Cottage season may be winding down, but the past summer is still fresh in your mind. If you’re thinking about a new dock for next year, fall is a good time to talk through what you’d like to change.
Maybe the dock felt crowded when family and friends came over. Getting in and out of the boat might have been awkward, or you found yourself wishing for more room to swim or sit by the water.
Starting now gives you time to work through those details and explore your options before spring.
What would you change about your current dock?
Think back to how you used the waterfront this summer. Where did you need more space? What worked well? What became a nuisance?
A few questions can help you narrow down what you want:
- How many boats or personal watercraft do you regularly have at the cottage?
- Do you mostly use the dock for boating, swimming, fishing or relaxing?
- Would you like more room for chairs, loungers or entertaining?
- Do you need easier access to and from the water?
- Are you considering a boat lift or PWC port?
- What would you change about the dock you have now?
You don’t need answers to every question before contacting Cottage Docks. Even knowing what frustrated you about your current setup gives us somewhere to start.
Find a layout that suits your property
Water depth, shoreline conditions, exposure and the lakebed all affect the choice of dock system. How you use the property matters as well. A dock that works well at a neighbouring cottage may not suit yours.
Those details help guide the size, style and layout, so the finished dock works for your waterfront and the people using it.
Plan the other waterfront changes, too
If a boat lift or PWC port is on your wish list, include it in the dock conversation. The same goes for accessories, swimming and lounging areas, walkways and connecting dock sections.
Considering everything together makes it easier to plan where each piece belongs, instead of finding room for additions later. It’s also a chance to discuss seasonal dock installation and removal.
Get started before the spring rush
Once the weather improves, opening the cottage, launching boats and getting the waterfront ready all compete for your attention.
A conversation in fall or winter gives you more time to compare dock options and make decisions before you want the installation to happen.
Your first conversation can be simple: you need more room for the family, you’ve bought a boat that doesn’t suit the current setup, or you want a dock that’s easier to get in and out of the water. You may be rebuilding the waterfront and need help deciding where to begin.
Cottage Docks can help you work through the options and choose a setup that makes sense for your property. We’ve been helping cottage owners improve their waterfronts for over 30 years.
Contact Cottage Docks to talk about what you’d like to change for next season.