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Boat Tie Up & Bumpers

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See What Our Customers Say

...the entire experience was professional but also stress-free and fun. Best of all, we got the dock of our dreams...

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From Destin’s welcoming greeting when we entered the store, through the dock design process, delivery and installation by Tino to the final product… the entire experience was professional but also stress-free and fun. Best of all, we got the dock of our dreams.

Rebecca Poma
Maine
Rebecca Poma
Maine

...LOVE THE PRODUCT, super high quality! Shipping to Alabama was great! Love my "Great Northern Dock" stairs down here in the south!

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I worked with Gretta ordering the dock stairs descending into the water. Since I could not see the product, I was a little nervous ordering on my own. Gretta helped answer all my questions, and helped me figure out the best system for my situation! I don’t think I would have purchased had she not been such a great help. LOVE THE PRODUCT, super high quality! Shipping to Alabama was great! Love my “Great Northern Dock” stairs down here in the south!

Carol Smyser
Alabama
Carol Smyser
Alabama

...Their product is unmatched in Quality, Longevity and Look. There is no application or shoreline their docks can't accommodate. Not only are Great...

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Great Northern Docks is a first-class company with the best product on the market. As one of the larger dock installation companies in southern Maine I have worked directly with Great Northern for years. Their product is unmatched in Quality, Longevity and Look. There is no application or shoreline their docks can’t accommodate. Not only are Great Northern Docks in a class by themselves they are also the most installer friendly dock systems on the market. My dock business has been exclusively with Great Northern for years and they will always be the only company I will work with. From start to finish you will never be disappointed investing in a Great Northern dock system.

Shoreline Solutions LLC
Maine
Shoreline Solutions LLC
Maine

I just wanted to thank you for your help.  I LOVE my dock stairs! I was nervous to order a big ticket item half the country away but your kind attitude and help

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I just wanted to thank you for your help.  I LOVE my dock stairs! I was nervous to order a big ticket item half the country away but your kind attitude and helpful answers gave me a sense of security. I just wanted to thank you for your help.  So, all the way from Minnesota,  I send a shout out: “Yay for Seth! ”Thanks again,

Linda
Minnesota
Linda
Minnesota

I purchased a new dock this season from Great Northern Docks and was extremely happy with the quality and service. From the initial site review, where the team

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I purchased a new dock this season from Great Northern Docks and was extremely happy with the quality and service. From the initial site review, where the team came out and created options on paper, to the prompt delivery, everything went smoothly. When my installers were short some pipe, I called and GND quickly cut a 20’ pipe into two pieces and had it ready to go within the hour for no extra charge. They also gave me a refund for a few extra pieces that I had left over after installation.The dock itself is great looking, well constructed, and very functional for fun summer days on the lake; whether boating or just relaxing on the dock. Thank you GND!

Eric Miller
Maine
Eric Miller
Maine

Lindsay and the team at Great Northern Docks provided excellent support and guidance in the entire process of selecting the appropriate dock

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Lindsay and the team at Great Northern Docks provided excellent support and guidance in the entire process of selecting the appropriate dock that meets our needs and budget. Assembly was straightforward and the quality of the material as well as the craftsmanship was excellent. My wife and I are looking forward to adding additional accessories next year.

Christopher Cortez
Maine
Christopher Cortez
Maine
stairs

Stairs

Easy-to-install, multi-purpose outdoor stairs.

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FAQ

What is a dock bumper?

Dock bumpers serve several functions. They can prevent boats from colliding directly with the dock, reducing the risk of hull damage or other structural harm. Bumpers also protect the dock itself from scratches, dents, and other forms of wear and tear. In addition, they help prevent injuries to people who may accidentally bump into the dock.

What are the benefits of dock bumpers?

Dock bumpers protect boats from impact, increase the lifespan of boats and docks, and absorb uncomfortable forces.

Protection from Impact: Dock bumpers act as a buffer between the dock and boats, absorbing the shock and reducing the risk of damage during docking or mooring. They help prevent collisions that could cause scratches, dents, or more significant structural damage to both the dock and the boat.

