What to Consider When Building a Custom Boat Dock in 2027

Updated November 2026

A custom boat dock is more than a place to tie up the boat. Done right, it becomes the center of your lake life: the spot for morning coffee, summer cookouts, and evenings on the water. For more than four decades, Kroeger Marine has designed and built custom docks on Upstate South Carolina lakes, and we have learned that the best docks start with good planning long before construction begins.

That planning matters more than usual heading into 2027. Water levels on Lake Hartwell are being held lower for the foreseeable future, a long drought pushed Lake Keowee well below full pond this year, and Duke Energy has been working through an update to its shoreline rules for Keowee and Jocassee. Here is what to consider if you are thinking about a new custom dock, and what has changed.

What’s Changed on Upstate Lakes Heading Into 2027

Lake Hartwell has a new, lower “full” level

In August 2026, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lowered Hartwell Lake’s normal target level to 656 feet year-round to reduce pressure on the Clemson Saddle Dike, where seepage has been monitored since 2015. Previously, the lake was managed to 660 feet in summer and 656 feet in winter, and the Corps will now keep the lake below a hard maximum of 662 feet during heavy rain. The Lake Hartwell Association reports the Corps expects the fix to take five to ten years.

For dock owners, that means summer water is roughly four feet lower than many docks were designed around. If you are building on Hartwell, your dock should be planned for 656 feet as the new normal, with room to handle drought levels below that.

Drought put Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee to the test

The Keowee-Toxaway basin entered Stage 2 of Duke Energy’s Low Inflow Protocol in February 2026 after months of below-normal rainfall, and Lake Keowee spent much of the fall about four feet below full pond. Docks built with deeper water in mind kept their owners on the lake; docks in shallow coves did not.

Shoreline rules on Keowee and Jocassee are under review

Duke Energy is required to review its Keowee-Toxaway Shoreline Management Plan every ten years and has been meeting with stakeholders on an update since 2024. Until any changes are final, the current plan and guidelines apply, so it is worth confirming the latest requirements for your lot before you commit to a design.

1. Start With Your Site: Water Depth, Wave Action, and Shoreline

Every great dock starts with a thorough site evaluation. These are the conditions we look at first, and why each one shapes the design.

• Water depth at low water, not just full pond. Measure depth where the slip and lift will sit at today’s lower levels. Depth determines whether you can add a boat lift, how far the dock needs to reach, and whether a fixed or floating dock makes more sense.
• Wave action and boat traffic. A dock on the main channel takes more wake and wind than one in the back of a cove, and may need extra bracing, anchoring, or a specific orientation. Cove docks see calmer water but can face added restrictions based on cove width and nearby structures.
• Shoreline slope and soil. The ideal ramp connection runs from a gentle slope to a flat landing. Steep or eroding banks affect how the ramp attaches and may call for shoreline stabilization before or alongside the dock.
• Seasonal and drought fluctuation. Plan for the full range of water levels your lake sees, including drought years. A ramp that works at full pond can become too steep when the water drops several feet.
• How you will use it. The number of boats and guests you plan to host affects slip count, cleats, bumpers, and gathering space.

2. Fixed vs. Floating: Choosing the Right Dock Type

The right dock type depends on your water, your shoreline, and the rules for your lot.

• Fixed docks are anchored to the lake bottom and offer unmatched stability. They suit firm bottoms and stable depths, handle choppy water well, and support permanent features like roofs and lifts. Their ability to be configured in L or T shapes can also help properties that face restrictions such as the cove distance rule.
• Floating docks rise and fall with the lake, which makes them the natural choice when water levels swing, as they have on Hartwell and Keowee. They work well over deep water or soft, uneven bottoms, keep a consistent height above the water for easy boarding, and cause minimal disruption to the lake bottom. They also adapt well to add-ons like PWC ports and boat lifts.

With lower water now the norm on Hartwell, we are spending more time with owners on ramp length, hinge points, and reach to deeper water so the dock stays usable across the full range of lake levels.

