In conclusion, celebrating the Fourth of July at your Minnesota lake home is the perfect way to enjoy the holiday. Whether you're grilling up some food, boating on the lake, watching fireworks, or just spending time with loved ones, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the day. So, get out there and enjoy your beautiful lake home on this special day!
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By following these tips, you can increase your chances of catching more fish off of your lake home dock. Remember to be patient, use the right equipment, and be mindful of the weather and your surroundings. Happy fishing!
General Guidelines:
PARTS LIST: Aluminum Truss Dock Frames: 4 x 16 Welded Truss Frame, 4 x 8 Welded Truss Frame, 4 x 8 Ramp Frame (Optional) Dock Leg Components: 2” x 2” Aluminum Leg Posts, Foot Pads, 7’ Aluminum Uprights, Poly Tires, 2” Galvanized /ySteel Axle (4’ for straight dock, 8’ for L Section), Shore End Wheel Kit (Optional), Shore End Starter Kit (Optional) Decking: 4’ x 4’ Tan Titan Decking Bolt Bag / Hardware: Varies depending on sections purchased and desired layout. Typical LA Truss Dock Layouts: For these assembly instructions we are building a 32’ dock with an 8’L
Step 2. Lift connected frames onto their side and insert the round leg uprights into the leg pockets within the frame. They will be the larger pockets approximately 4’ back from the front edge of the dock frame. Make sure the axle pockets welded to the bottom of the upright are at the bottom / will be underneath the dock once installed. Once both legs are at the approximate desired height for water depth, and the axle pockets are lined up to allow the axle to slide through, you can tighten the uprights in the leg pockets using the set bolts (1/2” square head nut with brass square nuts).
Step 3. You can now install the axle through the axle pockets at the bottom of the uprights. If you are building a straight dock (4’ wide), the axle will be approximately 6’ long with enough length to allow you to place the dock wheels to the outside edge of the dock (outside of the uprights). If you are building and 8’ L dock, the axle will be approximately 8’ long with enough length to just extend past the axle pockets at the bottom of the uprights, with the wheels underneath the dock frame (to the inside of the uprights).
Step 4. When installing the wheels onto the axle, ensure that the “nub” on the side of the wheel faces out when creating an 8’L dock. When building a straight / 4’ wide dock, the “nub” on the wheel should face in. Install large rings on both sides of each tire, and use the hex bolts and nuts inserted through the pre-drilled holes in the axle to hold the wheels in position.
Step 5. Now you can tip the dock back over so that it is resting on its wheels. We recommend having another person help during this step. If you are building a 4’ wide / straight dock, you won’t need the chain stabilizers for your dock system. If you are building an 8’L dock layout, you can now install the stabilizer chains from the axle to the stabilizer chain plate on the dock frame. Attach the last link of one end of the chain through the bolt and insert into the pre-drilled hole in the axle. Then run the chain across and up to the other side of the dock system to the chain stabilizer plate and pull chain through until it is tight. Wrap the remaining chain around the dock frame to keep it out of the way. Next, install the second chain in the same way on the other side of the dock.
Step 6. Now we will assemble the “add on” dock frame before connecting it to the 16’ Lake and with 8’L. Insert the set bolts (1/2” square head bolts and square brass nuts) into the-add on leg pockets located about 2’ back from the front of the dock frame. Then slide the 2” x 2” leg posts into the add-on leg pockets to the approximate desired height, and tights the set bolts. Then slide the foot pads onto the bottom of the leg posts and tighten the square head bolts and brass square nuts to secure them to the leg posts.
Step 7. For most dock layouts the shore end of the dock frame can just rest on the shore. If adding a ramp, a starter leg kit can be added to the shore end of the dock frame.
Step 8. Now you can connect the add-on frame to the lake end frame using the ½” x 1.5” Hex Bolts and ½” Brass nuts through the pre-drilled holes in the dock frame. There will be 4 nuts and bolts per frame to frame connection.
Step 9. After assembly and dock installation you can begin putting the 4’x4’ Tan Titan Decking panels onto the dock frames. Simply lay each titan decking panel into the top of the dock frame with the “Titan” logo facing so that it can be read as you walk back to shore. You will need to notch the Tan Titan decking panels at the locations where the dock leg posts extend through the dock frame. A jigsaw will cut through the Titan panels with ease.
