Not all composite products are created equal, and not all FRP rods are suitable for use in the construction of pontoons.
FRP thru-rods for pontoons are a highly specialized product.
The performance properties of Pultron’s FRP pontoon approved thru-rods are attributed to the composite mix, thread design, use of a specialized nut, and a thorough quality control process.
The FRP pontoon approved Thru-Rod from Pultron Composites is a highly specialized product. It was developed by Pultron in partnership with world marina builder Bellingham Marine exclusively for use in floating dock systems.
Pultron’s one-of-a-kind FRP thru-rod will not fatigue or deform under long term stress. It has tremendous tensile, shear, and thread strength. It is specially designed to withstand the dynamic forces and corrosive nature of the marine environment. The rod’s specialized performance properties are directly related to the composite mix, a unique thread design, and use of a specialized nut.
There is great variation between products within the composite industry. By definition, a composite is made up of various parts. While products from different manufacturers may look similar their physical, chemical and performance properties most likely differ.
Therefore, it is important to know the difference between an FRP rod that has been designed and approved for use in a pontoon system versus one that has not been approved.
Incredible surroundings, increased economic wealth, and a safe and secure social environment make South Korea an intriguing market for the boating and marina industries. During the last decade, a great deal of effort has been placed by the government as well as private investors on improving the region’s boating infrastructure.
State-of-the-art concrete docks at Wangsan Marina in Incheon, South Korea, are setting a new standard for marina development in the region.
Marina Development in Asia
However, the country’s weak sailing culture and lack of experience in the construction and management of modern boating facilities has been a major hurdle in moving the industry forward at a faster rate. Albeit slow, progress is coming. The opening of Wangsan Marina, a contemporary boating facility in Incheon, South Korea, is opening the door to boating for many Koreans who did not have the opportunity before. Prior to the opening of Wangsan, there were no large scale marinas in or around Seoul’s major metropolitan area. With 266 moorings and a dock facility on par with the world’s most modern marinas, Wangsan is expected to have a major impact on the market and be a key force in setting a new standard for boating facilities in South Korea.
The concept for Wangsan Marina was to build a start-of-the-art competitive sailing venue for the 2014 Asian Games that could later serve as a public marina with amenities and services that would cater to domestic as well as international boaters.
The growth in paddlecraft use means there’s an opportunity to engage with an emerging, and quickly growing market segment.
Paddleboarders cruise through the waters of Marina del Rey near Burton Chace Park in California.
If you spend much time at all around the water you’ve likely noticed an increase in the popularity of human powered watercraft – these include row boats, paddle boats, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, surf skis, standup paddleboards, rowing shells or anything else that is propelled by human power.
Sales for standup paddleboards (SUP) have increased dramatically since 2007 when they were first introduced in the United States. Last year SUP sales were estimated at $15.6 million. Rowing clubs are springing up in cities everywhere that have access to an appropriate body of water and schools across the U.S. are experiencing a dramatic increase in participation in rowing programs. Kayak manufacturers are also reporting a steady rise in sales. Kayaking appeals to a board range of individuals including fishers and divers and is quickly becoming a mainstream recreational activity.
If you work in the marina industry it is important to understand the difference between freeboard and live load capacity and how the two affect the stability and use of a floating dock.
A floating dock’s live load capacity is basically the amount of weight the dock can hold without sinking.
Freeboard, in simple terms, is the height of a dock’s deck above the water.
Live loads are variable and include all unfixed items on the dock such as people and personal items. Basically live loads are how much weight you want a dock to support without sinking.
The two are related. The more live load placed on the dock the greater affect that extra weight has on how high the dock floats in the water.
This is where the discussion gets more technical. All things float based on the concept that they displace the water they are floating on. Salt water weighs approximately 64 pounds per cubic foot. So if we divide 64 by 12 we get 5.33 pounds, which means, if we’re using round numbers, if 5 pounds of pressure is applied to the top of an object, measuring one square foot, floating in salt water, the object will sink 1 inch.
With that simple concept in mind, we can show how live load capacity affects the freeboard of the two most common types of floating dock systems. Continue Reading…
For the marina industry, 2012 continued a steady march forward toward greater innovation, higher customization and a stronger push for value.
The extra wide floating docks at YCCS marina are perfect for accommodating the crowds of people that visit the facility during the club’s annual Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous.
The passing of time is inevitable; another year has come and gone and we are now well into 2013. Part fueled by tighter budgets and part by improvements in materials and technologies, the marina industry is becoming leaner and more advanced.
A look back at the many discussions with owners and developers over the year reveals an ever increasing importance being placed by owners on aesthetics, functionality and last but not least value.
Many of the trends in aesthetics center on customization and personalization. Each year, the number of clients requesting colored and /or stamped concrete docks increases. Rounded finger ends are becoming a standard feature in Australia and are continuing to increase in popularity in the U.S., use of LED lighting is becoming more widespread, and requests for hardwood and composite trim packages are starting to show up in large public projects.