The Dockman Takes on Cedarville: Installing Golden Boat Lifts in a Classic Boathouse

Cedarville, Michigan, is one of those places that takes your breath away—but it also tests your patience and skill when it comes to building docks. Nestled in the Les Cheneaux Islands, this quiet, remote town is a haven for classic wooden boats, but getting the right materials and working in changing weather conditions made this project a challenge. Still, The Dockman prevails.

This is the first of a three-part series documenting the installation of two Golden Boat House Lifts inside a historic wooden boathouse. These lifts will allow the client—an avid collector of vintage wooden boats from Grand Rapids—to store them safely through the winter without the hassle of hauling them out of the water. No more shrink-wrapping, no more expensive winterizing, just smooth, secure lifts keeping these classics high and dry inside the boathouse.

The Journey to Cedarville

The trip started with its fair share of hiccups—a blown tire, truck issues, and a few unexpected stops. But that’s all part of the game when you’re hauling heavy equipment into Northern Michigan. Once we arrived, we took a moment to check out one of Cedarville’s hidden gems: a natural artesian well, flowing with ice-cold water straight from a 519-foot-deep aquifer. You don’t find water much fresher than that.

Building in Remote Conditions

Setting up a boat lift inside an old wooden boathouse is a different kind of challenge. Unlike an open dock, where you have space to maneuver, we were working inside a tight structure built decades ago. Precision was key—one wrong move, and we risked damaging the boathouse or, worse, one of the priceless wooden boats.

Trips to the local hardware store were frequent—there’s always a part or tool you didn’t think you’d need. The changing weather kept us on our toes, too. We arrived in summer conditions, but by the time the install was in full swing, cooler temps were rolling in, reminding us that fall in Michigan waits for no one.

The Installation Begins

The first step was swapping out old bunks and setting up the framework for the lifts. We installed catwalks for easy maintenance access, side guides to keep the boats centered, and keel supports to ensure proper weight distribution. Every measurement had to be exact—these boats are as much artwork as they are watercraft.

Once the client brought in his boat for a test fit, we carefully lifted it into position, making final adjustments to ensure everything was balanced. Seeing the boat settle onto the lift perfectly was a satisfying moment, proof that all the planning and effort paid off.

A Well-Earned Break

After wrapping up the first lift, we took some time to enjoy the area, grabbing dinner at The Islander Bar in nearby Hessel before catching a University of Michigan game. A late-night vending machine run rounded out the day with some much-needed humor and snacks.

Follow The Dockman Vlog

For those who want to see these projects unfold in real time, check out The Dockman Vlog on YouTube. I document all the ups and downs of these dock and boat lift installations, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, unexpected challenges, and the fun that comes with working on the water. Whether it’s battling the elements, making last-minute hardware runs, or just enjoying the beauty of Northern Michigan, the vlog gives you a front-row seat to life as The Dockman.

Next up, we’ll be returning to install the second lift and put the finishing touches on this project. Stay tuned for Part Two, where we tackle more of the challenges that come with working in a remote boathouse—and prove once again that The Dockman always gets the job done.