When you’re investing in a dock, the wrong decision can turn into a seasonal headache. Uneven terrain, fluctuating water levels, unstable frames, endless repairs—sound familiar? The good news: You’re not stuck with cookie-cutter solutions. Whether your shoreline is sandy, steep, rocky, muddy, or fluctuating there’s a dock type that’s right for you.
Let’s break down the three most common dock systems for lakefront property—roll-in, sectional, and floating—and show you why FLOE Docks have become the gold standard.
1. Roll-In Docks: Fast, Easy, Modular
Best for:
• Medium to firm lake bottoms
• Gradual slopes
• Easy installation and removal
• Large shoreline space
Why it works: FLOE’s roll-in docks are built with wide, polymer wheels and modular leg kits, so one person can potentially install or remove the dock without getting wet. The Easy-Level™ system lets you adjust dock height with a cordless drill—topside, no tools, no wading in.
Major perks:
- Quick Connects™ mean no hard bolting
- Double bracing on every leg for rock-solid stability • rigid aluminum frame that won’t rust or warp
- Available with gorgeous Aluma-Grain™ decking that looks like wood, minus the upkeep
🔗 Explore Roll-In Docks on Floe’s Website
🔗 Watch a Roll-In Dock Walk-Around
2. Sectional Docks: Compact for off-season storage, Affordable, Customizable
Best for:
- Steep hills or limited shoreline space
- Year-round dock setups
- Tight storage situations
- Budget-conscious lakefront owners. Why it works: These docks are built for simplicity and flexibility. Sectional docks use Quick Connects and Quick Attach tracks to link sections fast. Every section stacks cleanly for compact off-season storage, and the welded aluminum frame keeps it feather-light yet incredibly strong.
Standouts:
- Legs with Easy-Level adjustment and fast removal without needing tools
- Optional aluminum or composite decking
- Full accessory compatibility (furniture, bumpers, ladders, etc.)
🔗 Compare Dock Styles on Floe’s Website
🔗 Design Your Dock Layout Online
3. Floating Docks: Self-Leveling, Modular for any layout, Deep and higher fluctuating water conditions
Best for:
• Deep water
• Fluctuating water levels
• Mucky or unstable lake bottoms
• Properties where roll-in or sectional isn’t feasible.
Why it works: Floating docks stay level no matter what’s happening below the surface. If you’re dealing with constantly shifting water levels or soft bottoms where wheels or posts just don’t cut it, this is the dock you need.
Features:
• Self-leveling floats that rise and fall with the water
• Durable aluminum structure
• Can be configured with slips, wedges, or sun decks just like other Floe docks
🔗 Learn More About Floating Docks
🔗 View Dock Warranty PDF (15-Year Coverage)
✅ How to Choose the Right One for Your Shoreline
If your lakefront is:
- Firm and flat with above average storage space in the off season→ Go Roll-In
- Steep or limited space → Choose Sectional Docks
- Deep, soft-bottomed, or fluctuating water → You want Floating Docks
Still unsure? Use Floe’s Design-A-Dock tool to create your perfect layout. It’s free, interactive, and connects you directly to a certified dealer.
📍 Also, check reviews, photos, and updates on our FLOE Google Business Page to see what real customers are saying.
Floe International Address
48473 State hwy 65 McGregor, MN 55760
🔍 Bonus Resource: Not All Docks Are Created Equal
Read this in-depth 3rd-party article on choosing the best dock for your property for a helpful third-party perspective.
- https://www.chiefengines.com/different-types-of-boat-docks
- https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/decks-and-docks
👇 Ready to Upgrade?
Visit FLOE’s Dock Page and start designing your lakefront paradise today. Or better yet—go with the FLOE and never dread dock season again. Find your dealer today!