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Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy
Most of us are confused about the implementation of the current handicap spots.
I wonder if the collective brain power in this group could actually come up with a dock modification that would allow people easier access to and from the boat as the water level moves 18 inches during the year.
Any good ideas that would actually help. I know that my elderly parents have to time their annual visit to my island so that the water is at a reasonable height for getting in and out of the boat at both ends.
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You do what people with tides do ... you float the dock. The deck then stays the same height above the water. Generally a ramp, hinged at both ends, connects the floating part to any fixed (non-floating) part. The ramp then telescopes to account for the different length needed at high and low tides. Another more common method is to have the ramp (gangway) hinged at the fixed end and on wheels at the floating end so it rolls over the floater as it rises and falls.
I guess another method would be a "high" dock with a boat lift the picks the boat up and brings it to the dock's level, no matter the water level. So it's a lot of extra effort (and $$s) for the small "tide" we get each season.
Perhaps something a little less elaborate could be done for Winni ? The only idea that jumps to mind is to build a "low" dock and when the boat floats "high" above the dock early in the season ... use some steps to get up to the boat. Change the steps to lower ones as the "tide goes out" during the season.
As for the handicapped docks ... kjbathe pretty much summed up my thoughts.