In the early days, docks were purchased or built mostly just to provide access to deep enough water to get to your boat. Today, docks provide storage, comfort and an entertainment center at the lake. They can be a place to draw friends and family to spend their time on the water without taking out the boat, a safe area for the children to play, and a comfortable space for the adults to hang out. There are quite a few accessories for docks. The basic dock accessories are dock bumpers, dock stairs and seating, such as the dock furniture set available from Lake Area Docks & Lifts and manufactured by Homecrest. Dock Bumpers are Incredibly VersatileDock bumpers can provide a place to safely tie up your boat, or a visitor’s boat to the dock. There are multiple types of dock bumpers for protecting boats. The most practical bumper is the vertical bumper, which is mounted vertically on your dock, this not only provides protection for boats even when there are fluctuating water conditions and waves, they also provide a place to tie the boat without needing cleats. In addition, the best vertical bumpers are ones that can be adjusted up or down to accommodate water fluctuations or different boat sizes. Bumpers can also be mounted horizontally on the dock. While they provide a longer area of protection the boat may not stay above the dock in waves or low water situations. Also available are different types of dock edging but once again they can only protect the dock and boat when the water is calm, and the boat sits at or above the level of the dock.
Dockside Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board StorageYour dock can also be used to store items, like kayaks, paddle boards and floating pads. Kayak racks can hold store multiple kayaks near the water but off the dock making it significantly more convenient to get on the water. Paddle board racks can also be attached to the dock to store paddle board, a kayak rack can also work for paddle boards, but most models should be stored vertically to avoid warpage. Some docks can also accommodate dock boxes where storage of items like toys, inflatables, skis, knee boards and life jackets can be stored, if your dock will not hold a dock box and you have a lift with a canopy you can get a lift loft for storage.
Dock Accessories for Entertaining Right on the DockNow comes the fun part, adding accessories to turn your dock into an entertainment center. A place to sit is the first order of business, in the past the most common option was a bench made with cedar boards, mounted on the deck of the dock. Today benches come in options that have ergonomic support making them significantly more comfortable to sit on and most have optional hand rests with drink holders. In addition, they can be mounted off the dock creating more space. While benches are great for the kids, dock furniture can make sitting on the dock as comfortable as sitting in the cabin and that’s why you are on the lake. Most dock furniture is sold in sets and can be attached off the deck of the dock. You can also get Grace Air dock funiture from ShoreMaster that sit right on the dock but are connected so they will not blow off in strong winds. Also consider adding a fire stand for ambiance.
Dock Accessories for Water Activities and PlayWhile you are comfortably sitting on the dock you can enjoy activities like the kid's playing basketball, grilling with the dock mounted , fishing and it is always nice to have an American flag on your dock.
Dock Accessories for Easy Access to the WaterNow while you are spending so much time on the dock you will want to have easy access to the water or your boat. Dock steps, Ladders, handrail and solar lights can help with that.
New Dock Accessories for 2023A new and exciting accessory we at Lake Area Docks are adding this year is an umbrella that will pivot and can accommodate a screen, because with all these great accessories you may want to spend your evenings on the dock without pesky mosquito's attacking you.
Types Of Used Boat LiftsIn the used boat lift market today, the most common types of boat lifts are vertical or cantilever. Cantilever lifts pivot out and down while vertical lifts raise straight up and down. Vertical lifts have become more common in the marketplace as they are more flexible in that they can operate in shallower water and have more lift height, giving you more flexibility when water levels change. If you are in a shallow water lake the best choice for you is a vertical, if you are in a lake that has deeper water, 2-5 feet and the water does not fluctuate much, a cantilever lift may also work for you. If you are in deep water 5’ or deeper, you will want to make sure the lift has long enough legs to accommodate or find the cost of longer lift legs.
Where To Find Used Boat LiftsAfter determining what size and kind of boat lift you need the most efficient way to begin your search is on the internet. You will want to find a lift close to your lake place as they can be difficult and or expensive to transport over the road. The best place to start looking for a used boat lift is at Dock and Lift Dealers near your lake place, starting with their web site to see if they have a lift that looks like it may meet your needs. For instance, you can search through the available used docks and lifts on the Lake Area Docks & Lifts website on the Used Equipment page. There are a few advantages to purchasing a used lift from a dealer. First, most reputable dock and lift dealers will back up what they sell to you, if the lift has some issue, you did not uncover, they typically will be able to help in the repair. They can also move the lift to your lake and install it {keep in mind if the lift is 10’ wide or over you should have an oversize permit. You can also find out what used lifts are available in the weight and the size you need, and what price used lifts are selling for in your area. Other places to look would be sites like Craigs List, Facebook Marketplace, and any other site that provides local listings. Inspecting Used Boat Lifts Before PurchasingCarefully inspect the used boat lift, raise it up and down, check to be sure the winch runs well, and the cables are in good shape. Check the framework of the lift to make sure welds are in good shape and it is sturdy. Bring a tape measure to be sure the inside width is at least one foot wider than your boat and if there is a canopy it is 1-2 feet longer than your boat. Other things to look far include making sure the nuts and bolts on the lift still turn, and that the lift legs can be adjusted. If the lift does have a canopy cover, what shape is it in, and what would be the approximate cost to replace the cover be. Does the boat lift have a motor, if so, is it battery powered or plug in does the motor work, is it a type of motor still being sold in case it needs service.
