Posted on June 5, 2025

Custom Dock Builder Tool: How to Use & Benefits | PolyDock Products

 

Custom Dock Builder Tool: How to Use & Benefits | PolyDock Products

Written by PolyDock Products Marketing

If you’re a hands-on property owner who wants to explore, customize, and visualize dock layouts before ever picking up a phone to speak with a dealer, then the PolyDock Builder is the perfect tool for you. Below, we walk you through everything you need to know about this intuitive tool so you can design the ideal waterfront haven at your own pace – whether you’re dreaming up a launchpad for watersports, planning a boat lift setup, or building an outdoor extension of your lakefront home. 

Summer at the Lake

What is the PolyDock Dock Builder?

The PolyDock Builder is the quickest and easiest way to plan, design, and receive a quote on a new PolyDock Modular Dock System, ShoreMaster Infinity Waterfront System, and boat lift setup. This intuitive online tool lets you explore various dock types and play around with different configurations in a 3D rendering environment to help you visualize potential layouts, deck styles, and accessory options. 

When you finalize your design, you can send it to an authorized dealer, save it for future reference, or submit your design for a quick, no-obligation quote on the dock system of your dreams. Once we receive your design and quote request, our team of PolyDock designers will review your layout and send you a quote estimate with a detailed parts list. When you’re ready to take the next step, we’ll connect you with authorized dock dealers near you to bring your vision to life.

Why Choose a Custom Dock Builder Over Pre-Made Options?

A custom dock builder allows you to design a dock system tailored to your unique needs, preferences, and environment. Compared to pre-designed layouts—which may not align with your shoreline, local regulations, or recreational pursuits—experimenting with a dock builder lets you adapt every detail to fit your space and waterfront lifestyle. Whether you need extra room for entertaining friends, additional slips for your PWCs, or a specific decking aesthetic that complements your property, the PolyDock Builder gives you the freedom and tools to customize every component with ease. 

This hands-on approach helps ensure you get exactly what you need, minimizing the guesswork commonly associated with purchasing a pre-designed dock that might require costly modifications later. With a custom-designed dock, you’re investing in a functional and long-lasting addition to your waterfront, tailored to your lifestyle.

How to Use the PolyDock Custom Dock Builder

Using the PolyDock Custom Dock Builder is simple and intuitive. Here’s an overview of the process: 

  • Launch the Tool: Visit https://www.polydockproducts.com/dock-builder/, wait for the tool to load, and you’ll be prompted to go through the PolyDock Builder tutorial, which walks you through controls, views, and navigation options of this interactive 3D design environment.  
  • Add Components: Begin by selecting a ramp to connect the shore to your dock. Next, choose your base system from options like PolyDock floating dock systems or the ShoreMaster Infinity series, including RS4, RS7, FTS9, and TS9. After selecting a dock system, you’ll see the available section sizes. Simply pick a modular component and drag it into the interactive 3D environment.
  • Design Your Layout: Drag and drop dock sections to build your layout. You can rotate, connect, and reposition sections to explore different configurations. You can also add boat lifts, PWC ports, and choose from eight ShoreMaster decking styles to match the look and feel you want for your waterfront.

Once you’re satisfied with your design, simply click the button to request a quote. Our specialized, knowledgeable team will review your layout, provide a detailed cost estimate with a comprehensive parts list, and connect you with a local dealer. From there, you can finalize your purchase and arrange delivery, bringing you a step closer to enjoying one of the most innovative and user-friendly dock systems available.

Essential Features of PolyDock’s Dock Builder Tools

With the PolyDock Builder, users can toggle between different views to get a realistic sense of how the dock will look and fit in your shoreline. The tool includes scale references and grid lines to accurately size your layout based on your shoreline. This is especially helpful for measuring clearances, boat slips, and accessory placement. You can rotate, zoom, and pan to examine your layout from various angles to ensure the dock system meets both functional and visual expectations. 

Key Considerations When Designing Your Custom Dock

Before working on your custom dock layout, check the local regulations and requirements for installing residential floating docks in your area. Certain states have limitations on dock length or how far it can extend into the water. In Florida, for instance, all docks cannot extend more than 500 feet waterward (Florida DEP, n.d.). In contrast, Michigan does not require a permit for a seasonal dock or boat hoist that is removed at the end of the boating season (State of Michigan, n.d.). Always check with your local authorities or shoreline management agencies before finalizing your design.

Next, assess your shoreline conditions. Is your water level consistent, or does it fluctuate throughout the year? Are you working with a rocky, sandy, or soft lakebed? These factors will help determine the type of dock system (floating, standing, wheel-in, etc.) and anchoring options that make the most sense for your location. Finally, think about how you plan to use the dock and make the distinction between realistic needs and desired pursuits. This will help you prioritize features that maximize utility and value within your budget.

Customer Success Stories: Custom Docks Built with PolyDock 

When Jim Vuocolo took over River Beach Campground and Marina in Mays Landing, NJ, one of his biggest challenges was replacing the establishment’s aging wooden docks. According to him, maintenance was constant, winter removal required a crew of 20 to 30 people, and even with regular off-season repairs, the docks rarely made it through a full summer without issues. That all changed when Vuocolo made the switch to PolyDock.

Despite not seeing many plastic floating docks in nearby marinas at the time, he pulled the trigger on the innovative product to revamp their boating facilities—a decision he still considers one of the best he’s made as owner of the campground and marina. Today, River Beach boasts an 80-slip marina supported by over 90 PolyDock sections, all of which remain in the water year-round.

“It’s virtually maintenance-free. It’s tough as nails,” Vuocolo says. “If you’re thinking about investing in a dock system, this is the way to go.”

Why PolyDock is the Best Choice for Your Dock Building Needs

PolyDock is dedicated to helping you design and build the perfect modular dock system. In addition to the online tool, our experienced team can guide you through the configuration process, answer any questions, and recommend the appropriate waterfront solutions to meet your unique needs and environmental requirements. 

Contact us today at (800) 328-8945 to discuss your requirements and experience the PolyDock difference. 

FAQs

  • Is professional installation required for custom docks created with the PolyDock tool?

While PolyDock floating docks are designed for ease of installation, we recommend arranging for professional installation to ensure everything is done correctly, safely, and in compliance with local regulations.

  • Can I design a dock for both freshwater and saltwater environments using PolyDock?

Absolutely! PolyDock’s rotomolded high-density polyethylene dock sections are engineered to withstand the harshest conditions, including exposure to saltwater, UV rays, and varying temperatures. Complemented by marine-grade aluminum hardware, PolyDock systems are built for durability and long-term performance, making them suitable for even the most challenging marine environments.



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