Ready to transform your Fontana Lake property into more than just a home?
Imagine effortless days on the water, unforgettable moments with friends and family, and a custom dock designed to fit your exact lifestyle. Martin Docks specializes in building high-quality, handcrafted boat docks on Fontana Lake, engineered for beauty, durability, and decades of lakefront enjoyment.
With meticulous craftsmanship, premium materials, and 70 years of experience, we design, build, and service docks that enhance your shoreline and make every lake day better.
Martin Docks provides comprehensive dock and shoreline solutions for Fontana Lake homeowners, from custom dock construction to shoreline steps and reliable year-round dock services.
Designed, engineered, and manufactured in North Georgia since 1956. We build truly custom docks tailored to your Fontana Lake property, shoreline conditions, lake lifestyle, and long-term needs.
Dependable dock moving as Fontana Lake water levels shift, plus routine inspections and monitoring to keep your dock level, secure, and performing safely through every season.
A full selection of premium floating boat lifts for pontoons, tritoons, wake boats, and runabouts—installed and serviced by certified lake professionals who understand Fontana Lake’s unique water depth, fluctuations, and terrain.
Durable, easy-to-use Wave Armor ports and jet ski lifts built for stability and smooth launching on Fontana Lake.
Professional dock cleaning that removes mildew, stains, and buildup. We restore your dock’s appearance and extend the lifespan of your structure with safe, effective cleaning methods.
Expert dock repairs, float replacements, structural adjustments, ramp leveling, and shoreline hardware fixes to keep your Fontana Lake dock safe, stable, and lake-ready year-round.
Custom shoreline steps designed for safe, durable access from your property to the water. Ideal for steep terrain and fluctuating water levels around Fontana Lake.
G.H. Martin began crafting beautiful, durable docks in 1956. More than six decades later, Martin Docks upholds G.H.’s tradition by manufacturing docks of the utmost quality. Today, Martin Docks uses cutting-edge computer-aided design technology and the finest materials to create custom docks that are built to withstand the test of time.
Operating on Fontana Lake and beyond, Martin Docks continues its commitment to constructing quality docks. Our service crews work tirelessly throughout the year to address all your dock repair and remodeling needs. Martin Docks is your premier choice for a dock builder, offering unparalleled quality and attention to detail.
Your dream dock can become a reality. Our knowledgeable sales team will help you conceptualize and construct the perfect dock.
Martin Docks wants to be your source for docks, boat lifts, PWC ports, shoreline steps, rip-raps, and more. Here’s what some satisfied customers had to say about us.
“Bradley was exceptional to work with in determining the next steps needed for my dock to get it in tip-top shape. His knowledge of the necessities needed for our dock was vast and very helpful.” – Tabitha L.
“I went to Martin Docks for a part for my Float Air boat lift. I spoke with Bradley Allen and he was very helpful to me. Although they no longer carry Float Air boat lifts, Bradley was able to get me the part that I needed. Great service!” – Jim P.
“Representatives are always responsive to my calls to make adjustments to our dock when needed. I highly recommend Martin Docks because of the quality of their docks and service.” – Roy F.
Martin Docks constructs premium docks on Fontana Lake and in the surrounding areas. Our year-round service crews can’t want to start on your upcoming dock, lift, or rip-rap. At Martin Docks, we take pride in our work, and we stand behind it. You’re going to love your new dock!
If you’re planning a dock at Fontana Lake, here’s what you need to know, from typical cost ranges to what drives the price up or down.
Several site-specific factors influence cost at Fontana Lake:
Shoreline & water-bed conditions — steep banks or rock bottoms increase foundation work.
Water-level fluctuation — reservoirs like Fontana often experience water level changes, which may favour floating docks (lower cost) or require special design (higher cost).
Dock size and shape — larger docks, “L” or “T” shapes, extra walkways = more material & labour.
Material selection — pressure-treated wood is less expensive initially; composites, aluminum frames, or premium finishes cost more upfront but may save on maintenance.
Accessories and extras — boat lifts, covered sun-decks, etc., add substantially.
Permits & regulations — local, state (and sometimes federal) permitting and environmental requirements at lakes like Fontana will affect timing and cost.
Installation complexity & access — remote site access, barge/crane use, steep venture from shoreline to water, can raise labour and mobilization fees.
Lake Fontana’s unique mountain climate, fluctuating water levels, and seasonal weather patterns make regular dock maintenance essential for long-term performance. Proper upkeep not only protects your investment but also ensures your dock stays safe, level, and ready for year-round use.
