Designing a Dock for Pontoon Boats, Wake Boats, and PWCs on One Michigan Lake Setup
Michigan lakefront families are using their waterfronts more than ever — and with that comes multiple types of boats. From pontoons and wake boats to PWCs, designing one dock system that works for everything takes thoughtful planning.
The good news? With the right layout and products, a single dock can be safe, functional, and future-proof without feeling crowded or cluttered.
Step 1: Start With Boat Size & Usage Patterns
Before choosing dock sections or lifts, identify:
Boat lengths and beam widths
How often each boat is used
Who uses them (kids, guests, experienced drivers)
Key takeaway:
Your most-used boat should have the easiest access, usually straight in from the shoreline or gangway.
Step 2: Separate Traffic Zones on the Dock
A well-designed dock feels intuitive to walk on.
Best practice layout:
Main walkway for foot traffic
Side slips or fingers for boats
Dedicated PWC area off to one side
This prevents congestion and improves safety, especially during busy summer weekends.
Step 3: Place Lifts Strategically (This Is Where Most Mistakes Happen)
Lift placement can make or break a dock layout.
Recommended approach:
Wake boat lift on the outside edge for deeper water access
Pontoon lift slightly inboard
PWCs positioned at the far end or on a side extension
Drive-on PWC systems like JetRolls allow riders to launch without blocking the main dock.
Step 4: Use Modular Sections to Stay Flexible
Michigan water levels change — and so do families.
Modular dock systems allow you to:
Add or remove sections later
Reconfigure as boat sizes change
Upgrade without replacing everything
This is where systems like CanDock shine, especially for growing families or new lakefront buyers.
Step 5: Design for Walking Comfort & Safety
A dock isn’t just for boats — it’s for people.
Make sure your design includes:
Wide walkways (especially near lifts)
Non-slip surfaces
Handrails or ladder access where needed
Clear sightlines for kids and guests
Comfort equals more time on the water.
Step 6: Plan for the “Next Boat”
Many Michigan owners upgrade within 5–10 years.
Future-proof by:
Leaving space for an extra lift
Using adjustable or removable sections
Avoiding permanent bottlenecks
Systems from brands like ShoreStation and FLOE pair well with modular layouts that evolve over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Designing only for today’s boats
Putting all lifts on one side
Ignoring foot traffic flow
Underestimating future upgrades
Final Thoughts
The best Michigan docks aren’t just functional — they’re designed.
With the right layout, you can safely dock a pontoon, wake boat, and PWCs while keeping everything easy to access, clean, and adaptable for years to come.