Dock and Dock Related Frequently Asked Questions
Leisure Series Dock Systems from On the Water Designs are the ultimate solution for Do-It-Yourselfers. Each frame bolts together meaning a full system can be picked up in a pick-up truck or a minivan. Each system is designed to be modular so you can expand & modify your dock design any time you choose. If you like the look of the leisure series products but don’t want to build it yourself we offer assembly, delivery & installation services.
Designer Series Dock Systems are designed using welded frames to give us maximum flexibility when designing your dock system. With a variety of standard sizes, and the ability to custom design anything special, Designer Series Docks are sure to suit your needs. Delivery & Installation services are available for any of these systems.
Here at On The Water Designs, “What kind of a dock do I need?” is one of the most common questions we receive.
Although nothing beats a personal consultation with our knowledgeable dock building and design team, clicking the link below and answering 3 quick questions will allow us to make an initial recommendation as to what type of dock will best suit your waterfront property.
On the Water Designs is located in Muskoka Ontario. We are in Kilworthy which is just south of Gravenhurst. We will ship just about anywhere but we also have a network of dealers and installers in the following regions: Apsley, Callander, Haliburton, Kanata, Marmora, Meaford, Porters Lake, Temagami. Click here for a list of our Authorized On The Water Designs Dealers.
When choosing between the Designer Series Pole Dock leg options, the Standard Leg design offers unlimited height adjustment by allowing the pipe to extend through the decking. Conversely, the Hidden Leg upgrade provides a cleaner aesthetic by concealing the pipe beneath the surface, offering eight inches of adjustment for those who prioritize a flush, unobstructed dock appearance.
The Designer Series Pole Dock is designed for easy DIY installation, as the lightweight aluminum frames can typically be managed by two to four people. By removing the modular “5 Board” decking panels, you significantly reduce the frame’s weight during transport. For added convenience, wheel kits, temporary floats, or professional seasonal service recommendations are available to simplify the process.
For your Designer Series Pole Dock, you can select from three distinct decking materials tailored to your budget and aesthetic. Choose MicroPro Pressure Treated lumber for a cost-effective solution, or Western Red Cedar for a natural, environmentally sensitive look. For maximum durability and color retention without staining, PVC and wood-grain PVC+ options offer a premium, low-maintenance finish.
The Designer Series Pole Dock frame is virtually maintenance-free because aluminum does not rust like steel. Above the waterline, the aluminum naturally matures to a dull silvery-grey. When submerged, it develops a dark grey protective oxide layer that shields the metal from corrosion, ensuring long-term structural integrity and performance in freshwater environments without the need for painting or specialized treatments.
The Designer Series Pole Dock is versatile across various lakebeds, performing best on firm, sandy, or rocky bottoms using standard 5-inch feet. For softer terrain where you might sink above your ankles, 8-inch feet or permanent 18-inch patio stones provide necessary stability. However, if the muck is deep enough to make seasonal installation difficult, a floating dock system may be a more practical alternative.
For the Designer Series Pole Dock, choosing between section sizes is a balance of weight and speed. Smaller sections are significantly lighter and easier to store in tight spaces, making them ideal for one or two people to manage. While larger sections (like 15′ or 20′ lengths) require more people to move, they offer a faster overall installation by reducing the number of connections.
LEISURE SERIES POLE DOCKS FAQs
Leisure Series dock frames can be assembled in approximately 60 minutes by anyone comfortable using standard hand tools like ratchets and wrenches while following simple drawings. While your first section may take twice as long as you familiarize yourself with the process, no specialized tools or technical industry knowledge are required to complete the assembly.
One of the biggest advantages of the Leisure Series is its portability. An assembled 5′ x 10′ aluminum frame weighs approximately 75 lbs. This lightweight design allows two people to easily carry and position the frame without the need for heavy machinery, making it the perfect solution for water-access properties or locations with difficult terrain.
We offer three primary decking options for the Leisure Series, each tailored to different maintenance and aesthetic preferences:
Pressure Treated Wood: Our most cost-effective option. These panels are durable and functional, though they may require more long-term maintenance than synthetic alternatives.
