Common Boat Dock Questions
Our FAQ section includes a list of some of our most commonly asked questions from our clients. Feel free to peruse through them. If you don’t find your answer here, we are more than happy to answer your questions by phone at (734) 998-3625 or in person when you stop into our store.
How do you choose the right dock?
We recommend contacting a local professional. A lakefront professional will make different recommendations based on water depth, lake bottom and your shoreline. They will also make recommendations based on if you are planning on removing the dock yourself, leave it in the water, or hiring someone to provide that service for you. Having the right product will ensure years of stress-free boating seasons.
What is the difference between plastic decking dock and aluminum surface dock?
Aluminum is a very durable metal used commonly in the aviation, automotive and marine industry. Plastic decking will break down over time with UVA and UVB and become brittle and start to crack. Most plastic decking will need to be replaced within 10-15 years. The aluminum decking will stay strong for 30 + years.
Does anodized or powder coated aluminum get hot?
No. Anodized or powder coated aluminum will keep the surface nice and cool. Anodized (Kool Dock) is the coolest of all the decking options, including plastic. Bare aluminum gets too hot to walk on, so we do not sell products that are not anodized or powder coated.
What is the difference between roll-in dock vs. stationary dock?
Again, we recommend contacting a local professional to see which product is right for your needs. In most situations, roll-in dock is the easiest to install and remove. One big misconception of a roll-in dock is that it does not work in mucky situations. Starr Roll-in docks shine in muck due to its topside leveling and ability to pull the wheels out of the muck without getting in the water (see associate for details). Roll-in dock is also considered modular. You can change your layout in most cases without needing new parts or pieces. Stationary typically will require additional parts and drilling may be required. A stationary dock is great for someone with limited space to store and a lightweight user-friendly option.
When is floating dock the right choice?
A floating dock can be the best choice in three situations. If you have water depths greater than 9 feet, if your lake bottom is extremely mucky or soft, or if you have extreme water fluctuation. A free-standing dock can become unstable in deeper water, while the floating dock will maintain its stability. A floating dock does not use the lake bottom for support and is considered to be self-leveling.
What is the right size lift for my boat or jet ski?
Knowing the accurate dry weight of the boat, and weight of the motor are the most important factor in choosing the correct lift capacity. Most manufacturers state that they only want 80 percent of the capacity used. That means if you have a 4000 lb. lift, we only recommend putting 3200 lbs. on it. Remember overkill is never better. Having the boat positioned properly on a lift is crucial. If you have a 4000 lb lift it was designed for 2000 lbs. on front beam and 2000 lbs. on the rear. DO NOT leave ballast tanks full when lifting a boat! That will overload your lift and void your warranty.
What kind of maintenance does a boat lift require?
Refer to the manufacturer for maintenance recommendations. On Starr lifts greaseable fittings are now standard. Greasing your cable once each season will help to extend its life and keep it running smoothly without friction.