Transporting Used Boat Lifts
 When buying a used dock, the first thing you need to ask yourself is how we are going to use this dock. Is it just to get out to my boat, are you adding a boat and if so, do you need a slip, will the family be hanging out on the dock, do I need to get out to my favorite fishing hole. Then you need to decide how long of a dock you need, the best place to start is do you have an existing dock. If not check how long your neighbor's dock is, talk to them and ask what they like about their dock and what they would change if they could? Check out our blog about sectional dock vs. Wheel-in. Once you decide on dock length and layout you will need to determine a budget. New docks depending on quality and decking run from anywhere to $130 to $240 a linear foot. A used dock is typically half the cost of new. So, figure between $65 and $120 a foot for a good used dock. For example, you need 100 feet of dock you should budget at least $9500{Don’t forget if you want a platform that would also need to be included in the length estimate}.
When you find a dock you like, inspect closely the structure, are the welds holding up? or are they cracking. This can be best seen where the docks connect together. Are the dock legs long enough for your needs, do the adjustment still work? If not keep in mind you may have to purchase additional leg material, screw legs or bolts. Can the dock be reconfigured to meet your needs. The next item to look at closely is the decking, deck panels are the most expensive component of a dock. If it has wood decking you will typically have to replace the wood in the near term, are you willing to do that and has it been factored into the price. If it has a plastic decking or aluminum deck what condition is that in? If not, how much will it cost to replace the decking? If the decking needs to be replaced soon you will likely be better off buying new.
Minnesota Lake Ice-In and Ice-Out Widget
We recently came across an article by John A. Downing, Director at Minnesota Sea Grant, and Prof. Large Lakes Observatory that lists a tool that he created to help predict ice out on Minnesota lakes called the Minnesota Lake Ice-In and Ice-Out widget .
Getting good at predicting the timing of Minnesota lake ice-out times has broad and far reaching implications. Obviously waterfront property owners are naturally curious, and sometimes downright anxious to know when the ice will come off of the lake so they can begin doing all of their fun summer lake activities as early as possible. For starters putting the dock or boat lift into the lake, and getting the boat or pontoon into the water is right near the top of most Minnesota lake cabin owners' priority lists, along with opening up the cabin, getting the water turned on (for those who aren't at the lake full time / year-round) etc. Being able to check many of these activities off of the to-do list usually requires the ice being off of the lake. When you consider that you really have around 12 warm summer weeks to enjoy open water during a typical Minnesota summer, the hope is almost always that the ice will come off the lake early, thereby increasing the length of your time on the water. According to the article, the average date range for Ice Off in Northern Minnesota is between March 25, and May 15th. That's a span of seven weeks!! Imagine if you had seven additional weeks to get ready for, and enjoy your time at the lake. There is a broader economic impact for businesses that rely on ice-off on Minnesota lakes as well. Resorts, cabins, boat and watersports rental locations, lake area towns that rely heavily on summer tourism, not to mention waterfront equipment providers like Lake Area Docks & Lifts are all dependent in some way or another of the timing of the ice-out on area lakes.
Minnesota DNR Ice Out Dates Map
In addition to the Minnesota Ice-Out Widget created by John A. Downing, the Minnesota DNR has an excellent tool that provides historical data on lake ice out dates for select lakes in Minnesota including the Ice out date for a selected year, the median ice out date based on available data, the earliest ice out date, the latest ice out date, and the period of record. This information is all collected by the MN DNR and citizen volunteer lake ice observers.
It's an incredibly handy tool to help you plan for and prepare for ice out on your favorite Minnesota lake. You can get a good idea of the ice out on your particular lake, even if the data does not exist for it, by analyzing the information available from a lake that is near yours. You can check out the Minnesota Ice Out Dates Map and all of the related information by heading to the MN DNR website. What To Do With The MN Lake Ice Out Data?
Now that you are equipped with the tools and data to help you plan for lake ice-off on your favorite Minnesota lake, what can you do with this information? Well for starters you can make sure that you are ready for that golden moment when the ice comes off of your lake by making plans to be at the cabin to get your waterfront equipment ready for install, make sure the HVAC system is ready for the spring and summer months, perhaps turn on the water and make sure everything else is in order.
You can also take this data and possibly win some bets with your neighbors at the lake. Doesn't everybody love to guess the ice off date on their lake? To be fair, you might want to let them know that you are now basing your guess more on scientific data, rather than just gut instinct and a quick read of the Farmers Almanac, because good neighbors are hard to come by, and it's always best to keep them on your good side, right? Late Ice Out Means You Still Have Time To Get Your New Dock or Lift Installed!
