Gold Coast homeowners are continually looking to improve their property. If you’re a waterfront homeowner, installing a jetty is one such improvement you may be considering.
While a jetty can provide some great benefits, there are also a few reasons why you might want to think twice before investing in one.
Today, we’ll go over nine reasons why you might NOT want to make the investment. Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines – every situation is different, so you should always consult with a professional at Micks Marine Maintenance before making any decisions.
Table of Contents
1. Jetties are expensive in the long run
Anyone who has ever been boating knows that one of the most important things is having a safe place to dock your vessel. For many people, this means investing in a jetty.
While a jetty may initially seem like a cheaper option than a pontoon, the truth is that it will likely cost more over the investment’s lifetime. This is because jetties are made of wood, which needs to be regularly treated and replaced. On the other hand, Pontoons are made of durable aluminium that is virtually maintenance-free.
2. They don’t adjust to changing water levels
Investing in a jetty may seem like a good idea at first, but there are several reasons why you should think twice before taking the plunge.
One of the biggest drawbacks is that jetties are fixed structures, which means they don’t adjust to changing water levels. This can be a major problem during high tides or periods of rising water, when the jetty may become submerged and vulnerable to damage.
In addition, the jetty can cause timber rot and other types of damage, which will require more repairs and ultimately cost you more money in the long run.
So while a jetty may offer some benefits, there are also several significant drawbacks that you should consider before making your final decision.
3. They can be challenging to install
Jetties are often advertised as an easy and cost-effective way to improve the appearance of your property. However, jetties can be challenging to install, and the process usually requires the services of a professional contractor.
Unlike cable pontoons and strut pontoons, jetties require piles to be driven into the ground. This can be a complicated and expensive process when the seabed is rocky and difficult to penetrate.
As a result, investing in a jetty may not be the best use of your money.
4. They can damage your boat
Another reason you may not want to invest in a jetty is that it may damage your boat. A boat is a significant investment. Therefore, you’ll want to do everything you can to protect it
However, jetties can be made of harsh materials on boat hulls. Moreover, timber jetties don’t have fenders, unlike pontoons. So if your boat bumps into them, it can cause significant damage. This is especially true in rough seas when waves can toss your boat around.
Even if you’re careful, there’s always a risk that your boat will collide with the jetty, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
5. They can damage coral reefs and other marine life
Jetties are generally made of stone, concrete, or wood. But, over time, these materials erode and break down into smaller pieces. As the jetties crumble, the debris is carried downstream by currents and waves. This debris can damage coral reefs and other delicate marine habitats.
In addition, the large structure of a jetty can block sunlight from reaching the seafloor, preventing photosynthesis from taking place. As a result, jetties can have a negative impact on marine life both directly and indirectly.
For these reasons, it is important to consider the potential environmental consequences before investing in a jetty.
6. They can increase the number of algae in the water
Another negative environmental impact of jetties is that they can increase the number of algae in the water. This is because the algae thrive in the calm, protected waters, and since jetties are fixed structures, they’re the perfect place for the algae to grow.
As the algae grow, they deplete the oxygen in the water, which can lead to fish kills. In addition, the algae can also block sunlight from reaching the aquatic plants below, leading to further plant die-offs.
As a result, jetties can significantly negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. On the other hand, a pontoon, which is constantly moving, serves as a much more environmentally-friendly alternative.
7. They can create a breeding ground for mosquitoes
In addition to being the perfect place for algae to grow, jetties are also the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, and the warm temperatures often found near jetties make them an ideal place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. In addition, the growth of algae and other aquatic plants can also provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
As a result, jetties can play a role in increasing the population of mosquitoes in an area. This can be a severe problem, as mosquitoes can transmit diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
For these reasons, it is crucial to consider the potential impact of jetties on mosquito populations before investing in one. Again, a pontoon would prevent these problems as it is always moving.
8. They require a lot of maintenance over time
Jetties require a significant amount of maintenance to remain effective.
Most jetties on the Gold Coast are constructed from timber, a material susceptible to rot, pests, and weathering.
To combat these problems, jetties must be inspected regularly for signs of damage and decay and be treated with chemicals and paint. In severe timber rot cases, the timber must be replaced. This maintenance can be expensive, and it is important to factor it into the cost of owning a jetty
Pontoons, on the other hand, are a much more low-maintenance option. Made from aluminium, they are much more resistant to corrosion and weathering and don’t require regular inspections or treatments. As a result, pontoons are a much more efficient and cost-effective way to protect shorelines from erosion.
9. There are better docks to choose from
Jetties may have been the best option 20 years ago, but today, pontoons are the superior choice for Gold Coast waterfront homeowners.
Aluminium pontoons are a great investment for any waterfront homeowner. They are more durable and stable than jetties and provide a smooth surface that is easy to walk on. Additionally, they move with the changing tides, making them more resistant to storms and erosion and better for aquatic ecosystems.
Pontoon docks also have a lower profile, which makes them less likely to be damaged by waves. And, as mentioned, there are strut and cable pontoons that require no piles, meaning they are a more environmentally-friendly option.
Conclusion
Jetties have several drawbacks that should be considered before investing in one. First, they can increase the number of algae in the water, create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and require much maintenance over time. Additionally, jetties can harm aquatic ecosystems, and better dock options are available, such as pontoons.
If you’re considering investing in a jetty for your Gold Coast property, carefully weigh the pros and cons. In doing so, you will see that investing in a pontoon is clearly the wiser choice.
Regardless of your decision, Micks Marine Maintenance is the team to turn to. We’re a full-service jetty, pontoon and marina maintenance company servicing Northern NSW; from Yamba, to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Contact us today for all your jetty, pontoon and marina maintenance needs!