Extended Lifespan: By absorbing the impact of boats and other objects, dock bumpers help prolong the lifespan of the dock itself. Without bumpers, constant collisions could lead to wear and tear, resulting in costly repairs or the need for premature replacement.

Injury Prevention: Dock bumpers provide a layer of protection for individuals on the dock. In crowded or busy areas, accidental bumps and collisions can occur between boat and dock. The bumpers help minimize the risk of injuries by providing a cushioning barrier that dampens the impact.

How big should boat bumpers be?

Long boat bumpers offer increased flexibility if water levels change. A long, vertical bumper gives an increased surface for the boat to glance off of even when waves or water level changes cause the boat’s height relative to the dock to change. Professional dock system manufacturers, such as Great Northern Docks, choose bumpers that are approximately 3 foot long. This size provides a good balance between being feasible to ship and providing a large surface area. Products such as the Guardian Bumper, designed in Maine by Great Northern Docks, target these aspects specifically.

How long do dock bumpers last?

Companies that focus on providing quality boat and dock protection, such as Great Northern Docks, use quality materials and attachment methods to preserve the lifespan of a boat bumper. Boat bumpers should always serve in conjunction with boat fenders, and as such should be considered the “last line of defense” between boat and dock. If boat bumpers are properly maintained and used correctly, they may last for years. However, factors such as corrosion, exposure to ultraviolet light, and overreliance on dock bumpers to cushion impact can dramatically reduce the possible lifespan. See Great Northern Docks’ bumper warranty.

Boat Dock Bumpers

See our offerings for boat dock bumpers below. Click each to learn more about their individual strengths and why you should choose our best offerings for marine boat bumpers.

Guardian Boat Dock Bumper

The Guardian Boat Dock Bumper is a universal bumper that fits many forms of wood and aluminum docks.

The Guardian Bumper with Pipe Bracket fits easily on docks that stand on 1.5″ Sch. 40 pipe legs. It is also compatible with Dura-LITE stationary docks.

About Dock Bumpers

The Guardian Bumper with Horizontal Snap-On is only compatible with Dura-LITE stationary or Dura-LITE floating docks, and is a “snap” to install.

Choose from horizontal or vertical bumpers and a variety of edge protection. You will also learn why we believe we have the best boat bumpers for dock systems.

Boat Fenders

Boat fenders are the first line of defense for your boat. As such, they are extremely critical. Their ability to roll makes them able to last long, and keeps your dock from scuffing during day-to-day impacts. They are a softer buffer between the boat and the dock than any kind of dock bumper. We offer three sizes, and colors of white or blue.

Guardian Bumper

Dura-LITE docks offer Snap On vertical or horizontal 36″ polyethylene bumpers, as well as adjustable post mount bumpers.

Our 36″ Half Round bumpers are available for mounting on any of our docks. Drill and through bolt to mount on any wood docks, Dura-LITE docks, or Feather-LITE docks manufactured prior to 2012. For Feather-LITE docks made in 2012 or later, use the center track with slot mounting hardware.

Corner Bumpers

Corner bumpers can be screwed to Dura-LITE docks or wood docks. These are not recommended for Feather-LITE docks. Use a corner wheel bumper or extend regular horizontal bumpers to the corners on Feather-LITE docks.

Wood Post Dock Bumpers

Dock bumpers for posts are an affordable solution to protecting your boat while maintaining a rustic appearance. Our marine post bumper offerings use high quality materials that are extremely capable, and are intended for use on the water. These are available with pressure treated or red cedar lumber, and in 36″ or 46″ lengths. These same bumpers will work as piling post bumpers.

Plastic Dock Bumpers for Pipe Docks

Plastic post bumpers (pipe mount)  are our most popular choice for protecting boats and docks on any of our pipe leg docks, Dura-LITE, Feather-LITE, or wood docks. Our unique post bumpers offer two forms of adjustment, on the pole, or on the back track. This affords you more protection range for fluctuating water depths.

