Question 1

What dock services are available on Lake Minnetonka?

Accepted Answer

Lake Minnetonka homeowners have access to a full range of professional dock services including seasonal spring installation and fall removal, custom dock design and fabrication, boathouse installation, hydraulic and cable boat lift installation and repair, barge services for heavy lifting, dock cleaning, aquatic weed removal, rip-rap shoreline reinforcement, and sunken boat recovery. Most vendors serve the entire lake and schedule service by bay and community throughout the spring and fall seasons.

Question 2

What is Crepeau Docks and what do they offer on Lake Minnetonka?

Accepted Answer

Crepeau Docks is a Lake Minnetonka institution, founded in 1948 in Maple Plain by welder Ed Crepeau. Founder Ed Crepeau invented the 'Crepeau Style' dock, which is now the most common dock style on Lake Minnetonka. The company manufactures all dock, boathouse, and boat lift components at their Maple Plain facility and performs seasonal spring installation and fall removal using custom-built barges designed specifically for Minnetonka's shoreline. Their hydraulic boat lifts are manufactured by sister company Tonka Lift and are remote-activated with push-button operation. Crepeau Docks is currently owned and operated by Air Force veteran Tim Niccum, who grew up on Lake Minnetonka.

Question 3

What is Tonka Built and what dock services do they provide?

Accepted Answer

Tonka Built is a full-service dock company based in Minnetrista, formed by the merger of Minnetonka Docks and Quality Docks. Co-owners Ben Bjorklund and Jake Youngren both grew up connected to Lake Minnetonka and built the company around safety and quality workmanship. Tonka Built offers installation and removal of residential docks, boathouses, and boat lifts across Lake Minnetonka and surrounding lakes including Excelsior, Greenwood, Deephaven, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park, Wayzata, and Minnetrista. They install both cable and hydraulic lifts, provide dock repair services, and sell new and used docks, boathouses, lifts, and lakeshore accessories.

Question 4

What is Minnetonka Bargeman and what makes them unique?

Accepted Answer

Minnetonka Bargeman is a family-owned dock service company operating out of Excelsior, focused exclusively on Lake Minnetonka. They specialize in seasonal boat lift and dock installation and removal, boat lift repairs, and sunken boat recovery. Minnetonka Bargeman uses barges tailored specifically for Lake Minnetonka's conditions, making them well-suited for complex waterfront situations. Their exclusive focus on Lake Minnetonka gives them deep expertise in the lake's varying shoreline conditions, water depths, and bay-specific challenges.

Question 5

Who are the other notable dock vendors on Lake Minnetonka?

Accepted Answer

In addition to Crepeau Docks, Tonka Built, and Minnetonka Bargeman, Lake Minnetonka homeowners can also work with FineLine Docks (Mound, 25+ years of service, specializing in residential and commercial dock systems, rip-rap shoreline reinforcement, and barge services), Niccum Docks (Buffalo, MN, featuring an 11-ton articulating crane barge and signature Niccum boathouses), Berg's Barge (one of the largest barges on the lake for dock, boathouse, and boat lift services), and The Dock Guy (16+ years on Lake Minnetonka, specializing in seasonal services, lift leveling, canopy cleaning, and eco-friendly aquatic weed management).

Question 6

What types of docks are available for Lake Minnetonka homeowners?

Accepted Answer

Lake Minnetonka homeowners can choose from several dock types. The 'Crepeau Style' stationary dock is the most common on the lake, known for durability and stability. Floating dock systems are available for properties with variable water depths or soft lake bottoms. Roll-in and pipe dock systems are common for seasonal installation and removal. Custom dock configurations can be designed with cedar, polymer, or aluminum decking. Boathouses — both freestanding and attached — provide covered boat storage and are subject to LMCD regulations. Most systems can be expanded or reconfigured as needs change.

Question 7

What boat lift options are available on Lake Minnetonka?

Accepted Answer

Lake Minnetonka vendors offer both hydraulic and cable boat lifts to accommodate different boat sizes, dock configurations, and budgets. Hydraulic lifts — like those manufactured by Tonka Lift and installed by Crepeau Docks — are remote-activated with push-button operation and are among the most convenient options available. Cable lifts are a proven, widely used alternative suited to many Lake Minnetonka shoreline configurations. PWC lifts are also available for personal watercraft. Lift installation timing is critical — spring scheduling fills quickly and homeowners are advised to book early.

Question 8

When should Lake Minnetonka homeowners schedule dock installation and removal?

Accepted Answer

Most Lake Minnetonka dock vendors perform spring installation after ice-out, typically in late April or May, and fall removal before freeze-up, usually in October or November. Installation and removal typically take a few hours to a full day depending on the size of the dock. Spring scheduling fills quickly — homeowners are strongly advised to book installation service early in the year to secure their preferred timing. Docks moved between lakes must be dried out for 21 days per LMCD and DNR aquatic invasive species rules before being placed in a different body of water.

Lake Minnetonka Dock Vendors

A Guide to Lake Minnetonka's Leading Dock and Lakeshore Service Providers-Installation, Removal, Maintenance, & More

Tonka Built, LLC

Minnetonka Bargeman

Berg's Barge

Waterfront Solutions

Niccum Docks

The Dock Guy

Crepeau Docks

FineLine Docks