This said, it all depends on the type of dock you are looking for, so let’s explore both options.
Docks range from very simple structures that may cost a couple thousand bucks to extremely complex systems that cost several thousand. What you decide to build depends on how handy you are, what type of shoreline and lake bottom you’re faced with, and your budget.
Here are 5 key elements to consider before you start building your boat dock yourself
1. Be honest about your handyman status
A ‘’kit’’ dock can be a budget-friendly option, if you have some skills, lots of time and an amenable shoreline and water depth. These do-it-yourself kits, which simply assemble at the shoreline and almost drop into place, are becoming more popular.
If you don’t feel confident in your handyman skills, or if you lack time to do the job, consider hiring a professional to design and build your dock.
The up-front costs of hiring a professional will be higher than buying materials and building it yourself, but you will reap many benefits such as a dock built right for many years, and you’ll be able to enjoy your weekends, instead of spending them measuring, hammering and drilling.
2. Your lake bed and depth
Even if you’re handy, some limitations may stop you during your project. The configuration of your lake’s bottom combined with your shoreline layout will dictate whether you’ll need help with the design, layout and installation of your dock.
Sandy and flat lake bottoms will not give you trouble. Same if the depth variation from the shoreline to the end of your dock is small. Most kit docks have enough adjustability to accommodate this.
However, if you’re faced with a rocky lake bottom, or if the variation from the shoreline to where the end of the dock will be is more than a few feet, you may need to call in the experts.
In some areas, lakes are drawn down and refilled from time to time, so you may need a dock that you can adjust regularly to the varying depths. A floating dock would be ideal in this situation.
3. Materials and construction
Most standard kit docks will offer aluminum (for legs and framework) and synthetics, such as plastic (for decking material). Using these types of materials offer some advantages (over wood) in durability, strength and weather resistance.
They are also easy to install and remove. Without a wheel system or help to carry the load, a wood dock is impossible to install and remove alone.
If you choose a wooden dock, you’ll need to check local regulations regarding chemical treatment and lake concerns; some municipalities prohibit the use of chemically treated wood due to the fear that it will contaminate lake water.
Your hardware should always be galvanized for corrosion resistance; if it’s not in your budget, choose stainless steel.
4. Design and layout
The type, size, shape and location of your dock will depend on your shoreline and lake-bottom configuration, as well as municipal rules and regulations. It’s always best to check with your local municipality about existing regulations, whether you’re repairing an existing dock or replacing it, and especially if you’re planning an expansion or complete replacement. If you violate some rules, you may be subject to fines, or worse: you may have to tear down what you’ve built.
The type of boat you are playing with may also vary the configuration and length of your dock. To dock a boat any bigger than a PWC or fishing skiff, you’ll need at least a few feet of water depth, and that could mean extending your dock out more than you originally thought.
A typical stern-drive boat needs a few feet of depth at the stern so the outdrive won’t ground on the lake bottom. A lighter outboard rig can usually get by with less depth, but 2 feet should be considered the minimum.
If your shoreline is very shallow and local regulations do not allow you to extend the dock out, you may have to consider dredging (removing sediment from the lake bottom to increase depth). This is a relatively simply technique, but depending on the local regulations and environmental concerns, it can turn quite complex.
5. Winter worries
In Canada, most lakes freeze, so a solid winter plan is a must. Many kit docks are designed to be removed in the fall and reinstalled in spring. A pipe dock needs to be removed, while a floating dock should either be removed or relocated to a sheltered spot.
The only dock that remains in place is a permanent dock, which, due to its construction, is able to withstand a certain buildup of ice. However, in an area where there may be a larger buildup of ice, it might be necessary to install de-icers around the dock legs. These de-icers oscillate the water in order to reduce the buildup of ice and prevent damage.
Our advice is that when it’s time to construct or repair your dock, don’t go it alone. Without a professional, your dock project will take longer and be much more aggravating than it needs to be.
About MultiKit
Multikit was borne out of the fusion of several passions: wakeboarding, wakesurfing, boating and construction. If you're a water sports enthusiast, you know how important it is to moor your boat and we understand you.
For more than 20 years, we have carried out hundreds of dock projects of all kinds and for all types of boats for residential applications as well as for marinas. We are passionate about our work and we are only satisfied when you are. Boating is a passion and our expertise in designing systems and installing your docks is our business.