3. Choosing Boat Dock Materials

Materials drive your dock’s look, lifespan, and maintenance. Here is how the most common options compare:

• Pressure-treated wood: affordable with a classic look, but needs regular sealing and staining to prevent splintering and rot.
• Natural hardwoods like Ipe: exceptionally strong and beautiful. A premium choice that can be oiled to keep its color or left to weather to a silver patina.
• Composite decking: made from recycled materials, low maintenance, and resistant to mold and fading, though some lack the natural look owners prefer.
• PVC decking: one of the most durable, lowest-maintenance options. It never needs paint or stain, has a slip-resistant surface, and comes in many colors.
• Aluminum: lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and very durable, especially for framing, though it is not always the first pick when aesthetics lead.

4. Custom Design Elements Worth Planning For

Once the structure and materials are set, the design details are what make a dock feel like yours. Explore our custom dock styles for inspiration, or start sketching in our dock builder.

• Configuration: plan the layout around how you will use the dock: where you will sit, store gear, board the boat, and swim.
• Multi-use space: sundecks, covered lounge areas, and swim platforms turn a dock into an outdoor living room.
• Storage and watercraft protection: dock boxes, PWC ports, and boat lifts keep gear and boats secure. If you are adding a lift, confirm it will work at your lake’s lower levels.
• Accessories that make water access easy: a sloped ladder like the LakeEze Dock Ladder makes getting in and out of the water easier for every age.
• Lighting and power: wiring the dock for lighting improves safety, security, and evening ambiance.
• Size: as a general rule, add three to four feet to the overall length of your largest boat so your slip has enough clearance.

5. Permits and Approvals: Start Early

Every dock on these lakes needs approval before construction begins, and who approves it depends on the lake.

• Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee: Duke Energy Lake Services reviews dock requests under the Keowee-Toxaway Shoreline Management Plan. Applications are submitted online through Duke’s Lake Access Permit System, and a Lake Services representative inspects the property as part of the review. Oconee and Pickens counties also have their own buffer requirements, and if a permit expires before work is finished, a new application is required.
• Lake Hartwell: docks on Corps of Engineers lakes require a shoreline use permit under Hartwell’s Shoreline Management Plan, and only certain shoreline allocations allow private docks.

Permitting is built into our process, and our team handles the paperwork and coordination for you. You can also browse our permitting FAQs for common questions.

6. Build With the Lake in Mind

As caretakers of the lakes we live and work on, we recommend a few eco-friendly practices on every build:

• Choose sustainable, low-impact dock materials.
• Minimize disruption to aquatic habitat during construction.
• Control erosion and protect the shoreline around the dock.
• Consider a floating design to reduce impact on the lake bottom.

When to Start Planning a 2027 Dock

Fall and winter are the best time to plan a dock you want to enjoy next summer. Site evaluation, design, and permit review all take time, and starting now gives you the best chance of being on the water when the season begins. Lower winter water levels also make it easier to see the shoreline and measure depth where it matters most. If you would rather skip the wait entirely, our new and preowned dock inventory includes docks ready for installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Lake Hartwell’s lower water level affect my new dock?

It can. With the Corps now targeting 656 feet year-round, slips and lifts designed around a 660-foot summer pool may sit in shallower water than expected. A floating dock, a longer reach to deeper water, and a ramp designed for a wider range of levels all help keep your dock usable.

Do I need a permit to build a dock on Lake Keowee?

Yes. Docks on Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee require approval from Duke Energy Lake Services under the Keowee-Toxaway Shoreline Management Plan, and county buffer rules may also apply. Our team manages the permitting process for our customers.

Is a fixed or floating dock better when water levels drop?

Floating docks adjust automatically as the lake rises and falls, which makes them a strong choice for lakes with big swings. Fixed docks remain an excellent option for stable, firm-bottomed sites and can be designed with enough reach to stay usable in lower water.

How big should my boat slip be?

Plan for three to four feet longer than your largest boat so you have room to maneuver and moor safely. Width depends on your boat’s beam and whether you are adding a lift.

Build the Custom Dock You’ve Been Dreaming Of

Kroeger Marine brings expert craftsmanship, innovative design, and decades of lake experience to every dock we build in Upstate South Carolina. Whether you are on Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, or Lake Hartwell, we will help you design a dock that fits your property, your lifestyle, and today’s lake levels. Call us at (864) 882-7671 or request an estimate to start planning your custom dock.