Dockman Travel Vlog: From Beaver Island to Sand River

At Waters Edge Dock and Hoist, we believe being The Dockman isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. That lifestyle often takes us far from home, where the beauty of Michigan’s waterways meets the challenge of remote dock and lift installations.

Beaver Island Bound

The journey began in Charlevoix, where we boarded the Beaver Island ferry for a two-hour ride across Lake Michigan. Rain sprinkled down, but the water stayed calm as we made our way to one of the most remote and historic islands in the Great Lakes.

Beaver Island, just 15 miles long with around 600 residents, is only accessible by ferry or plane. Out here, life slows down—and so does traffic (we only passed one car in 40 minutes!). Our destination: a classic log cabin property where the customer needed a dock repositioned and a Great Lakes lift assembled.

Every shoreline project is about more than equipment—it’s about protecting the view. By moving the dock and lift 8–10 feet, we preserved the cabin’s panoramic sightlines of the lake. After hours of assembling crossbars, uprights, and canopy frames—sometimes solo with “Doc Man’s secrets”—we stood back to admire a flawless floating dock and pontoon lift. Even after enduring a year of ice push, this dock didn’t budge. That’s the strength and reliability of Waters Edge installs.

From Island to Inland

Once the Beaver Island job was complete, we packed up, caught the ferry back, and set our sights north. Four and a half hours later, we pulled into Marquette, settling into a stunning Airbnb perched above Sand River. Between the steep stairs, the sound of rushing water, and the comfort of a sauna, it was the perfect place to recharge after long days on the shoreline.

But even in a relaxing setting, The Dockman spirit doesn’t rest. Our crew laughed, shared meals, and swapped stories—but when the morning came, it was time to work. Next up: a universally accessible kayak launch at Teal Lake, plus a floating dock for the local rowing club.

The Dockman Lifestyle

These adventures capture what it means to be The Dockman: traveling far and wide across Michigan, sometimes to the most remote corners of the state, to deliver the very best in docks and hoists. It’s about balance—having fun with the crew, making memories in unique places, and then getting serious when it’s time to get the job done.

No matter the location—whether it’s Beaver Island, Sand River, or your own backyard—Waters Edge Dock and Hoist brings dedication, craftsmanship, and a little Dockman spirit to every install.