How To Make Your Install Go Smoothly-Tips & Recommendations

It's almost time for install...what should I do?

Well, that time is rapidly approaching and we'd like to share a few timely tips to make this season's install go smoothly for all of us. Below is a list of a few things you can do to prevent extra charges, frustration on your part and ours, and ensure a safe season on the water.

Take time to inspect your equipment! We can't stress this enough. We've seen docks with trees on them, lifts crushed by fallen debris, and parts and pieces that have disappeared since last fall. If you're not able to personally do this, we now offer this as preventive maintenance. Please check out our Preventive Maintenance Packages. If you would rather...ask a neighbor or friend to do this for you. With the high winds, we've already seen dock decking sections strewn about people's properties...and in the lake, as well as trees down on equipment over the winter.

Things to look for:

Look for the decking...is it all there?
Look at the welds...are there any cracks or broken welds?
Look at the accessories and connections...bolts, fasteners, etc to ensure they're present and FUNCTIONAL!!!
Look at the posts and support mechanisms (wheels, pads, axles, etc) These are high-stress points and if neglected, will cause your equipment to fail

Clear any debris and inspect your shoreline. This is a big issue at times... Branches and flotsam can litter the area we need to work in and that you want your equipment. Help us help you. Making sure your area is prepared for install is a key to a smooth operation.

The favorite thing that I've seen, and it makes our jobs easy is using landscaping flags, marking paint or stakes or even painted rocks to mark exactly where you want your equipment to go. Remember, if we have to come back out...it's going to cost more money. Let's get it right the first time.

One step further... this is something you can do after install. Take some paint, tape or some other marking method, and mark your dock where your lift leg should be and also mark your lift in the same area. This will make things much easier in the future. It is brilliant and the people that started doing this have helped make their install a breeze! Simply wrap orange tape around the dockside leg of the lift, and put the same tape on the dock, where they line up. No questions, no frustrations, no call backs...done the way you want it the first time. (see the theme here?)

This one is also helpful if you're making changes or we've never done your property before...be present or available. We will communicate our dates with you as we get closer and assess the weather and conditions. This is very helpful if we have questions...and it's great to meet you and ensure that your placement is exactly how you'd like. Please note that we do not require your presence, but if you've had issues with placement in the past or we are new to your property it would be helpful.

We are committed to your satisfaction. We are owner-operated and we treat your equipment like it's ours. This is what makes us different. Please make sure we have a way to contact you if you're not able to be present... Cell phone number is the best way for us to reach you.

Provide clear instructions. Some of our customers draw maps, others engineering drafts, others google maps satellite views, or just simply a note in a ziplock bag. These are all very helpful and go a long way towards making sure we do it how you ask...happy customers = happy business owner.

Like Santa's cookies and milk...we love, finding treats for our team! Although many of you greet us with bottles of water and snacks(THANK YOU), that is not necessary or expected.

Last but not least...All we ask is that you help make your install easier rather than harder. Remember, the water temps are still not much above freezing and this team is in the water for up to 12 hours in a day...It goes without saying the less time in the water fighting with something that could have been done prior to our arrival, the better off we all are. Safety is our first concern.

We hope that these tips will help in preparation for getting you back on the water in a safe and timely manner this Spring.

If you have any feedback, we'd love to hear it...stop by our Facebook page and leave a comment or write a review. We love when our customers share the love!