Securing the doggydocks® to your mounting surface is the single most important thing you need to do to make sure your Floating Water Ramp will last for several seasons. Any movement of the mounting board will cause the doggydocks to fail prematurely. Vibration and movement will creates friction and will cause the waterproofing coating to wear down, potentially allowing water to penetrate the board. This is especially important at the Swivel Cleat opening. In addition, the doggydocks hinge spline must be placed exactly over the edge of the mounting surface. The Hinge is a heavy-duty stainless steel, 3” wide custom hinge. It is designed to move the doggydocks up and down as your dogs walk on the board. What it is not designed to do is to carry load or weight. When the doggydocks is extended past the edge of the mounting surface and the hinge is carry weight, the screws will strip out of the board.