Frequently Asked Questions
FWM Dock – FAQs
We offer delivery and/or installation services in the northeastern U.S. (See services map)
Installing your new dock system from FWM is relatively easy. It does require a bit of mechanical ability, but if you have a friend and can lift 50 lbs. it can usually be completed within a few hours. You can always reach out to your dock specialist for tips on installing your particular layout or check out our owners manual for reference.
For a complete list of tools, check out our owners manual. Most installations can be completed with an Allen key, multi-tool, Phillips screwdriver and a 9/16” wrench.
Lead times can vary based on the season. Typical lead times are 1 to 2 weeks, but we always recommend getting your deposit in ASAP so you can have your dock system exactly when you need it.
We have a list of criteria that each decking surface must meet before we think about using it on our docks. The temperature on a hot summer day is critical. All of our decking options will heat up about as much as a regular wooden dock plank.
Another major area of focus on our dock systems is slip resistance. Our aluminum decking has a sanded, powder coated finish that acts as an abrasive when wet or dry. All of our other decking surfaces are made from a poly or PVC-type product. These products become less slippery than when they are dry.
We do offer seasonal installation and removal services for both FWM Dock and EZ Dock products.
This question is best answered by your dock specialist. Typically, we start to use cross bracing on stationary and rolling docks when the water depth hits 5’ or greater.
All materials used on FWM Docks are considered safe for the environment.
FWM works with multiple shipping companies and brokers to provide you with the lowest possible freight charges. Some customers have access to a loading dock where we can ship everything on one skid. Others require a residential delivery with a two-man lift gate dropoff. Our FWM Docks are located all over the country and we have developed creative, cost-effective ways to make every dropoff seamless for you.
FWM has been in business since 1975.
Check out our online store. Most of our most common parts and accessories are for sale here. Can’t find what you are looking for? Just give us a call at 603-578-9699.
Aside from the seasonal installation of your dock, yes it really is maintenance free. From the stainless-steel hardware to the pole caps, none of the components of our docks are going to break down or not look good over time.
Most FWM docks do not require much cleaning. A mild soap, water and brush will clean up the decking as needed. If you want to shine up the aluminum or posts, you can use a mildly abrasive Scotch-Brite pad.
A typical small 20’ residential dock system usually starts at around $2,500. The price varies based on square footage and dock style. Floating docks tend to cost a little bit more due to the additional material used and more rugged anchoring. We benchmark our pricing with other competitive brands throughout the country. If you find that the free quote your dock specialist provided to you is way too high (or too low) something could be amiss, and it typically means we are not comparing apples to apples. All factors considered, you will not find a better value than FWM.
We accept all major credit cards, cash and checks. Commercial accounts may be extended credit with proper references and paperwork.
We offer several forms of financing. Residential lending is done through Synchrony Financial while commercial leasing is done through Marlin Financial.
This is a question that we get asked a couple of times a year. Unfortunately, the answer is no. FWM Docks must leave our factory with an approved decking product only. This is because we need to ensure that — if our name is on the dock — it’s going to be 100% maintenance free and it will still look great for 10 years and beyond.
FWM Docks are saltwater safe. Over time, aluminum will naturally oxidize. This actually provides our dock frames with a layer of oxidation protecting them from the saltwater.
EZ Dock – FAQs
Absolutely. EZ Dock is a DIY friendly product and requires just a few hand tools and a little mechanical ability. It’s recommended that you buy an in-water installation tool and that you have a friend to team up with. Our dock specialists are great at walking customers through the installation process. We also have install crews available if you choose to go that route.
Most installations will not require you to be in the water. You will need to purchase the in-water installation tool for installation of the couplers.
EZ Dock is designed to grow with you and your family. We have some customers who add a section or two every year. You can also customize your dock with our wide selection of accessories.
EZ Dock is made to be an environmentally friendly product that you can safely put on the water. Our dock sections do not rust, splinter, dissolve or have any paint or chemicals that can leach out and harm the environment
We do offer removal services for EZ Dock and FWM Docks in the Northeast. Your dock specialist will be able to quote both your initial installation, as well as seasonal install and removal.
The short answer is yes. But it’s best to discuss your site with one of our dock specialists to be sure. We have been working with the EZ Dock product for over 10 years, and we have thousands of dock sections throughout the Northeast that remain in the water year-round. The product itself is safe in the ice, it is important to discuss any site-specific variables that could increase the risk of damage.
We offer several forms of financing. Residential lending is done through Synchrony Financial while commercial leasing is done through Marlin Financial.
We accept all major credit cards, cash and checks. Commercial accounts may be extended credit with proper references and paperwork.
Yes EZ Dock is saltwater safe. We have thousands of customers around the world using EZ Dock in saltwater environments.
Yes, in fact we encourage it. Everyone wants their dock at the exact same time. We do our best to ensure a quick turnaround. But if you know you want your new system on a certain date, placing a deposit on your dock order is always smart.
EZ Dock is priced very competitively with other quality floating dock products, including wood, steel, aluminum and other plastic docks. Generally speaking, floating docks will cost about one-third more than quality aluminum stationary and rolling docks.
For a quick-fix cleaning solution, use a brush, a mild cleaning, agent and a little H2O. Scrub down your dock and you are ready to go. For those stubborn stains, a diluted bleach solution should do the trick. (Note: It is normal to see algae on the waterline of your EZ Dock.)
Unfortunately, like all dock brands, EZ Dock is susceptible to marine growth. That said, there aren’t too many docks on the market that have the level of flotation capacity provided by EZ Dock (62.5 lbs. per square foot). This means that if you are leaving your dock in year round it would take a tremendous amount of growth to affect the performance of your dock. If you take your dock out seasonally, we recommend flipping the dock over and letting the growth die. Once dead, the marine growth should easily come off the low-density polyethylene EZ Dock material.
Yes, EZ Dock is maintenance free. (In most areas, EZ Dock can be left in the water year round; consult your dock specialist to determine if winterization or winter removal is needed.)
You can call our parts department directly or visit our online store.
EZ Dock has been making polyethylene docks for more than 25 years. Some of the original dock sections are located in the Northeast and still look great.
EZ Dock uses UV-8 inhibitor in all of its products, the highest level of protection. We also produce an extremely thick product (3/8” average thickness with a 1,950 psi puncture strength).
Freeboard is the how high the walking surface is above the water. The standard EZ Dock sections have a freeboard of 13” while the low-profile dock sections have a freeboard of 5.5”. Both dock sections sit in the water about only 2”.
EZ Dock is made to be an environmentally friendly product that you can safely put on the water. Our dock sections do not rust, splinter, dissolve or have any paint or chemicals that can leach out and harm the environment.
Another key to the EZ Dock system is the patented rubber coupler. The coupler allows the dock sections to connect to one another tightly. This means that on a calm day the dock feels like one giant piece with very little movement between the sections. In the event of wave action, the dock sections will flex and move with the water (see video). The rubber coupler is used not just in between dock sections, many of the anchoring brackets also use the rubber coupler. This allows for optimal absorption of wave energy, safeguarding not only the dock but also your piling or other anchoring device.