Boating enthusiasts would know that there are different types of docks that they can use for various purposes. Two of the most common types of docks are dry docks and graving docks. While both types of docks are used to repair and maintain boats, there are distinct differences between them.
A dry dock, also known as a floating dock, is a type of dock that is designed to hold boats out of the water. This is done so that repairs and maintenance can be carried out on the hull, propellers, and other underwater components without having to take the boat out of the water. A dry dock is usually made of steel, concrete or wood and is typically much larger than the boats that are accommodated on it.
Dry docks come in different types such as floating, floating dry docks can be relocated to different locations though it is prone to wave motion. Anchored, the bottom of the dock is anchored to the bottom of the water body it is stationed, can also take in a larger body of water because of its structure, Graving dock and Marine Railway.
On the other hand, a graving dock, also known as a dry dock or a repair dock, is a type of dock that is designed to hold boats out of the water and dry for repair and maintenance work. Unlike a dry dock, a graving dock is dug out of the ground and has gates that can be closed to keep the water out. Once inside the graving dock, the water is pumped out, and the boat is left sitting on a dry surface. This allows easy access to the boat’s hull and other underwater components.
Graving docks is considered better than dry docks as it allows repair works to be carried out on the lower part of the boat without hindrance. The shipyard will lower the water level so that the boat can rest on its own weight, then workers come to inspect the hull for inspection and repair work.
Another difference between dry docks and graving docks is the size of the boats they can accommodate. Graving docks are usually built to handle larger boats and ships, while dry docks are usually designed to accommodate smaller boats.
Both dry docks and graving docks play important roles in the maintenance and repair of boats and ships. While both types of docks are designed to hold boats out of the water, there are distinct differences between them. Dry docks are floating structures that can be moved to different locations, while graving docks are dug out of the ground and have gates that can be closed to keep the water out. Graving docks are usually larger and can accommodate larger boats and ships compared to dry docks.