Western Red Cedar: The quintessential Muskoka choice. It offers a premium natural look, stays cool in the sun, and smells great, though it does require periodic staining.
DESIGNER SERIES POLE DOCKS FAQs
When choosing between the Designer Series Pole Dock leg options, the Standard Leg design offers unlimited height adjustment by allowing the pipe to extend through the decking. Conversely, the Hidden Leg upgrade provides a cleaner aesthetic by concealing the pipe beneath the surface, offering eight inches of adjustment for those who prioritize a flush, unobstructed dock appearance.
The Designer Series Pole Dock is designed for easy DIY installation, as the lightweight aluminum frames can typically be managed by two to four people. By removing the modular “5 Board” decking panels, you significantly reduce the frame’s weight during transport. For added convenience, wheel kits, temporary floats, or professional seasonal service recommendations are available to simplify the process.
For your Designer Series Pole Dock, you can select from three distinct decking materials tailored to your budget and aesthetic. Choose MicroPro Pressure Treated lumber for a cost-effective solution, or Western Red Cedar for a natural, environmentally sensitive look. For maximum durability and color retention without staining, PVC and wood-grain PVC+ options offer a premium, low-maintenance finish.
The Designer Series Pole Dock frame is virtually maintenance-free because aluminum does not rust like steel. Above the waterline, the aluminum naturally matures to a dull silvery-grey. When submerged, it develops a dark grey protective oxide layer that shields the metal from corrosion, ensuring long-term structural integrity and performance in freshwater environments without the need for painting or specialized treatments.
The Designer Series Pole Dock is versatile across various lakebeds, performing best on firm, sandy, or rocky bottoms using standard 5-inch feet. For softer terrain where you might sink above your ankles, 8-inch feet or permanent 18-inch patio stones provide necessary stability. However, if the muck is deep enough to make seasonal installation difficult, a floating dock system may be a more practical alternative.
For the Designer Series Pole Dock, choosing between section sizes is a balance of weight and speed. Smaller sections are significantly lighter and easier to store in tight spaces, making them ideal for one or two people to manage. While larger sections (like 15′ or 20′ lengths) require more people to move, they offer a faster overall installation by reducing the number of connections.
LEISURE SERIES POLE DOCKS FAQs
Leisure Series dock frames can be assembled in approximately 60 minutes by anyone comfortable using standard hand tools like ratchets and wrenches while following simple drawings. While your first section may take twice as long as you familiarize yourself with the process, no specialized tools or technical industry knowledge are required to complete the assembly.
One of the biggest advantages of the Leisure Series is its portability. An assembled 5′ x 10′ aluminum frame weighs approximately 75 lbs. This lightweight design allows two people to easily carry and position the frame without the need for heavy machinery, making it the perfect solution for water-access properties or locations with difficult terrain.
We offer three primary decking options for the Leisure Series, each tailored to different maintenance and aesthetic preferences:
Pressure Treated Wood: Our most cost-effective option. These panels are durable and functional, though they may require more long-term maintenance than synthetic alternatives.
Western Red Cedar: The quintessential Muskoka choice. It offers a premium natural look, stays cool in the sun, and smells great, though it does require periodic staining.
ThruFlow PVC: A high-performance, open-grated panel. It allows light and water to pass through, reducing the “uplift” force from waves and eliminating the need for sanding or staining.
Clubhouse PVC: The ultimate low-maintenance luxury. These solid panels provide a high-end wood-grain look without the fading, splintering, or maintenance of real wood. They are highly resistant to stains and moisture.
The Leisure Series features a built-in accessory track along the outer perimeter of the aluminum frame. The EZ-Glide bumper system is designed to slide directly into this track, eliminating the need to drill holes into your brand-new dock. This system allows you to position your vertical bumpers exactly where your boat’s rub rail makes contact. Because they are adjustable, you can easily slide them to a new position if you switch to a different boat or PWC.