If you are still in the market for a new dock or lift, Lake Area Docks & Lifts can help you out. A late ice out for the 2023 season might be a blessing in disguise for you. If you have been meaning to shop around for a new dock or lift, but just haven't been able to find the time, stop in or give us a call, there is still time to get your waterfront equipment ordered, and a late ice means it could be a few weeks before it gets installed anyway. Just don't wait too long, or you risk missing an important, and valuable part of those 12 short weeks of summer in Minnesota.
Northern MN Could Have A Late Ice Out We're heading into the month of April and you can be sure of two things; 1.) The snow and Ice will eventually melt opening up the lake for your enjoyment, and, 2.) Smart waterfront property owners have either already planned and ordered their new dock or lift, or they are wrapping up their choices right now before March ends, and before the huge spring rush to get all of that new waterfront equipment installed in the water. Those waterfront property owners that have already ordered their new docks and lifts have afforded themselves the best opportunity to kick off the 2023 boating season with a new dock or lift (or accessories), and minimal, or zero delays to the start of their summer on the lake, because they are typically first in line when in comes to installation. If you are still waiting to purchase your new dock or lift, you not only risk the potential for product delays, but you will also struggle to find installers squeezing you into their already overbooked schedules.
Rasmusson also said "Last summer was tough on new waterfront property owners that closed on their properties later in the summer. We were able to help our customers out, but it sounds like a lot of manufacturers and dealers ran out of inventory early in the year and couldn't satisfy some of that late season demand."  Do I Still Have Time To Purchase My Dock and Lift and Have It Installed This Spring?You absolutely still have time to purchase your new dock or lift and have it installed this spring. But if you are reading this in April, and you still haven't pulled the trigger on your new waterfront equipment, you really are running out of time to make sure that you can take advantage of every ice-free day on the water that's available this summer, because you are already several months behind other waterfront property owners who have already planned, designed, and purchased their waterfront equipment. So, if you are still on the fence about whether or not to finally buy that new dock or lift, don't wait any longer, now is the time to finalize the decision, so you can relax while the snow and ice melts, knowing that you will in fact be out on the water early this spring and summer. 
What About SeaLegs Canopy Anchoring?Proper Anchoring plays a critical role in the construction of a SeaLegs canopy system. This is due to the fact that the boat weight is not on the SeaLegs canopy system, and without proper anchoring it can be susceptible to strong winds. The corners on the base of a sea leg canopy frame should be reinforced because that is where the stress is. The stronger the corner reinforcement, the better. Two types of anchoring systems exist for the Lake Area Docks and Lifts SeaLegs Canopy System, one style features galvanized pipes with augers at the four corners of the canopy system, and the other utilizes landscape augers and chain affixed to the SeaLegs canopy frame. Experience has shown that the landscape auger with chains might be the stronger, or preferred method of anchoring your SeaLegs canopy system because the landscape augers can typically be drilled further into the lake bottom, and the chains allow you to spread the augers out and away from the SeaLegs canopy frame structure for additional stability (similar to the anchoring of a large canopy / tent).
What Is The Right SeaLegs Canopy System For My Pontoon, and Lakeshore?Lake Area Docks & Lifts offers two types of sea leg canopies, a free standing SeaLegs Canopy System, and a dock mounted SeaLegs Canopy System. The dock mounted sea leg canopy might be considered the best option because the uprights of the canopy frame are attached directly to a dock system. However, a dock mounted SeaLegs Canopy System requires a strong dock, and a slip for the canopy to be mounted on. If you don’t currently have a dock system configured in a slip with a dock along both sides and the front of the pontoon, the dock mount SeaLegs Canopy will not work at your location. A dock mounted SeaLegs Canopy system can be considered stronger than a free-standing SeaLegs Canopy because the dock system itself provides additional structure and weight for the canopy system which creates a stronger base. In addition, the dock mount SeaLegs Canopy system does not require a frame at its base because the uprights are attached to the dock frame. This provides more clearance in shallow water as there is no base to get in the way of the sea legs during operation. In cost they will range from $6000 to $8000. One thing to consider though, if you choose a dock mounted SeaLegs Canopy System is that you may also have to purchase additional dock sections to complete a slip.
A SeaLegs Canopy system will allow you to enjoy your pontoon more, and protect it from sun, wind, rain, and dust without the hassle of snapping a traditional cover on your pontoon at the end of every day on the water. You will truly find yourself using your SeaLegs fitted pontoon much more often when you can simply park it underneath the LA Dock SeaLegs Canopy system. Summer is short, we want to help you make the most of it!
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Lake Area Docks & Lifts BlogTips on purchasing new and used docks, boat lifts and accessories, plus stories, photos, and videos from our time on the water. Archives
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