9 Most Common Dock Problems We See on Southwest Michigan Lakes (And How to Fix Them)
Owning a lakefront property in Michigan is a dream—but keeping your dock in good shape can be a challenge. Between sandy bottoms, muck pockets, fluctuating water levels, storms, and even possible ice movement, your system takes a beating throughout the year. Here are the most common dock issues we run into on Southwest Michigan lakes—and how you can prevent or solve each one.
1. Crooked or Sinking Dock Sections
Why it happens:
Soft bottoms, muck pockets, shifting sediment, improper leveling and installation.
How to fix it:
Reset the legs and re-level your section, making sure to tighten correctly
Add larger footpads
Consider switching to ShoreStation, Twin Bay, or FLOE sectional systems for easier adjustment
For soft bottoms, CanDock floating systems eliminate leveling altogether
2. Bent Frames or Damaged Legs
Most common causes:
Ice push, overloading, storm damage, improper removal or installation.
Fix:
Replace bent components
Upgrade to a sectional system with stronger leg assemblies
Reinforce with proper footpads and bracing
Important: If your frame is bent, it’s usually a sign the dock is near end-of-life.
3. Loose or Missing Hardware
We see this constantly.
Bolts not fully tightened or hardware is misplaced during the off-season.
Fix:
Proper annual hardware tightening
Replace corroded parts
Store hardware in a dry place during winter (soaking them in oil helps prevent rust for years)
4. Unstable or Wobbly Sections
Why it happens:
Water level is too deep
Uneven leg pressure
Incorrect bracing
Aging frames
Fix:
Re-level
Add diagonal bracing
Replace worn components
Upgrade to more rigid aluminum systems like FLOE or Twin Bay, or consider new solutions if the water is too deep
5. Decking Panels Popping Up, Warping, or Breaking
Especially with older wood or composite systems.
Fix:
Replace aging decking
Secure panels with updated hardware
Switch to systems where panels lock in securely (ShoreStation, Twin Bay, FLOE)
6. Corroded Fasteners & Rusting Metal
Michigan’s freeze–thaw cycles and water chemistry accelerate corrosion.
Fix:
Replace hardware
Use stainless steel when possible
For severe corrosion, replacement becomes more cost-effective than repair
7. Storm Damage
High winds and wakes can shift or damage docks.
Fix:
Add stabilizing braces
Re-anchor or reposition sections
Install bumpers or fenders
For high-activity lakes, floating modular options like CanDock handle wave action extremely well
8. Ice Damage
Ice expands, shifts, and pushes—damaging sections, legs, and frames.
Fix:
Proper removal every fall
For permanent systems, consider installing ice-eaters or bubblers
9. Roll-In Axle, Cable, and Winch Failures
Roll-in docks look simple—but these components often fail due to age or stress.
Fix:
Replace winches, cables, or wheels
Consider switching to a sectional or floating system to eliminate these failure points
When to Repair vs Replace
If your system shows multiple issues—bent frames, heavy corrosion, constant adjustment—it may be time for a replacement. Many older wood docks simply weren’t built to handle Michigan’s conditions long term.
We carry durable, Michigan-proven systems like:
Twin Bay
FLOE
ShoreStation
CanDock Floating Docks
Get Help From Michigan’s Dock Experts
Whether you’re dealing with crooked sections, worn hardware, or looking to upgrade your entire setup, the Beach Bumz team is here to help.
📞 269-303-5533
📍 Southwest Michigan
💬 Quotes, installs, repairs, replacements — 7 days a week by appointment