DESIGNER SERIES TOWER DOCKS FAQS
Tower Docks require a stable shoreline anchor to support their unique lifting mechanism. The ideal foundation is natural Canadian Shield bedrock for maximum security. Alternatively, custom-poured concrete pads or shore platforms with posts driven into sand or clay provide the necessary structural integrity to ensure your dock remains safe and functional throughout the changing seasons.
On The Water Designs offers both manual and electric winch options for our Tower Docks, allowing clients to choose their preferred level of convenience. While the removable winch system is designed for safe operation by a single person, we recommend having two people present during seasonal installation and removal to ensure maximum safety when working around the water.
On The Water Designs Tower Docks are available in lengths up to 50 feet and widths up to 8 feet to suit various shoreline needs. For those seeking extra space, a 10’ long x 15’ wide “T” style end patio can be integrated into the design. Offset “P” configurations are also possible. These expansive dimensions provide a stable and spacious waterfront platform.
Designer Series Tower Docks are typically recommended for water depths of up to 8’. While these systems have been installed in up to 15’ of water as well, deeper water applications require the addition of anti-sway bracing between the leg supports to maintain the structural stability and rigidity of the dock.
On The Water Designs offers traditional Pressure Treated and Western Red Cedar wood decking, which provide a classic look but require regular seasonal staining and eventual replacement. For a modern, low-maintenance alternative, ThruFlow and Solid PVC decking is available. While wood naturally deteriorates over time, durable PVC decking can be easily maintained using a low-pressure power washer.
FLOATING DOCKS FAQS
Floating Docks require a stable shoreline anchor to support their hinge point. The ideal foundation is natural Canadian Shield bedrock for maximum security. Alternatively, custom-poured concrete pads or shore platforms with posts driven into sand or clay provide the necessary structural integrity to ensure your dock remains safe and functional throughout the changing seasons.
DESIGNER SERIES FLOATING DOCKS FAQS
Our Designer Series Floating Dock systems are specifically engineered to withstand the rigorous freezing and thawing cycles of Ontario winters. The heavy-duty roto-molded floats are ice-safe and can remain in the water year-round. Where ice movement threatens to push docks into the shoreline, our lightweight aluminum frames make removal as easy as possible in these high-risk areas, ensuring your investment remains protected against environmental shifting.
Our Designer Series Floating Docks systems utilize high-capacity box floats to ensure maximum stability and a level walking surface. The flat-bottom design prevents the dock from dipping significantly when weight is applied to the edges, providing a firm feel underfoot. With individual floats measuring up to 3’x8′ and supporting 1350 lbs each, buoyancy is concentrated exactly where it is needed most to prevent tipping.
To secure our Floating Docks, we primarily utilize 350 lb concrete anchors and galvanized chains crossed in an “X” pattern to minimize lateral swaying. While chain tension may require occasional manual adjustment as water levels recede, we also offer spud poles for high-fluctuation areas. These vertical posts allow the dock to slide freely up and down, providing a secure, self-adjusting mooring solution that requires no seasonal maintenance.
The Designer Series Pole Dock is engineered with the structural integrity required to serve as a stable starting point for a hybrid floating system. This configuration is ideal for shorelines that extend through shallow areas before reaching the deep water necessary for floating sections. While not all frames can withstand the unique leverage and pressure of a floating attachment, our heavy-duty design ensures a seamless, secure transition across varying depths.
TITAN SERIES FLOATING DOCKS FAQS
Titan Series Floating Docks are specifically engineered for high-traffic and wavy environments. Unlike standard billet floats that sit on the surface, our 14″ diameter HDPE pontoon floats allow waves to roll through the system, providing superior wave negation. Built with a robust extruded aluminum frame, these docks offer the stability and durability required for challenging open-water conditions.
Titan Series Floating Docks are typically secured using heavy-duty chain and 350 LB concrete anchors or stiff-arm systems connected to the shoreline. These methods allow the dock to rise and fall naturally with fluctuating water levels. By adjusting the chain tension or arm pivot, the dock remains stable and safely positioned even during significant seasonal water changes.