Fontana Lake experiences noticeable water level shifts throughout the year. These fluctuations can stress dock anchors, ramps, and structural components if your dock isn’t adjusted regularly.
Tip: Schedule routine check-ins to ensure your dock stays level and safely positioned as lake levels rise and fall.
Mountain lakes often see strong winds, fast-moving storms, and changing currents. Over time, this can loosen hardware, wear down floats, and cause joints or brackets to weaken.
Check for:
Damaged or waterlogged floats
Loose bolts, nuts, and hardware
Hinge and ramp pin wear
Signs of rust or corrosion
Stress on dock cables or anchors
Moisture, shade, and tree cover around Fontana Lake can create algae, mildew, and leaf buildup. Regular cleaning helps extend the life of wood or composite decking and improves safety.
A seasonal pressure wash is recommended to remove grime and prevent slippery surfaces.
Steeper banks and mountain runoff can accelerate shoreline erosion. Stabilizing your shoreline with rip rap and proper grading helps protect both your dock and your property during heavy rain or fast water movement.
Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can impact dock structures on Fontana Lake. Before winter:
Remove unnecessary accessories
Secure electrical components
Evaluate anchors and cables
Inspect for cracks or wear that cold weather could worsen
For homeowners who want peace of mind year-round, Martin Docks offers a Dock Watch Program designed specifically for lakes with fluctuating water levels, like Fontana Lake.
With Dock Watch, our team performs scheduled dock inspections and monitoring throughout the year. We check:
Dock positioning & leveling
Anchor and cable tension
Ramp angle and hardware
Structural integrity
Signs of wear, float issues, or early damage
Safety and seasonal readiness
You get ongoing updates, photos, and recommendations so your dock stays safe, secure, and performing at its best—without the hassle of constant DIY monitoring.
7. When in Doubt, Get a Professional Inspection
If you’re unsure about your dock’s condition—or haven’t had a professional check in a while—an expert evaluation can prevent costly repairs later. Martin Docks has decades of experience building and maintaining docks across mountain lakes and can help you keep yours lake-ready year-round. Click here to talk with our team.
Designing a custom boat dock on Lake Fontana starts with choosing features that match your property layout, water depth, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Because Fontana Lake has unique mountain terrain and fluctuating water levels, selecting the right dock style and materials is essential for durability and performance.
Below are the most popular custom dock design options for Fontana Lake homeowners.
Floating docks are ideal for Fontana Lake due to water-level variation.
Benefits:
Automatically adjust to changing water levels
Flexible design options
Easy to expand or reconfigure
Perfect for steep or rocky shorelines
Martin Docks can design floating systems in single-slip, double-slip, or multi-section configurations depending on your needs.
Choose the dock size and slip layout that fits your boats, PWCs, and storage needs.
Single-Slip: Best for homeowners with one primary boat
Double-Slip: Ideal for families with multiple boats or for rental/guest use
Oversized slips: For wake/surf boats, pontoons, and tritoons
Your decking material influences durability, maintenance, and visual appeal. Popular options include:
Composite decking (low-maintenance, long-lasting)
PVC premium decking (excellent performance in moisture-heavy environments)
Pressure-treated wood (classic look at a lower initial cost)
Aluminum decking (lightweight, long-lasting, slip-resistant)
Martin Docks will recommend materials that hold up well in Fontana’s climate and tree-heavy shoreline.
A covered dock protects your boat from weather, UV, and falling debris. Customize the structure with:
Hip roofs
Gable roofs
Sundeck or upper-level platforms
Upper-level sun decks are popular on Fontana Lake for mountain views.
Fontana Lake often has steep or uneven shorelines. Custom gangways ensure safe, durable access with:
Adjustable lengths
Aluminum or galvanized steel frames
Handrails for steep areas
Stabilized footings
Add a lift customized for your boat type:
Pontoon & tritoon lifts
Wake boat lifts
PWC lifts & Wave Armor ports
Floating lifts pair extremely well with fluctuating water elevation.
Make your dock functional and enjoyable with upgrades like:
Built-in benches or storage
Cleats, bumpers, & fenders
Swim ladders
Kayak racks
Boat Lifts & PWC Ports
Sun Shades
Custom shoreline steps create safe, stable access for properties with steep grades—common around Fontana Lake. They can be built from natural stone, composite materials, or timber depending on the desired aesthetic.
With decades of experience designing and engineering docks for mountain lakes, Martin Docks custom-builds each structure to handle Fontana Lake’s terrain, weather patterns, and water fluctuations. Every dock is engineered for strength, safety, and long-term performance, tailored to your exact waterfront.
