Check out how their docks operate when the lake depth changes. If you don’t know what’s typical at your lake, talk to your cabin neighbors who have docks. In these cases, a floating dock may be your only option, or you may need a dock that you actually move in (up the shoreline) and out, according to the lake depth. If your lake varies dramatically in depth over time, your dock project may take on a whole new dimension you’ll need a dock that you can continually adjust for the varying depths. Keep in mind that many lakes are drawn down and refilled from time to time, depending on the season and local water needs. Measuring the correct depth with accuracy will be the toughest task. If the depth varies by only a couple of feet from the shoreline to where the end of the dock will be, that’s OK too – most kit docks will have enough built-in adjustability to accommodate this.īut if your lake bottom is rocky and varies more than a couple feet in depth from the shoreline out to where the end of the dock will be, you’ll likely need some expert help. The general rule for lake bottoms: If it’s sandy and flat, you’ll have little trouble. Typically, the configuration of the lake’s bottom combined with your shoreline layout will dictate whether you’ll need help with the design, layout and installation of your dock. You may have the background and fortitude to build your own dock, but other limitations might put the brakes on your homebuilt project. See also Choosing the Best Dock For the Cabin The up-front costs will be much higher than buying materials and building it yourself, but think of the benefits: Your dock will be built right and last for many years, and those weekends you’d have to spend measuring, hammering and drilling can be spent on other things.
#DOCK DESIGNER PROFESSIONAL#
These do-it-yourself kits, which simply assemble at the shoreline and almost drop into place, are becoming more popular.īut if you can’t get up to camp for more than a day or two at a time, and/or you’re not one to tackle a major job, consider hiring a professional to design and build your dock. If you have Bob Vila-worthy skills, plenty of time, and an amenable shoreline and water depth, a “kit” dock is a great budget-friendly option. When you’re choosing what route to take in planning a new dock, it’s best to take stock of your situation and your skills.
#DOCK DESIGNER UPGRADE#
How you decide to upgrade depends on how handy you are, what type of shoreline and lake bottom you’re faced with, and your budget. Whether your dock is a total wreck or it’s just not your style, there are several resources to help you replace it, from parts, to complete building plans, to folks who will help you design and build your own and even construct it on-site.ĭocks range from very simple structures that may cost a couple thousand bucks to extremely complex systems that cost several thousand.
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