Answers to the most frequently asked questions
Building or upgrading a marina raises a lot of practical questions. Below are the answers we give most often, about materials, timelines, anchoring, warranties, and how we work. For questions about a specific project, see our project spotlights, and for anything not covered here, get in touch.
Materials & construction
We build our docks using hot-dipped galvanized steel framing. All framing is manufactured in-house by our experienced fabrication team and is designed for durability, low maintenance, and a finished appearance.
We build floating dock systems, anchored to the site with the method best suited to the lake and conditions.
We build several roof styles, including gable and vented-ridge roofs. A vented-ridge roof has a continuous opening along the peak that allows for some wind load relief and smoke relief in the event of a fire under the roof.
Anchoring & site work
Anchoring is chosen based on the site conditions and is individualized to each project. Common options include a winch-and-cable system (heavy-duty winches with braided stainless steel cable and anchor blocks dropped into the water), large pipe piles, or three-piece telescoping pipe anchors.
On most projects, the marina owner handles permitting before work begins. We’re happy to advise on what’s typically required.
Timeline & process
For planning purposes it is best to assume a minimum of one month from contract signing to materials being ready to ship, plus installation time that scales with the size of the project. Because of that timeline, these projects should be scheduled during the marina’s down season so they’re complete before peak boating months.
Every project starts with the site and the customer’s desired outcome. Our process spans three stages, design, manufacture, and install, so the marina gets a system matched to its shoreline, its boaters, and its business goals.
Cost, revenue & the repair-vs-replace decision
Every project is semi-custom, so there’s no flat rate. The biggest factors are slip count and dock size, the materials and roof style you choose, the anchoring system the lake calls for, and site conditions like water depth and shoreline access. Tell us what you’re planning and we can dial in the scope to give you an exact budget to work off of.
Yes. Covered slips generally rent for more than open slips, which directly increases a marina’s revenue.
Covered slips give boaters a way out of the rain and let them leave their boats in the slip under the roof year-round, with no need to take covers on and off, and no worrying about extended sun exposure damaging the boat.
It’s largely a case-by-case decision based on the income the slips produce and how often repairs are required. As a general rule, a marina with an in-house maintenance and repair team can often extend the life of existing docks much longer than one that outsources all of its repair work. When repair costs start rivaling the cost of new structures, or safety becomes a concern, replacement is usually the sound long-term call.
Service life, warranty & maintenance
Because of the steel construction and the added corrosion resistance of the galvanizing, docks can last up to 25+ years with proper maintenance.
Dock & Marina Services provides a two-year material and workmanship warranty on our manufactured products. In addition, the manufacturers carry their own warranties: a 25-year warranty on the roofing paint, a 15-year warranty on the flotation, and a 10-year warranty on the concrete decking.
After storms, the roof sheets should be checked for wind damage and any screw pullout. Anchoring hardware should be inspected periodically; with winch-and-cable systems, the winches need to be rolled in or let out as lake levels fluctuate. When the winches are rolled in during low water periods, it is suggested to inspect the anchor cables on each winch that have been submerged to determine if they have been damaged or are experiencing corrosion. Pile-anchored docks should be checked to ensure that no piles are hung up after large lake fluctuations.
Storm damage, repairs & dive work
Yes. We inspect, repair, and upgrade existing dock systems regardless of who built them, from anchoring hardware and flotation to framing, decking and roof repairs.
Yes. After a storm or other damage, our team evaluates the structure and documents the condition of the docks, anchoring, and utilities so owners have a clear picture of what needs repair or replacement.
We provide detailed written and photo documentation of the damage we find. Owners and their adjusters can use that documentation to support an insurance claim. We don’t file claims or speak for the insurer.
Yes. We have underwater repair capability, so anchoring, flotation, and submerged hardware can be inspected and repaired as needed.
Getting started & service area
Reach out and tell us what you have in mind. We start with site evaluation and planning, then move into custom design before any fabrication begins. The earlier you start, the easier it is to schedule the build during your down season.
It helps to know the lake and state, whether the project is residential or commercial, the scope, your slip count or dock size, your timeline, and any challenges with the site. A few photos go a long way. If something’s missing, we’ll ask.
Yes. We build both residential and commercial floating docks, from a single private dock to a full marina. The materials and approach scale to the project.
We work across the country. Our completed projects span more than 22 states, and we regularly travel for both new builds and ongoing maintenance.
Working with Dock & Marina Services
Yes. We work with some of the largest institutional marina owners in the United States, building and maintaining infrastructure across multi-marina portfolios in multiple states.
Dock & Marina Services has completed projects in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Missouri, Nevada, Florida, Wyoming, Nebraska, and New York.
Dock & Marina Services brings 140+ years of combined experience and has built 1,250+ slips across 22+ states, serving both family-owned marinas and institutional operators.
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We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results custom-designed to fit your unique needs and landscape.
