What's Up Dock
Creating A Dock You’ll Love For Decades
By Jerry Hale

                        Do your building plans include creating or renovating dock space? We’ve consulted the experts to help you plan a dock you’ll cherish for decades!
                People move to Smith Mountain Lake to savor the boating life. So it makes no sense to skimp on the place you’ll keep your boats at the ready, store them for the winter, swim and lakeside entertain. 
                “Understanding a dock’s intended use is the key to good dock design,” said Jason Turner of Turner’s Building, Inc. “SML’s Shoreline Management Plan limits dock size based on lake frontage (1,500 square feet on lots with 100-299 feet of shoreline, including slips, over-water walkways, and floater). But how to best configure the available space varies by client.” 
                Jason starts by surveying a property to determine the dock location with best land and water access. Next is finding out what watercraft will call each slip “home” (length, width, height, configuration) and the type of activity the dock will see during a typical week — loading and unloading passengers, swimming and sunbathing, entertaining, cleaning fish, etc. “Most owners must prioritize to make sure a design accommodates what they do most,” he said.
                “Dock life is a significant aspect of Lake life, and most people end up needing all the space they can get,” Jason added. “You can always add finishing touches later on, but creating additional square footage usually requires bringing a pile driver back to the site.”
                Mike Dillon of Mike Dillon Custom Docks praises clients who have done their dock-design homework.
                “The best prepared have scouted existing docks, taking photos of layouts and features they like,” he said. “We then draw up a plan that reflects their preferences, works with the lay of the property and meets AEP regs.” 
                And Mike agrees that building small is usually shortsighted. “The happiest dock owners are those for whom we drive pilings on 13-foot centers (rather than the standard 12 feet), build a floater wide enough that it won’t tip when people stand near the edge, and include covered space for comfortable lounging,” he said.
                Another appealing feature is a ceiling to keep out wasps and birds and allow attic storage over the slips. “It’s an expensive option,” Mike noted, “but it frees up the dock house for a snack bar opening and counter top.”
                Most builders agree pressure-treated lumber still offers the best performance for the money, but manufactured boards (composites or vinyl) and even exotic (read expensive) woods such as Brazilian Ipe are becoming more popular. Discuss the pros and cons of materials with your builder and experienced dock owners.     
                Other options to consider? Some owners prefer a flat roof with sundeck, especially on steep lots where access from the hillside can be on the upper level. A jump-off gate in the railing is a big hit with grandchildren. Spring-loaded switches or travel limiters on lift mechanisms are good insurance against ruining an otherwise great boating day by leaving a lift motor running. Lifts can also be controlled by remote to ease disembarking when the water’s low.
                And how about this for convenience: Fastidious boat owners can now enjoy a hassle-free way to protect their boating investment. Touchless Boat Covers™ are now available for new or existing Lake boathouses. Sturdy fabric panels glide up or down at the press of a remote to keep sun, rain, pollen and bugs off decks, seats, electronics, engines and hull sides. You really must see this clever boat-care system to appreciate all its benefits. Area dealer Jay Shoffner will be glad to schedule a demo (call him at 540.576.1177). A visit to www.automatic-boat-cover.com will help determine if this innovative system may be for you.
                Regardless of what you’re building, who builds it is probably your most critical decision, said Bill Nissen of Dock Solutions, Inc.
                “Verify that your builder has a class A or B license, which means he’s financially viable and has insurance to protect you from worker medical costs if injury occurs on the job,” he said, noting that you can check a builder’s license status by calling 804.367.8511 or at www.dpor.state.va.us/regulantlookup.
                Another tip from Bill: “Quality hardware can mean the difference between a 10-year and a 25-year dock. Stainless fasteners and hardware last – and they don’t create ugly rust lines.”
                Dock building is an art that begins with careful planning and decision-making.  You’ll be glad you made the effort.