock can be formulated simply by coupling a desired number of dock shells together in a desired configuration via a full width self-aligning latching structure which does not require the hand and eye coordination generally required for known dock structures. The dock shell has support beams which run longitudinally over the entire length of the dock shell. Metal stringers are inserted into the outer most support beams to further enhance the structural integrity and increase the rigidity of the dock shell. Buoyancy for the dock shell is ensured with a polyurethane foam which is injected into the dock shell.

Abstract: A personal watercraft storage system for use in a boat includes a winch support stand which cooperates with one or more roller brackets for drawing the personal watercraft onto or off of a support surface. Preferably, brackets are mounted on the port and starboard edges of the swim platform and the winch support stand can be quickly and easily positioned on either of the brackets depending upon the desired position of the personal watercraft. A winch provided on the support stand provides the mechanical advantage needed to move the personal watercraft.

Abstract: A floating dock comprising a pair of flotation tanks arranged in parallel side-by-side relation, a plurality of transverse, equispaced double-saddle brackets having a pair of spaced-apart saddles each adapted to receive a flotation tank straddling said tanks along the length of the tanks, and connector means adapted to partially encircle each tank and to seat in a recess between corrugations extending from each saddle for connecting the tanks to the saddle brackets. The flotation tank comprises a cylindrical smooth inner wall and a corrugated outer wall coextensive and concentric with said inner wall defining a plurality of equispaced peripheral annular flotation cells extending along the inner cylindrical wall, and a closure plate at each end of the cylindrical walls connected to the inner and outer walls in a water-tight relationship defining a central flotation cell.

Abstract: A stabilized float drum is shown having interlocking side and end walls and an upper compartment filled with a flotation medium such as closed cell foam and a lower member with a selected number and size of holes in the surfaces thereof to admit water which then acts as a stabilizing force when the float is subjected to upsetting wave action or eccentric loads. The degree of stabilization or damping is controlled by the relative size of the lower member and the size, placement and number of holes.Various baffle members are shown which provide varying degrees of resistance to unwanted displacement of floating docks.

Abstract: A lift for docking a personal watercraft from a body of water has a shell with a cradle for supporting the watercraft and an open end for horizontally receiving the watercraft. A buoyant filler within the shell floats it with its open end approximately aligned with the water surface. A replaceable skid plate substantially centered on the open end of the shell engages the tapered bow portion of the watercraft during the docking process and guides the watercraft into substantially a centered position on the shell and raises the watercraft upwardly and drives the shell downwardly as the watercraft is horizontally transferred onto the shell from the body of water. The shell has two pairs of posts, one pair extending forwardly from the front and one pair rearwardly from the back, one proximate each of the sides of the shell. Each post has a flange about its free end.

Abstract: A maintenance free, easy to install portable dock system has a rotational molded shell constructed of a UV resistant, linear low density polyethylene. The dock shell includes a plurality of internal columnar truss supports strategically located to provide structural integrity. An "L" or "T" pier type or floating type dock can be formulated simply by coupling a desired number of dock shells together in a desired configuration via a full width self-aligning latching structure which does not require the hand and eye coordination generally required for known dock structures. The dock shell has support beams which run longitudinally over the entire length of the dock shell. Metal stringers are inserted into the outer most support beams to further enhance the structural integrity and increase the rigidity of the dock shell. Buoyancy for the dock shell is ensured with a polyurethane foam which is injected into the dock shell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple system for in-water dry docking pleasure boats using existing boat slips. The system includes a dry-dock basin having one or more ballast tanks mounted below the bottom surface of the basin. The basin is submerged along guide pipes below the boat slip where the boat is typically stored. The basin comprises a port hull half and a starboard hull half that abuttingly engage at a seam which preferably comprises an insert. The insert is preferably flexible and may be formed as a keel well.

Abstract: An inflatable floating boat lift device constructed of a flexible impermeable fabric comprising main air chambers and a network of hoses and valves connected to a blower controlling the inflation and deflation of each main chamber independently. This device provides vertical lifting and stability of the boat while floating at the surface of the water. There are smaller adjustable buoyancy devices inside the main air chambers that provide floatation of the device when the main chambers are deflated. These buoyancy devices also guide the boat onto the lifting device. On some embodiments, a level sensing device activates blowout plugs that rapidly return the boat to it's original floating position.

Abstract: A dry dock upon which a small watercraft may be docked in a dry condition and from which a boater may access from an associated structure for launching the watercraft without entering the water is disclosed. The dry dock comprises a floating dock having a forward end and a rear entry end. A motion mechanism connects the floating dock to the pier. The motion mechanism includes a mechanical pivot carried by the floating dock by which the floating dock is connected to the associated structure. The floating dock pivots about the pivot during docking and launching of the watercraft in a seesaw motion. A buoyant fulcrum is included in the floating dock which provides buoyancy and assists the seesaw motion of the floating dock during docking of the watercraft.