Titan Series Floating Docks typically feature a standard freeboard height of 14″ to 16″. While designed for stability, this height will decrease as weight is added to the system. Common factors that lower the freeboard include heavy PVC decking, patio furniture, and umbrellas, as well as the presence of larger groups of people during social gatherings
CLASSIC SERIES FLOATING DOCKS FAQS
On The Water Designs floating docks, including Classic, Designer, and Titan Series, provide a standard capacity of approximately 27 lbs per square foot. While aluminum frames are lighter than wood and sit higher, all series offer customizable options to increase buoyancy and weight capacity if your specific shoreline situation or usage requirements demand additional stability.
Classic Series Floating Docks utilize heavy-duty, rotomolded billet floats bolted directly to the 2″ x 6″ pressure-treated wood frame using extruded aluminum dock hardware. These floats feature a rugged polyethylene shell that is resistant to puncture, UV rays, and environmental contaminants. The floats are attached using hot-dipped galvanized fasteners and internal blocking is added to prevent frame twisting. This robust wooden structure provides a traditional look and a heavy, stable feel on the water that many cottagers prefer.
Classic Series floating docks are engineered to survive the freeze/thaw cycles of northern winters, provided they are protected from moving ice. Standard winterization involves disconnecting ramp hinges and lengthening anchor chains so the dock can rise with spring floods without shifting concrete anchors. In areas prone to ice movement, we recommend relocating the dock to a sheltered bay or removing it completely to prevent shoreline crushing..
BOAT LIFTS FAQS
Vertical boat lifts are the preferred choice in Muskoka due to their superior adaptability to varying water depths and higher lifting range. Unlike cantilever lifts, which are limited by a fixed pivot height and best suited for water depths of 5’ or less, vertical lifts feature a carriage that travels straight up and down within the frame. This design, combined with adjustable 4′ support legs (6’ leg upgrade available), ensures your boat stays high and dry even as lake levels fluctuate throughout the season.
On The Water Designs provides Vertical Boat Lifts with capacities starting at 2,500 lbs and scaling up to 8,000 lbs. To accommodate specialized hulls, we offer dedicated Pontoon and Tritoon bunk kits for balanced support. Additionally, our Ski Bunk Kits utilize extended brackets to provide vital clearance, preventing wakeboard boat tracking fins from contacting the lift frame.
Upgrading to an electric winch eliminates the physical strain of manual cranking, allowing you to lift or lower your boat with a remote or key switch. For docks without AC power, solar charging kits (12V or 24V) provide a reliable, eco-friendly solution to keep batteries charged. These systems increase operational speed and convenience, making it easier to secure your boat quickly during sudden storms or rough water.
Hydraulic boat lifts offer the fastest and quietest operation on the market, typically raising a vessel in under a minute with the push of a button. By replacing traditional winches and winding cables with sealed hydraulic cylinders, these lifts eliminate common issues like cable fraying or “bird-nesting.” Their low-profile design also provides a cleaner look that preserves your waterfront view.
On The Water Designs utilizes CHEVRON CLARITY® AW ISO 32 hydraulic oil, an inherently biodegradable and ashless (zinc-free) formula designed for environmentally sensitive areas. This non-toxic fluid provides a significantly safer alternative to conventional anti-wear hydraulic oils, ensuring that the delicate lake ecosystem is protected from the environmental damage typically associated with industrial oil spills.
Hydraulic boat lifts require minimal but essential maintenance to ensure long-term reliability. Annually, you should check fluid levels, inspect hoses for signs of wear, and grease all pivot points equipped with bronze bushings.
ACCESSORIES FAQS
For boat protection, our Heavy Slant P Bumper is a top choice due to its reinforced internal supports and unique angled profile. The slanted bottom ensures that if a boat rides up due to waves, it deflects off the bumper rather than getting snagged. For high-impact areas, we provide large protective corners for maximum cushioning, while our decorative corners offer a matching, streamlined look for areas with less boat activity.
For the best user experience, our 15-degree Angled Ladders are the most popular choice as they require significantly less upper-body strength to climb compared to vertical versions. For those prioritizing maximum accessibility, particularly children or older adults, we also offer 45-degree Dock Staircases. These provide the ultimate easy-entry solution, allowing swimmers to walk into and out of the water with the comfort of a standard household staircase.