Budget dock system?

[veedubtek]

Finally scored a place on the water. 2000 model 28' trail lite camper on a waterfront lot. Granted, it's nothing spectacular, but it's plenty enough to enjoy weekends in/on. Problem is, no dock of any kind. Now, I'm sure this is no forever thing, but the lease is annual so it's not exactly short term either. Camper is kinda permanent there, so I'm sure we'd never try to move it. I'm not worried about the ability to move the dock later either, as I'm sure it'll help resale later if it comes to that. However, paid cash on the purchase, so kinda strapped on the finances now.

Now, I know absolutely nothing about docks. Or campers for that matter. But I'm willing to bet someone on here does...

 

[swatski]

@veedubtek That is awesome, I'm envious. I'm not going to be of much help on building docks or slips, as I just rent. But I know there is always a lot of used inventory this time of year.

 

[zipper]

Does the water level vary much throughout the season? This could determine if you should use a floating or stationary dock. A stationary dock usually has a section of galv. pipe for legs at each corner clamped via set screw and manually adjustable for varying water levels whereas a floating dock has a section of wooden or poly dock with 55gal. plastic barrels or foam strapped with old fire hose or something similar to keep it afloat. This will rise and fall with water levels. Stationary docks are more sure under foot, and the floater can be less so. As a boater I prefer pulling up to a floater as it will always be at the same level and the stationary's at least this year water levels changed 3' over the season...a lot of manual adjustment. I know I am not brand specific but these are things to consider. Also homemade wooden docks are great but usually heavy, pulling them can be difficult. Poly docks lighter, more $. Had stationary docks at my folks house, heavy until you got them in the water. Have seen some really nice floating docks with boat slips, night lighting, patio seating, grilling etc. on the lake this summer. Good luck with yours. I am sure it will be ausgezeichnet.

 

[john94si]

I bought lakefront last year finally. Docks cost much more than expected. A basic 80' with a standard house cost about $23k here in Florida. I only have 60' with my 3 floating docks for my skis right now.
Ski floating dock is $1800 each plus the 60 feet of dock was $4k. I will finish and get my boat house maybe next year.
Ask neighbors who they used and recommend. We have many choices of course in this area and i chose one of referrals and he was fast and its solid and dead straight.

Keep in mind if that lake freezes at all you usually just get aluminum and have to remove it every winter.

 

[Julian]

@veedubtek So where did you score this property? Will the dock you build accommodate my boat as well as yours? LOL

I'm following this now!

One thing to keep in mind here in NC is that if you leave the boat sitting in the water she will grow some serious algae on her...which will slow your boat down by 10-15 mph! This also means to run at 20mph, you will need 20-30% higher RPM to keep that speed (read...more gas). This is why I bought an airdock to get my boat out of the water.

 

[Andy S]

@veedubtek first I would check with whoever manages the lake, local utility, army corp, state agency, etc, to see 1) if your land can even be permitted for a dock and 2) what are the specific rules on what you can and can't do for a dock.

 

[veedubtek]

Yeah, it had a permit at one time, but expired. Waiting on a callback tomorrow to see what I need to do to get another.

It's on High Rock Lake, @Julian. Please feel free to leave your boat here all the time!! I promise to keep gas in it.

Hell, I'm boat less at the moment, but looking for a cheap fishing pontoon to use throughout the winter, alongside our skis and kayaks that is.

 

[zipper]

This dock catches my eye every time I pass by. The owner has a pretty nice set up. His house is on the ledge above. Several levels of deck/dock as these floaters will be pulled soon. A light pole for night time landing, big platform with a u shaped docking for a boat entering from the right.Sorry for poor picture quality from my moving boat.

 

[robert843]

Boat show season is right around the corner and most of them will have dock guys there I would check those out. If your looking for a cheap way to keep the skis up there look into a beach dolly you should be able to launch from your property with those and pull them out when done at the end of the weekend.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Keep an eye out on craigs list for used docks.

Hard part is setting the posts. If you've got a mud bottom you can use a pressure washer to dig as you repetitively drop and push a 4x4 or 6x6 post.

 

[veedubtek]

Many of my neighbors have empty docks at the moment. Hoping to have new friends real quick that may let me park for the winter. Permit process looks like it's gonna take a minute thanks to the property owner. I have found quite a few cheap used docks though, just can't do anything with em yet. Worst case, I do have a mooring ball and a tree. Stayed there last night. Man. Just perfect.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Got electricity?

 

[veedubtek]

Yessir. Turned on yesterday.