May 9, 2024

Adjustable Boat Dock Legs: How They Work

Written by ShoreMaster Marketing

Introduction to ShoreMaster's Adjustable Dock Leg

Do you ever feel like your dock is a little uneven or unstable? If so, you’re not alone. Uneven terrain and changing water depths often compromise dock stability. Fortunately for waterfront enthusiasts, ShoreMaster’s adjustable screw legs offer an innovative, straightforward solution for transforming your dock into a versatile platform capable of handling various environmental conditions.

Unlike traditional stationary dock legs, our adjustable screw legs allow dock owners to easily adapt their setups to fluctuating water levels, uneven lake beds, and different seasonal conditions without compromising stability. For decades, we’ve been at the forefront of innovative docking solutions. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and reliability has established ShoreMaster as the market leader across various markets in North America. Our adjustable dock legs are a testament to this commitment. 

How Adjustable Screw Legs Work

Our adjustable dock legs operate on a simple yet effective mechanism. Each leg has a threaded screw section that you can rotate to extend or retract the leg. By turning the screw, dock owners can adjust the height of each leg individually, ensuring the dock surface remains level and stable, even when the underwater terrain is not. 

Aside from improving stability, adding adjustable dock legs to your system significantly enhances its adaptability to fluctuating water depths. They’re an ideal solution for waterfronts that experience more dramatic seasonal changes. Moreover, adjusting each leg to create a consistently level platform reduces stress on the dock frame and prevents uneven wear on decking materials, ultimately extending the lifespan of your entire docking system.  

Benefits of Adjustable Aluminum Dock Legs

Our adjustable screw legs are crafted from high-grade aluminum, offering advantages over traditional, less robust materials. Here’s a closer look at what sets our adjustable aluminum dock legs apart:

• Durability: In addition to its strength and lightweight properties, aluminum is inherently resistant to corrosion and wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for marine applications. As an article published in Advanced Materials and Processes noted, “The natural attributes of aluminum make it an excellent choice over traditional materials like wood or steel, which are more susceptible to environmental wear and tear. Aluminum's inherent characteristics allow for less frequent replacements, making it a cost-effective option in the long term (Sanders, R., & Marshall, G (2023).”
• Improved stability: By allowing for precise leveling, adjustable dock legs ensure your dock remains stable and secure, preventing rocking or uneven walking surfaces. This enhanced stability translates to a safer and more enjoyable experience for you and your loved ones.
• Ease of adjustment: The threaded screw mechanism incorporated in our adjustable dock legs facilitates quick and effortless adjustments. This is particularly advantageous for dock owners who frequently adjust their dock configuration for different applications or who need to respond quickly to changing water levels. 
• Versatility: Our adjustable dock legs come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate a wide range of dock types and water depths, including standard, shallow, super shallow, and deep water. We also offer adjustable screw legs with foot pads for sectional docks and poly tires for wheel-in systems. 

Whether you have a small floating dock, a larger, multi-section platform, or a wheel-in system, we have the perfect solution for enhancing your waterfront’s versatility. Contact us today to learn more about our adjustable dock legs and to find a local ShoreMaster dealer near you.  

Choosing the Right Adjustable Screw Legs for Your Boat Dock and Lift

Selecting the appropriate adjustable screw legs for your boat dock and lift involves considering the following essential factors:

• Weight capacity: Ensure the legs can support the weight of the dock and any additional loads, such as boat lifts, dock accessories, and other equipment. 
• Water type: Freshwater and saltwater environments have different demands. We offer aluminum screw legs specifically designed for saltwater applications featuring additional corrosion-resistant properties. 
• Environmental conditions: If your dock experiences strong winds, currents, or ice floes, you may require heavy-duty screw legs with wider footpads for added stability. 

Contact us today for personalized recommendations and expert advice on choosing the appropriate adjustable screw legs for your boat docking system. 

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Ease of ownership is a fundamental element of all ShoreMaster products. As such, installing our adjustable screw legs is a straightforward process often completed with readily available tools. 

Here are some practical tips to make installation an even more seamless process:

• Assess the terrain: Before installation, evaluate the lakebed, riverbed, or seabed to determine the best leg configuration. 
• Preparation: Ensure the dock section is level before attaching the screw legs. Mark the desired placement for each leg on the underside of the dock frame. 
• Attachment: Securely fasten the legs to the dock frame using the provided hardware. Double-check all connections for tightness before placing the dock in the water. 

Maintaining ShoreMaster screw legs is equally simple. Here are a few general guidelines:

• Regular inspections: Check the legs periodically for signs of wear or damage, especially after severe weather. 
• Lubricate moving parts: Apply marine-grade lubricant to the threaded mechanism to maintain smooth operation and enhance performance and longevity. A study published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) notes that without proper lubrication, moving parts would wear at a rapid rate (Goering, C., & Hansen, A., 2004). 
• Clean regularly: Remove any debris or sediment that may have accumulated around the legs to prevent blockage and corrosion. 

Installation instructions are available online for all ShoreMaster boat docks, lifts, and dock accessories. Refer to the installation instructions for individual and coordinating products listed in the specifications. For more information, assistance, concerns, and inquiries, contact the ShoreMaster support team today. 

Get Started with ShoreMaster's Adjustable Dock Legs Today

Integrate a new level of stability and versatility to your dock system and make concerns about uneven terrain and fluctuating water levels a thing of the past with ShoreMaster’s adjustable dock legs. Visit your local dealer today to discuss your docking needs and explore how these innovative solutions can transform your dock system. 

Take control of your waterfront experience and start your journey towards a better, more versatile dock solution today!

References:

• Sanders, R., & Marshall, G. (2023). Aluminum Applications in Marine Transportation. AM&P Technical Articles. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.amp.2023-04.p023  
• Goering, C., & Hansen, A. (2004). CHAPTER 13Lubricants and Lubricating Systems. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.13031/2013.24133