Therefore, it is perfect for both commercial and residential floating docks. The floating dock sections allow for custom dock plans that are customized to fit your waterfront's area, design, and needs. Hewitt's modular floating dock systems are manufactured in Minnesota, USA. To see a small sampling of the literally dozens of suppliers for dock parts, kits, plans, accessories and complete assemblies, check out DIY Kit Dock Suppliers.Modular Floating Dock Systems Custom Commercial & Residential Floating Dock Plans Since crib docks are best left to local experts, consider a floating or post dock if you want to design and build your own boat dock.

Crib docks are generally not available in kit form they are custom-built structures designed and built on site (if state and local regulations allow), and they’re definitely not designed to be moved or removed from the water. For a complex dock with multiple piers, levels and even overhead structures (like a boathouse or a deck), a crib dock usually offers the best strength and integrity. The cribs provide a permanent anchor for the dock’s upper structure and walkways. The cribs are typically built from large treated timbers, then placed every 10 feet or so on the lake bottom and filled with large rocks. The “crib” part refers to the support structures that hold the dock to the lake bottom. Rolling docks that have wheels can make this even easier if you design and build your own boat dock.Ĭrib docks are typically designed and installed by professionals, and they are the most permanent and expensive type of docks. Many can be removed and installed (after the initial setup, of course) in a matter of hours, making them ideal for freezing climates where ice damage to the dock’s legs is a possibility. They can be surprisingly easy to install and remove, especially units made from aluminum or a combination of aluminum and plastic or wood decking material. Post docks are very popular, and they offer stability and a sense of permanence that floating docks just don’t have. The “feet” of the leg supports sit directly on the lake bottom, making the dock semi-permanent. Post docks use stanchions, or leg-support assemblies, placed about every 10 feet along the dock to support it. They’re not tippy, but the feeling of stability that a post or crib dock offers is just not there. Many people can be intimidated by walking on floating docks, because they move with every wave and footstep. The drawback to a floating dock is its relative lack of stability. If your lake will freeze in winter, a floating dock is typically easy to remove and store, which avoids potential ice damage. It may be the most versatile type of dock because it’s easy to buy, install and configure, and it will rise and fall with the lake level. Important – Be sure to consider what type of dock is best for your situation before you start to design and build your own boat dock.įloating docks are anchored to your shoreline and the lake bottom and supported by pontoons or flotation units.

When you design and build your own boat dock these basic dock types will help you decide what shape of boat dock you will need to build. You can also add pop-up photos for a real-world view of your boat dock design ideas. CAD Pro includes textures for flooring, countertops, and more. You don’t need to be an experienced professional to look like one. Key Decisions and Features for Boat Dock Design Plans – Add pop-up photos and transform boat dock plans into designs you can visualize. – Add pop-up text memos to your boat dock plans to support areas in detail.

– Record your ideas and incorporate voice instructions into your plans. Quickly view and print professionally designed boat dock plans while adding these interactive design features listed below.ĬAD Pro is the only boat dock design software that allows you to:

Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.ĭesign and Build Your Own Boat Dock with Interactive Features Share your boat dock design plans with clients or contractors using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. So, if you decide to design and build your own boat dock, you need to consider the type of shoreline and lake bottom you’re faced with, and your budget.ĬAD Pro helps you plan and complete any type of boat dock designs and plans with intuitive drafting and design tools and symbols that anyone can use with professional results. Different Boat Dock Types and Shapes How to Design and Build Your Own Boat Dockīoat docks range from very simple structures that may cost a couple thousand bucks to extremely complex systems that cost several thousand.

Floating dock construction plans