Dockin’ Guide: Memorial Day Weekend for the Lake Crew: A DIY Guide to a Successful Waterfront Setup—From Bellfy Aquatic Engineering

If you see me on-site, consider it a good sign

Memorial Day weekend in Michigan is when the lake life really begins. Whether you're the homeowner or the guy who married into it and now finds himself waist-deep with a pipe wrench—this guide's for you.

At Bellfy Aquatic Engineering, we know getting the dock in isn’t just a task—it’s a kickoff tradition. And if you're handling it yourself this year, here’s your no-fluff guide to doing it right, having fun, and not forgetting the 9/16 socket (again).

The Bellfy 5 P’s for Waterfront Setup: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance

Before you drag the dock out of storage, let’s talk strategy. The secret to a successful install? People, snacks, music, tools, and a plan.

Step 1: Bring Your People: Call your family, friends, neighbors, or that cousin who always says "let me know if you need help." This stuff is heavy, awkward, and always easier with extra hands. Many hands make light work—even with boat lifts.

Step 2: Fuel Up: We’re talking snacks, water, and probably a cooler with a couple of cold ones. Dock installs are a vibe, and waterfront setup big dogs eat, so plan for lunch on the shore.

Bonus Points: Tag Bellfy Aquatic Engineering with your favorite lakeside-friendly recipe (sandwiches, wraps, watermelon, etc.)

American Flag Pretzels Recipe These festive American flag pretzels are a fun and delicious treat for patriotic celebrations like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day. Here’s how to make them! Ingredients: 1 bag of pretzel rods 1 cup of white chocolate or candy melts 1 cup of red candy melts 1 cup of blue candy melts Sprinkles (red, white, and blue) Instructions Melt the Chocolate: In separate bowls, melt the white, red, and blue candy melts according to package instructions.Dip the Pretzels: Dip half of each pretzel rod into the white chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.Add Color: Dip the other half of the pretzel rod into the red candy melts, leaving a small section of the white chocolate exposed. Repeat with the blue candy melts on some of the pretzels.Decorate: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the red, white, and blue sprinkles on the pretzels for added decoration.Let Set: Allow the pretzels to cool and harden completely, which may take about 30 minutes.Serving Suggestions Arrange the pretzels on a platter in the shape of an American flag.Serve them at parties, barbecues, or as a fun snack for kids, any leftover pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.Enjoy your festive American flag pretzels!

Step 3: Add Music: Turn on the radio or your waterproof JBL. Karaoke dock installs? Totally a thing. Music = morale.

Step 4: Make a Plan: Nothing slows you down faster than realizing you’re missing a key piece halfway through. Layout your sections, sort your parts, and check your hardware before you head to the shore.

Basic Tool Checklist (Save this!)

• 9/16” socket + ratchet

• Pipe wrench

• Mallet or hammer

• Cordless drill

• Level

• Spare hardware (pins, bolts, washers)

• PRO TIP: A foam float will make the work of 2 good dock people.

  
  

Dock Types: Know Before You Go

Whether you’ve got a STARR Truss Roll-In Dock, a Bulmann Dream Dock, or EZ Dock modular sections, know what system you’re working with. And if you don’t know, ask us first. We can guide you before you're knee-deep in guesswork.

Feature Products to Know:

• STARR Truss Roll-In Docks

• Bulmann Dream Dock

• EZ Dock (modular + super DIY-friendly)

• STARR Boat Lift Wheel Kits (makes lift install almost fun—almost)

  
  

  

  Starr Docks and Lifts: Truss Roll Dock

  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  Bulmann Dock & Lift logo featuring bold blue lettering and a stylized wave design within an oval border. Dream Dock DIY Dock of the Year!

  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  EZ Dock logo showcasing a sleek and modern design, emphasizing innovation in docking solutions.

  
  
  
  

Lake Mindset: Weather Happens. So What.

Let’s be honest—Michigan weather is unpredictable. Cold wind? Rainy start? Don’t let that throw you off. Pick a date, prep well, and adjust as needed. Some of the best lake memories come from “figuring it out.”

Bonus Tip: The Dock Is the Destination

Sure, you’re here to install the thing—but really, the dock is the hangout, the greeting zone, and the sunset-watching stage. Take time to enjoy it when the work’s done. The faster the job, the sooner the fun.

It's a Michigan tradition to jump off the dock!

Quick Recap Checklist

• Got your people?

• Got your snacks?

• Got your tools?

• Know your dock type?

• Have a plan?

  If yes—launch the dock life.

  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  We at Bellfy Aquatic Engineering are ALL about the Dock Life

  
  
  
  
  
  

Product Spotlight: STARR Boat Lift Wheel Kits

Rolling your boat lift into the water shouldn’t feel like moving a boulder. With STARR wheel kits, even heavy setups glide into place. Ask us how to get one delivered in time for the season.

Pro Starr Wheel Kits make every DIY Boat Lift Installation into light work!

From All of Us at Bellfy Aquatic Engineering…

Have fun. Stay safe. And make Memorial Day the start of an unforgettable lake season.

Need help or parts?

Visit www.bellfybros.com or message us for inventory, installs, or expert advice.

We’re lake people, too.