[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

This is a huge mis-conception. Your right your average home owner is not going to build an aluminum crank-up seasonal dock. But if you travel around the lake you will find older versions made out of wood, that worked very well for ages. It is really not the actually building of the dock that is the problem, unless you want it made out of metal.

What scares most homeowners is the permitting process, and then of course wanting the convenience of having it instantly ready for them.

My articulating dock, was made by the previous homeowner, and has been maintained by me... We have even made it longer, at one point with the entire dock articulating and folding back on itself. However it wasn't easier then having the bulk of it articulating, and having a section or two that can go in when the water is warmer to get it into deeper water. So now I have a section that winches down in the spring... and once the water gets warm, two more sections that can go in to help with water depth under the boat.... All is very legal, and grandfathered.... The key here is it is made out of wood... so it is easy to maintain and repair... unlike the aluminum versions, which require more exotic means to repair when damaged.

I've thought of doing this very thing but the weight is what has me concerned. Even with removable decking, the actual framework and pilings are going to be pretty darn heavy and keep suspended over the winter. How long a section are you lifting out?