New dock, what to look for?

[sptitz]

Looking at getting an aluminum dock next spring, about 50 ft long 5 ft of water. Do I want two wheels on the water end and ridgid? Multipule wheels every 8-10 ft, flexable? The yard is not too steep on the way down, there is a bit of a rock wall about two feet high before the few feet of sand beach. Watched the sales videos, they all make it look easy. Wondering what your expierences have been. Thanks

[timjones]

I have an aluminum roll in that is 64 feet. I would go with wheels on the water end with stabilizer chains and a set of wheels near the shore end. Also, I have the vinyl decking on mine. One of my neighbors has the aluminum decking. My choice would be the aluminum if I was to do it over.

[Tom7227]

About 4 years ago I did a lot of research for my neighbrhood association. What I found wasn't surprising - great variability in quality and thus pricing. Since it is a group of folks with varying docking skills I was interested in durability and the ability to take 'impacts'. VDock in Forest Lake was a far superior product than anything else I saw. Pricey but a great design for raising and lowering it as the water level changes during the year. I suggest that you go to a number of different shops and check on the stuff and listen to the sales pitches. It can be a bit painful to get the slick talking talk'ers but you can learn something every time.

[IcePro]

Bought a Floe Dock two years ago and all I can say is WOW.

Easy to put into the lake and easy to take out. 16 foot sections with wheels and easy to adjust the height.

We have 6 sections (96 feet) and my wife and I can take it out of the lake in less than a hour.

We have to pull it over a bank about 24" and have no problem.

The are on the expensive side but worth it.

[Jameson]

I admit to being very biased as a dock laborer....

Don't get a roll-in, get a 'tonka dock' system. Companies like Crepeau, Niccum, Servadock, etc.

Ok, a roll-in probably fits your situation best, but still get a tonka dock system darn it. Sorry, I don't have enough experience with the different roll-ins to offer any help.

[ChuckN]

I spent months researching docks last year trying to find the perfect dock. I have about a 3' drop with rock rip-rap shoreline and limited space to store a dock. I didn't want a massive dock in the yard 6 months of the year.

I found a guy that custom builds docks. Roll-in dock sections of 12' each and he built it to my liking. All aluminum decking w/ custom paint colors. I can install and take out the 12' sections myself and store them in pieces out of the sight and out of the way. Price was cheaper than I could find elsewhere, and incredible quality.

If you are near west-central MN I can give you some info/pics to consider.

[goose89]

Bought a Floe Dock two years ago and all I can say is WOW.

Easy to put into the lake and easy to take out. 16 foot sections with wheels and easy to adjust the height.

We have 6 sections (96 feet) and my wife and I can take it out of the lake in less than a hour.

We have to pull it over a bank about 24" and have no problem.

The are on the expensive side but worth it.

+1. Lots to choose from, but I love Floe's system. Can't make em much easier to move around, set up, level and take out....5+ years and still say WOW! Usually don't have to, but I took entire dock and platform (with 4 wheels) out by myself, with minor help from 4 wheeler to get up 3 ft rip rap bank.

[landscaper]

chuckN

My folks are looking for a new dock.

I would like to know the guy who did yours? From WestCentral Mn

thanks!

[ChuckN]

PM sent landscaper

[sptitz]

Thanks everyone, your input helps alot.

[merkman]

VDock in Forest Lake was a far superior product than anything else I saw. Pricey but a great design for raising and lowering it as the water level changes during the year.

I couldn't agree more... I purchased a V-Dock this spring... after I got over the sticker shock I absolutley love it. My wife and I can put it in and take it out by ourselves in minutes, we can move it around easily once it is out of the water, nothing to take appart or reassemble, 15 year waranty, local business... yada yada yada...

If your needs are similar to ours,and you can stomach the price.... Get a V-Dock.

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