Dock info/ ideas appreciated

[Kaffi311]

New FSH 222 Sport E owners here. We have a house on a big lake in upstate NY and are in need of information and recommendations on a dock/ docking system. Our previous boat was a 20’ bass tracker, so we were able to just use a winch on our small beach and pull it up. Not gonna happen with the new boat. We’re just starting our search as we’re not up the lake yet for the summer. Our lake does freeze over in the winter to the point that people drive on it to go ice fishing in tournaments- and we do get ice heaving (lol- is that what it’s called?) when the ice is breaking up.
Most everyone on the lake has boats, but their docks are removable for the winter. We just ran across ads for the EZ dock system where you basically drive on- but I don’t know if they’re easily removable? Also, can you even use one of these with a jet boat? Anyone have any ideas or suggestions for things we can start looking at? We do have a builder that we are going to touch base with when we get up there-but would really appreciate any suggestions from fellow jet boat owners as to what kind of docking system may work for us so we can do some searching. Thank you.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

@biffdotorg maybe you have an idea or two for these folks…

 

[drewkaree]

Identify what you want to do. Do you want to get the boat out of the water, or do you feel comfortable leaving it tied to the dock? Sounds like you're looking for a lift, or some other such method.

My neighbor used to be an installer for Floe, and everyone who has one seems happy with them, but that's a kick to the wallet.

You state that there's ice heave, so I would say that you MUST have a removable system in place, or it's not going to survive more than 2 seasons, if you're lucky. Do you have room for the sections on your shoreline? If not, a short pier and a lift is likely gonna be the best you can do.

Ice is absolutely devastating, if you don't have a sheltered area. We couldn't and wouldn't put anything on the lake side of our property, but the sheltered creek side has had a serviceable pier in place, and left in all winter, for at least 8 years now. All depends on the area

 

[anmut]

Pro's and con's of different types of docks from my experience.

Used metal & wood dock:
Heavy, so installation and removal each season is a pain. Wood surfaces can heat up and can be slippery if they're too smooth. Wood will probably need maintenance on a regular basis. But, very stable when you walk on it and a nice mounting point to tie a boat to.

Used or new aluminum and plastic:
Very easy to install and remove (roll out and roll in with just two guys). Surface will be slip-free and cool. But, it can be kind of wobbly (especially if you have long legs at the ends) and some of the dock surfaces in plastic are not nice on virgin bare feet. Light aluminum docks are fine for wet slipping during the day, but I wouldn't trust them for long term tie-ups.

Floating docks - these seem to be the way to go, although they're expensive. Stable and large, and very configurable. Installation and removal is fairly painless.

If the boat is going to stay at the lake, 100% get a lift and run power to it so you can trickle charge your batteries.

 

[biffdotorg]

@biffdotorg maybe you have an idea or two for these folks…

The best bet for anyone that is unfamiliar with this topic is to call a local dock/lift company. In MN, they are everywhere, as we have over 10,000 lakes. But in your state, there should be plenty as well.

I say state by state, as your local regulations have to be kept in mind as well. In MN, where there are zebra mussels, if you buy a used dock or lift, technically you cannot move until it has sat out of the water for 30-45 days (something like that) Many do, but it is illegal.

Any form of lift is going to require a dock, as you have to get to the boat. Except for the type of dolly system you are using there. They do make those for all sizes of boats and in many states you can run that tram system into a boat house. We can't build structures that close to the water, so the ones that have been grandfathered in are trophys.

For a dock, you have to figure out how far out you are going, and what depths you are working with, as the legs are interchangeable, and you need the right ones for the depth. If you drop off crazy fast, your only option may be a floating dock and floating lift. EIther way, with ice, you have to pull it out annually, so no wood and no steel.

At this point, if you are not familar with that either, a dock/lift company will usually offer those services as well, and possibly storage for your dock and lift if you have minimal yard space. I literally pull my dock sections and bury them in the woods out of site, as our home is year around and not seasonal. My lifts, I float 400ft to our private landing and pull out and hide in the woods as well.

There are many good dock/lift MFG's out there. Many are regional, as they specialize based on the water and conditions of the region. Floe is MFG here in MN, so it is quite popular. Shoremaster is another.

I just dropped in 3 pieces of my floe dock last night. (quite a few to go) Water is up to 60f so it's not too bad. It so easy to push out each section, click them together and adjust the legs with a drill. Game over. The big pieces I may use my ballast bags (filled with air) to assist as floating them is easier than trying to roll them in deep water. I just have no leverage by myself.

Our Yamaha boat sits on a 5000lb Floe VSD, 24v with 24' canopy. Once we crank it up, she sits high and dry. We can lower it down for easy entry and then all the way. Guide poles for padded driving into the lift. I have bumpers off the bow to stop the boat when driving in. It auto centers with the guide poles.

Best of luck, reply back with questions if you have any.