Pole Docks are designed for shallow water installations (typically less than 6′). Since very little of a Pole Dock touches the water it is the most environmentally friendly design and also the best in rough water. A pole dock is the least expensive docking solution since there is very little shoreline preparation required and the light-weight design and easy assembly will reduce your install and removal crew requirements. Your kids will thank you!!!
- Suitable for water depths up to 6ft. In general you want the width of the dock to be greater than the depth of the water to ensure stability
- Dock is extremely stable.
- Lake bed should be reasonably firm. For mucky lake beds concrete pads can be put down for support.
- Does not need to be attached to shoreline
- Life expectancy of frame is 30+ years.
Choosing a Pole Dock Size
Most Pole Docks are chosen based on water depth. How long does your dock need to be to get to water that is deep enough to swim, or dock your boat?
Choosing a width depends on how you plan to use the dock. A wide dock will be more stable in deeper water and also provides additional space for entertaining and relaxing.
Choosing a Design
When it comes to designs, you are really only limited by your imagination. Most clients, however, find one of a few common designs to be very practical for their needs.
Straight – This simple design allows for multiple mooring locations and keeps cost and complexity to a minimum
P Shape – Our most common design, this is great if you want to have an area for some chairs but only need a smaller walkway back to shore. The P Shape allows you to save some money closer to shore and spend it where it will have maximum use.
L Shape – Similar in design to the P Shape, the L Shape creates up to 3 spaces for mooring boats
T Shape – Commonly used in smaller rivers where you don’t want to extend your dock too far out into the water. The T Shape allows one bigger mooring location with easy access and a couple protected locations for smaller craft like canos & kayaks.
U Shape – This design offers great protection to your boat and leaves two other spots open for additional boats or visitors. Typically one side of the U is small and used just for boat access. The other side is large enough for chairs and entertaining.
Winterizing Your Pole Dock
Pole docks are vulnerable to ice damage and should always be removed for the winter. Our pole docks are designed with removable decking and light weight aluminum frames to make this as easy as possible. All but the biggest of our dock frames can be easily carried by 2 people. The smallest frames require only 1.
Dock Installation
Pole Docks are the easiest to install. They typically don’t require any sort of attachment to shore unless big waves are common. The ramp can simply rest on shore and each dock frame stands on adjustable legs and attaches to the dock before it. Deck panels are fastened in place once the frames are complete.
Installation is easy enough for most clients, though many prefer to have them installed professionally the first time and can maintain them on their own after that.
Any Pole Dock Design You Can Imagine
Common Pole Dock Designs: Straight, P, L, T & U
How Much Weight Can our Docks Handle? Ask Camp Chikopi!
