Most Muskoka waterfront lots drop steeply from the driveway to the water. A boom truck can lift lumber bundles, dock sections, steel frames, crib materials and boathouse framing from the road down to the shoreline. That saves your crew a day or more of carrying.
What can usually be lifted
- Bundles of decking, joists and pressure-treated lumber
- Pre-built floating dock sections and aluminum frames
- Steel posts, pipe piers and brackets
- Boathouse framing packages and roof trusses
- Boat lifts, PWC lifts and swim platforms (ask the operator about weight)
What the operator will ask
How far it is from where the truck can park to where the load needs to land, how heavy the heaviest piece is, and whether there are trees or overhead wires in the way. Photos taken from the driveway toward the water help a lot.
Typical cost
Dock and boathouse lifts are typically about $700 to $1,600, depending on reach, weight and time on site. See the full cost guide.
Common questions
Can a boom truck reach my dock?
It depends on the horizontal distance from where the truck can safely set up to where the load lands, and on the weight. Many trucks can reach well past a typical cottage deck, but the operator needs photos or a site visit to say for sure.
Do I need my contractor there?
Usually yes. Someone needs to receive and guide the load at the shoreline. Most dock builders book the boom truck directly for the day they are ready.
Can you lift a whole dock section into the water?
Smaller pre-built sections often can be. Large crib docks are usually built in place. Ask the operator about the weight and size of each piece.