February 13, 2025

Written by ShoreMaster Marketing

Choosing the right dock system for your lake house is a significant investment in enhancing your lifestyle. Over the years, docks have become more than just a place to moor boats. They’ve become an extension of people’s homes – a haven for relaxation, spending time with loved ones, and making core memories. But with so many dock types and configurations available, how do you determine the best choice?

 

Below, we walk you through five essential questions to ask yourself before purchasing a lake house dock system, helping you navigate the process of creating the perfect waterfront oasis that meets your needs for years to come. 

Why Choosing the Right Dock System Matters for Your Lake House

Your lake house is your sanctuary. No matter how you prefer spending time on the water, a dock will likely be the centerpiece of your recreational pursuits. In addition to being the starting point for most of your waterfront activities, a well-designed dock can be an invaluable extension of your home and entertainment space. A good dock will provide safe and easy water access, withstand the elements, and adapt to seasonal changes. A great dock system enhances your waterfront experience. 

Moreover, a well-chosen dock system not only enhances your lake house’s functionality but also boosts its value and curb appeal. Lake docks can be such a lifestyle-altering investment that they deserve a lot of thought.

What Are the Different Types of Docks for Lake Houses?

Before diving into the questions that will help guide your purchasing decision, it’s important to understand the different types of docks. This will help you narrow your choices and assess which dock configuration suits your lifestyle requirements and waterfront conditions. 

At ShoreMaster, we offer three primary dock configurations:

• Standing Sectional Docks: These docks consist of interconnected frame sections and decking panels mounted on leg pockets and five-sided dock legs. This innovative design features two-way bracing for each leg pocket, which provides three points of contact for added stability. These docking solutions are suitable for areas with relatively stable water conditions.

• Wheel-In Docks: ShoreMaster's wheel-in docks are designed for easy installation and removal, making them a popular choice for seasonal users. These docks feature premium rotationally molded polytires at the base of the legs, allowing owners to easily roll them in and out of the water.
• Floating Docks: In addition to seamlessly adapting to fluctuating water levels and ensuring the boat dock remains accessible and functional regardless of environmental conditions, ShoreMaster’s floating docks can be easily installed in a diverse range of environments, from shallow to deep waters, making them one of the most versatile docking solutions available.  

Our Infinity Dock Systems lets you choose from a range of section shapes and sizes, decking options, and accessories to create a docking system that accommodates all your waterfront activities. 

What Should You Consider Before Installing a Lake Dock?

Now, let's address our first key question: What type of dock is best for my specific location and waterfront condition? This is a crucial starting point. Consider the following factors:

• Lake Characteristics: How deep is the water at your shoreline? Is it rocky, sandy, or muddy? How much does the water level fluctuate throughout the year? These factors will help determine the type of dock best suited for your property, including the optimal layout and anchoring system. 
• Weather Conditions: Prevailing conditions like strong winds, heavy rainfall, ice, and extreme temperatures can all affect the structural integrity of the dock. For example, areas prone to freezing temperatures may require removable or floating docks to prevent damage from ice expansion. Meanwhile, regions with high winds might benefit from more robust anchoring systems to withstand the forces.
• Local Regulations: This leads us to our second important question: What are the waterfront rules and regulations for installing a dock? Some zoning ordinances may specify allowable dock sizes, materials, and locations. If your property falls within a homeowner’s association, they may also have rules and guidelines for dock installations (Godin, n.d.).

Fully understanding these factors will help you identify the optimal docking solution, properly plan installation, and avoid potential issues. 

Adapting to Changing Water Levels: Why Floating Docks Are Perfect for Lakes

Floating docks are perfect for lakes because they adapt to fluctuating water levels effortlessly, ensuring year-round accessibility and stability. Unlike fixed docks, which can become unusable during extreme water level fluctuations, floating docks provide a consistently functional platform for boating and other recreational activities. This adaptability makes them optimal for lakes that experience significant seasonal changes or weather-related water level fluctuations.

Moreover, floating docks are versatile and relatively easier to install, reconfigure, and remove, making them an excellent choice for both permanent and seasonal use. Their modular design allows for customization to fit the specific needs of the lakefront property, whether for residential or commercial use. Additionally, floating docks often have fewer regulatory hurdles because they do not require driving pilings into the lakebed. Michigan, for example, does not require a permit for a seasonal dock or boat hoist that is removed at the end of the boating season (State of Michigan, n.d.).

