Lifts & Docks?

[SkiTundra]

Looking for recommendations on lifts & docks. This is for MN so has to be removed each year.

Debating between FLOE, Shoremaster, and Pier Pleasure vertical lifts. Will likely go with manual though still considering electric/solar.

Considering FLOE, Shoremaster, and DH dock and cedar or vinyl (Brock) decking. Prefer the appearance of cedar or IPE, but wife is thinking the vinyl will last a lot longer and less chance of splinters. At this point I'm thinking of a standing dock instead of roll-in though still open.

Any recommendations appreciated.

Thanks,

[djmekinac]

Hi,

Here is my set-up, I have to remove the 5 aluminium-cedar sections and get the boat-lift on shore for the winter so the ice won't harm them. It is about a two men, two hour job to set it up or remove them.


The boat lift is similar to the Shoremaster. I had to replace the wire once after 2 full seasons (90$, 30 minutes), otherwise no complaint. Would no go back to whip pole! The cedar decking needs to be cleaned and treated this year, no splinters so far.

[bubba]

If you are looking at sectional docks. Check out Pier Pleasure. I purchased one three years ago and it is slick. One man job in or out and I never get wet. The height is adjusted standing on the dock. We went with cedar, my daughter looked at the man made products and said are you nuts. The man made products are easier to maintain though, they were definately an option we looked at. I have a Hewitt lift but if I was to purchase another one I would go with Floe. My brother had one and it was VERY nice.

[SkiTundra]

Sounds like all the lifts have fixed vinyl covered alum bunks. Considerably diff than the custom bunks on trailers. Any problems with this for Nautiques?

DJ, your first pic looks like our lake. We're down 3' and likely won't see it return to normal for at least 3 years.

Bubba, My son's comment was along the lines of "you're getting cedar or IPE', right." He didn't seem to want to volunteer for lifetime maintenance duty though. Any thoughts on how often you'll need to refinish your cedar? Where'd you buy from (dealers in White Bear and Center City just dropped PP)? Happy with your dealer?

A lot of folks seem to like FLOE. Any thoughts on how it's better than Shorestation, Shoremaster, or Port-a-Dock?

Thanks,

[djmekinac]

DJ, your first pic looks like our lake. We're down 3' and likely won't see it return to normal for at least 3 years.

It is half way there since that picture (15th of april), another 2-3 feet and we're in business (by next week). I would say that you have to clean and treat the cedar every 3 years (next week-end project).

[swc5150]

Shorestation has been my personal favorite, FWIW.

[JoeSki]

I have a shorestation as well, with electric motor.....i hated coming back from skiing and having to crank the boat up. We also have a 10 section cedar - aluminum dock. For the money, its the best system. Its very easy to install, no getting in the water....Hook the barrel to the front of the aluminum frame(w/o decking) and roll into the water and screw into the set posts on shore, then plop down the cedar deck, then pound in and lock posts for that section, then pop the barrel off the section that is now in the water and attach to the next section and repeat.

[SkiTundra]

Joe, what make of dock? Where did you get your Shorestation?

[azeus17]

Anyone with the Pier Pleasure dock mind sharing what they cost per section?

[bubba]

If I remember right about $800 per 8' section.

[JoeSki]

SkiTundra, where in MN? The style of dock is made by a number of the dock companies around lake Minnetonka, maybe some other places too?. They all make the aluminum frames and cedar decks (you can get composite decking too) themselves and they are all essentially the same. I bought mine from Dock and lift, in Mound. I can take a few picks of it if you want. I also bought my shorestation from them too. It was used but in great shape.

[jharris]

From my experience the best dock on the market is from Instant Marine.

www.instantmarinedocks.com

Extremely easy to install and you feel like you are walking on solid ground. Unfortunately, not the cheapest dock, but you would never regret spending the money on it. I have 20 10ft sections to install each year and I have it done in about an hour. Unfortunately I could not find a great picture but check out the site.

I also have to second the shorestation as a very good solid boat hoist.

[SkiTundra]

What is it about Shorestation that you all like? How would you rank it against Pier Pleasure, etc.?

Thanks,

[j2nh]

Sunstream hydraulic lift. Had mine 10 years and it runs like it was brand new. Water depth requirement is the same as a Shorestation. Super fast up and down and very quiet. I grew to hate the ratcheting sound from my previous Shorestation. Downside is cost. Units are not cheap but the welds are some of the best I have ever seen so you are getting a top quality unit.

[azeus17]

jharris-
How much was the Instant Marine dock per section? I assume you have the series 500. It looks just like the pier pleasure, but I like the fact it is made in MI.