If you’ve got lakefront property, chances are you’ve thought about putting in a dock or boat lift—or maybe upgrading what you already have. It’s a solid investment that makes life at the lake a whole lot more enjoyable.
But before you start building or buying, it helps to know the right questions to ask. At Sidco Docks, we’ve been doing this for a long time, and these are the questions we recommend thinking about before you start any installation.
1. What Kind of Dock Works Best for My Shoreline?
This is one of the first—and most important—questions to figure out. Not every dock will work with every shoreline. Things like slope, water depth, lake bottom (rocky, sandy, muddy), and wave action all play a part in what type of dock is best for your spot.
A quick tip: What worked great for your neighbor might not work the same for you. That’s why we always take a close look at your shoreline before making any recommendations.
2. How Will the Dock Be Installed (and Removed)?
Some people don’t realize just how involved dock installation and removal can be—until they’re knee-deep in freezing lake water trying to carry a 10-foot section by hand.
That’s why we use barge services at Sidco Docks. It lets us float everything in and out with minimal disruption, even on steep or hard-to-access shorelines. It’s faster, safer, and saves you the hassle.
3. What Kind of Boat Lift Do I Actually Need?
If you’re adding a boat lift, you’ll want to make sure it’s the right size and strength for your boat. You’d be surprised how many people guess here—and it usually leads to issues down the road.
We’ll help you figure out:
Getting the right lift the first time makes a huge difference.
4. What Kind of Maintenance Should I Expect?
Some docks and lifts are pretty low-maintenance, while others need a little more attention throughout the year. It’s always a good idea to ask what kind of upkeep your system will need so there aren’t any surprises later on.
We’ll walk you through the basics of seasonal care and how to keep everything in good shape year after year.
5. Can I Add to It Later?
Maybe you’re starting with a basic setup now, but down the line, you want to add a seating area, an extra section, or another lift. That’s totally doable—but only if your system is designed to grow with you.
We can help plan your dock with future add-ons in mind so you don’t get boxed into a setup that limits your options.
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to docks and lifts. If you’re not sure where to start, just give us a call. At Sidco Docks, we’re happy to answer questions, walk your shoreline, and help you build a setup that makes your time at the lake even better.
Ready to talk about your dock or lift? Reach out today and let’s chat—we’ll help you get it done right.
