Dock relocation and re-anchoring
Sometimes the dock is fine but its position isn't. Moving it or resetting its anchors can solve problems with depth, wind and access.
Docks on Table Rock Lake get moved for all kinds of reasons. A new owner wants it closer to the path down the bank. A dock that was fine at normal pool ends up too close to shore or grounding in a shallow cove when the lake drops. Anchoring that was set years ago no longer holds the dock square, so it swings in the wind or pulls the walkway out of line.
What does relocating a dock involve?
- Disconnecting power at the shore and removing the walkway
- Releasing cables or stiff arms and towing the dock to its new position
- Setting new anchors and cable runs for the new spot
- Refitting or lengthening the walkway so it handles the level change
- Reconnecting power through a licensed electrician
Do I need permission to move a dock?
Check first. Private docks on Table Rock Lake are authorized in writing by the Corps, and the federal rules only allow private floating facilities along shoreline allocated as a Limited Development Area. A new position is a change to what was approved, so talk to the Table Rock Lake Project Office before the dock moves. If you've just bought the property, remember that the Corps lists dock permits as nontransferable, so the permit itself may need to be addressed too.
What is re-anchoring?
Re-anchoring keeps the dock where it is but resets how it's held. That can mean new cables and winches, replacing worn shackles, adding stiff arms to shore, or rebalancing tension so the dock rides level. With a gap of 16 feet between the conservation pool at 915 feet and the flood pool at 931 feet, as listed by the U.S. Geological Survey, the anchor layout has to allow for water well above the normal line.
Signs your anchoring needs work
- The dock drifts or rotates more than it used to
- The walkway twists or rides up on its rollers
- Cables go slack at one level and drum-tight at another
- The dock touches bottom when the lake is low
Pricing comes from the dock contractor once they've looked at your shoreline, water depth and permit situation. We don't publish or quote prices, and a number given over the phone before a site visit is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Can a dock be moved to a neighbor's frontage or another cove?
Only with the Corps' approval and only along shoreline zoned for private docks. Ask the Project Office before planning a move.
How often should anchor cables be checked?
Look them over every season and after high water or a storm. Rust, fraying or uneven tension are reasons to have a builder look.
Related services
More background: Table Rock Lake dock guide.
Dock listing, lift stuck, or ready for a new slip?
Call or send a request and a Table Rock Lake dock builder will get back to you.