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Lifestyle Docks FAQ

see below for instruction and assembly downloads

What type of boat dock is right for me?

Roll-in docks are ideal for hard gradual sloping sandy bottoms. Sectional or "fixed" docks are a good fit for steep and rugged shorelines where you may not be able to roll in a dock.

 

Why should I consider a Lifestyle Dock?

Lifestyle docks represent the best value for a premium quality boat dock. Featuring aesthetic 9.5" deep aluminum truss frames with full depth cross ties, HD Schedule 40 support pipes, two bolt pipe holders, corrosion resistant connectors, 800 lb capacity poly wheels and easy assembly and installation.


How easy is it to put together?

Dock frames are shipped individually and include side rails, one end cross rail, one middle cross rail, an end connector rail and center tube supports. Frames bolt together so that there is only one cross rail (full depth truss 4-feet wide) at each frame joint. Side rails and center tube supports are marked "Lake" or "Shore" to indicate orientation. Just start from the shore end and assemble frames, one at a time. Lifestyle Docks feature multiple connection holes for easier assembly. Refer to Assembly Instructions.


How much does it weigh?

Dock frames weigh about 38 lbs (4x8). Poly decking weighs 25 lbs per 4x4 panel. Wood decking weighs about 35 lbs per 4x4 panel. The steel pipe and connectors weigh more. You can figure roughly 20 lbs per lineal foot of dock for the average unit weight for poly decked dock and 25 lbs per lineal foot for cedar decked docks..

 

How long are the posts?

All patio (8' wide) wheel kits come standard with 4-ft pipes. Straight dock (4' wide) roll-in kits and Shore end wheel kits also come with 4-ft pipes standard. Note that the wheel axle is about one foot off the bottom so you can effectively add one foot to the above. Pre-configured docks use 4-ft support pipes throughout as standard. You can order longer pipes for your application.

 

Where does the roll-in wheel kit mount to the dock?

Roll-in wheel kits can be mounted at virtually any 4-ft interval. However, we recommend mounting the wheel kit at the end of the dock frame. This provides maximum stability and allows for installation of the optional pipe stabilizer kit. In many situations, the wheels can be located at the shore end of the patio for improved weight distribution, provided you have 2 posts at the lake end. For easiest roll in and out, consider placing two sets of wheels at both ends of the patio.

 

How can I make my roll-in patio dock more stable?

Increase stability in deep applications by adding pipe stabilizer kits to the patio section. These kits can be installed in both directions to secure pipe supports. You can always add more pipe supports to any dock to increase stability. Some customers add their own "X" bracing using cables.

 

How do I make an "L" Dock?

To create a 12-ft lateral at the end of a straight dock, use two 4x8 frame sections but locate the lateral at the very end, abutting the main straight dock. Laterals can only be installed at the lake end of any 8-ft frame. We recommend using our Drop-In Connector Kit for easy setup and seasonal removal. Refer to Installation Instructions.

 

How do I raise/lower the dock?

Attach a dock leveling winch by sliding it over the pipe post (remove vinyl cap first) and attach the hook securely to the frame and tighten. then loosen set bolts on the pipe connector and raise or lower. Re-tighten bolts before releasing. Alternately, manually lift the dock frame while standing on the foot plate before installing decking panels. Hint: For minor adjustments on roll-in docks, you can move the entire dock a short distance in or out. 

 

What about using roll-in type docks with drop offs and soft mud?

Consider adding a stabilizer kit to prevent bending the pipes in the roll-in kit.

 

Do Dock-Top poly panels get hot?

Dock-Top panels will warm but will not get too hot due to the neutral color.

 

How long do Dock-Top panels last?

Dock-Top panels come with a manufacturer's 7 year limited warranty. With proper maintenance (winter storage), Dock-Top panels can last 15-20 years. Product life is somewhat relative to the length of season (i.e. Minnesota vs Florida).

 

How do I keep the panels from blowing off?

Use optional Dock Lockers (at least 4 per 4x4 panel), screws or use plastic cable ties to secure the panels to the frame.

 

Can I use Dock-Top for my old dock?

Yes, as long as the dock has a center support and can accommodate the deep rib shape. Dock-Top should work fine for supports up to 1-3/4" wide without having to trim rib material. It will not work for 16" frame spans due to the deep rib configuration.

 

How do I store my dock decking over the winter?

Stack the panels on a level surface and cover them.

 

How do I attach bumpers or cleats?

Bumpers and cleats should be attached to the dock frame. Cleats can be installed through the deck panel. We recommend dock cleats with two bolts so that they align with the top frame chord.

Is the Lifestyle Dock the same as the Patriot Dock brand?

No. The Lifestyle Dock features heavier aluminum frame chords and a sleeker-looking 9.5" high frame. Some steel bracket components are similar. Lifestyle Docks have custom bolt kits and heavier patio frame connecting bolts. Lifestyle Patio Docks come with patio frame truss kit and lower frame stiffener and the Patriot does not. Both offer the same Dock-Top brand poly decking, but Lifestyle Docks include the more durable metal connecting clips. Lifestyle Docks use Western Red Cedar wood decking and not Chinese wood. Only Lifestyle Docks offer aluminum drop-in connector kits, aluminum connecting plates, dock winch levelers, bolt-on frame wheel kits and a long list of available accessories.

 

Installation Help

Looking for help to install your new Lifestyle Dock? We have a nation-wide network of dock installers who can assist you in assembling and installing your new Lifestyle Dock. Click the following link for more information. Installers


Downloads:

Download Brochure Side A

Download Brochure Side B

Dock Assembly Instructions (pdf)

Step-By-Step Dock Assembly Photos (pdf)

Patio Truss Strap Instructions (pdf)

Patio Lower Frame Strap Instructions (pdf)

Bench Instructions (pdf)

Shore Ramp Instructions (pdf)

 

 

 

Lifetime Dock Warranty

Dock-Top Warranty

   
   
 

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