How ShoreMaster Stands Out in Lake Dock Systems

Now, you may be wondering: Is the dock system customizable to fit evolving recreational needs? Everyone has different interests and intended uses for their docks. Some want to pack their dock full of dock accessories, like swimming ladders and paddleboard racks, while others are happy with some patio furniture for catching the sunset. The modular design of ShoreMaster Infinity Dock Systems allows you to explore dock designs for lakes that best suit your lifestyle. 

For over four decades, ShoreMaster has been pioneering technologies and designs that set the standard for quality and functionality. And nothing exemplifies our unwavering commitment to helping our customers make the most of their time on the water like our Infinity Dock Systems. With industry-leading strength and stability, unlimited configurability, and high-end aesthetics neatly tied up around ease of ownership, it’s the ultimate dock experience. Or, as we call it at ShoreMaster, just another day in waterfront excellence.

Maintenance Tips for Lake Docks: Keep Your Investment Beautiful

Before finalizing your choice, you need to ask yourself: What kind of maintenance and seasonal upkeep will the dock require, and can I commit to it? ShoreMaster’s easy-to-own docking solutions keep these requirements to a minimum. 

Below are simple maintenance tips to keep the dock in top condition:

• Regular Cleaning: Rinse your dock with fresh water and a mild soap solution to remove dirt, debris, and marine growth buildup. While you’re at it, check for loose connections or signs of wear and tear. Address minor issues promptly to prevent them from becoming bigger and costlier problems.
• Seasonal storage: For areas experiencing harsh winters and extreme weather events, consider removing your dock to prevent damage from hurricanes, storms, or ice movement. 

ShoreMaster dock systems are constructed with materials that can withstand harsh weather and water conditions with minimal upkeep. Observe these basic maintenance practices, and you can enjoy a premium docking experience for years to come.

ShoreMaster’s Dock Solutions for Every Lake House Owner

Docks exponentially enhance waterfront living in an instant. However, lakehouse docks are a significant investment. So even if you have the resources, it’s natural to ask: What are my budget constraints? While ShoreMaster offers premium docking systems, their modular design enables them to accommodate different budgets while meeting the diverse needs of lake house owners.  

For example, you can start with a simple platform and add more sections and functional accessories as your budget allows. Dock furniture can transform your dock into a relaxing outdoor living space. Lighting options can improve safety and create a beautiful ambiance for evening enjoyment.  Storage boxes can keep your boating gear and other essentials organized and readily accessible. 

The possibilities are endless, and ShoreMaster's modular system makes it easy to add these features incrementally, allowing you to create the dock of your dreams over time rather than all at once. Contact us today and take the first step to elevating your waterfront lifestyle. We’ll connect you with a local dealer so you can start building the perfect dock for your lake house.

FAQs

• What factors should I consider when designing a dock system for my lake house?

Key factors include water depth and fluctuations, shoreline characteristics, local regulations, prevailing weather conditions, and the dock's intended use. We recommend consulting with a professional dock builder or an authorized ShoreMaster dealer to help you choose the optimal system for your waterfront lifestyle. 

• How do I maintain my lake dock to ensure durability?

ShoreMaster docks are designed for durability and low maintenance. Regular inspections and basic cleaning are typically all you need to keep the dock in good condition. The high-quality materials and advanced construction techniques used in ShoreMaster docks, such as dime-welded aluminum frames, flow-through polypropylene decking, and high-density polyethylene floats, ensure long-lasting performance with minimal upkeep.

• Why should I choose ShoreMaster for my lake dock needs?

The modular design of the ShoreMaster Infinity Dock System allows for unparalleled customization and scalability. This flexibility enables you to choose features and configurations that fit your budget while still providing a high-quality docking system. This innovative design also makes it easy to install, remove, reconfigure, and expand the dock as your needs evolve or environmental conditions require.

References:

• Jeff Godin, All About Marina (n.d.). Boat Dock Rules and Regulations. Retrieved from https://allaboutmarina.com/lifestyle-activities/boat-dock-rules-and-regulations/?form=MG0AV3 
•  State of Michigan (n.d.). Docks, Boat Hoists, and Swim Rafts. Retrieved from Docks-Boat-Hoists-Swim-Raft-Handout.pdf (michigan.gov)