Is it a “pier” or a “dock” or either or both? Some people insist that stationary passageways that protrude over the water on piers of wood, stone, or other supporting material should be called “piers.” Only structures that are designed to allow a floating vessel to tie up to them should be called “docks,” they say.
Above, you see the Brooklin Boat Yard’s pier yesterday as a reported 16.5-foot tide rolls into Center Harbor and a dense fog drifts out. Its relatively new and large home-like shed hasn’t weathered yet, but it’s certainly a distinctive feature. It looks a bit surreal (René Magritte-ish?) hanging over moving water:
(Images taken in Brooklin, Maine, on March 6, 2025.)