Edge Guard and C-Shape

Edge Guard and C-shape fenders are affordable ways to protect wood docks. Simply nail on with stainless steel or galvanized ring shank roofing nails every 6-8″ on top and bottom. Note: Edge Guard does not work with overlap decking where boards extend beyond the outsides of the frame. For attaching to aluminum docks, we suggest self drilling Tek screws. Since the life of an aluminum dock is longer than our rubber edging for boat docks, more permanent bumpers are recommended.

Torpedo Post Bumpers

Torpedo boat bumpers are an affordable bumper option to cover the hardware area of a stationary pipe dock. They slip down over the post and wrap the hardware. These can also be used on outside corners of Dura-LITE and Feather-LITE docks, but they will not fit the broad flat side of our aluminum docks as the poles are internal to the frame.

Wheel Bumpers

Wheel boat bumpers are available for pole mount, wood corner mount, and wood face mount. These are ideal for problem spots where you need your boat to bump and roll. The impact zone for this type of bumper is above the dock surface, not below.

Bumpers help protect your dock and your watercraft!

Great Northern Docks provides a wide selection of bumpers to tackle common problems on your waterfront. In conjunction with fenders, use dock bumpers as a last line of defense to keep your beautiful boat from damage against the dock!

Choose from horizontal or vertical bumpers and a variety of edge protection.

Boat fenders, or boat bumpers are also available for a softer buffer between the boat and the dock. This style of bumper is critical for reducing friction between boat and dock, and are an ideal preliminary line of defense for your boat. We offer multiple sizes and colors.

Dura-LITE™ docks offer Snap On vertical or horizontal 36″ polyethylene bumpers, as well as adjustable post mount bumpers.

Our 36″ Guardian bumpers are available for mounting on any of our docks. Drill and through bolt to mount on any wood docks, Dura-LITE™ docks, or Feather-LITE™ docks manufactured prior to 2012. For Feather-LITE™ docks made in 2012 or later, use the center track with slot mounting hardware.

Corner bumpers can be screwed to Dura-LITE™ docks or wood docks. These are not recommended for Feather-LITE™ docks. Use a corner wheel bumper or extend regular horizontal bumpers to the corners on Feather-LITE™ docks.

Wood post bumpers are an affordable solution to protecting your boat while maintaining a rustic appearance. These are available with pressure treated or red cedar lumber, and in 36″ or 46″ lengths.

Plastic post bumpers (pipe mount) are our most popular choice for protecting boats and docks on any of our pipe leg docks: Dura-LITE™, Feather-LITE™, or wood docks. Our unique post bumpers offer two forms of adjustment, on the pole, or on the back track. This affords you more protection range for fluctuating water depths.

Edge Guard and C-shape fenders are an affordable way to protect wood docks. Simply nail on with stainless steel or galvanized ring shank roofing nails every 6-8″ on top and bottom. Note: Edgeguard does not work with overlap decking where boards extend beyond the outsides of the frame. For attaching to aluminum docks, we suggest self drilling tek screws. Since the life of an aluminum dock is longer than edgeguard, more permanent bumpers are recommended.

Torpedo post bumpers are an affordable bumper option to cover the hardware area of a stationary pipe dock. They slip down over the post and wrap the hardware. These can also be used on outside corners of Dura-LITE™ and Feather-LITE™ docks, but they will not fit the broad flat side of our aluminum docks as the poles are internal to the frame.

Wheel bumpers are available for pole mount, wood corner mount, and wood face mount. These are ideal for problem spots where you need your boat to bump and roll. The impact zone for this type of bumper is above the dock surface, not below.

Great Northern Docks offers galvanized cleats and folding cleats for DIY dock builders.

Folding cleats should be mounted under permanent decking with a backer board. If decking on your dock is removable, the portion supporting the cleat must be adequately screwed or bolted down. Speak with one of our qualified sales representatives if you have questions for your dock.

For wood frame docks, we recommend the use of through bolts and a stiffener. Stiffeners will tie the tugging forces into the frame of the dock instead of potentially ripping off a deck board.

6″ Cleats are not recommended for watercraft larger than kayaks, canoes, and rowboats, unless through bolts are used with a backer board to share the load over multiple deck boards.

Note: Lags or screws are not suggested for use on cleats except for kayaks, canoes and rowboats in protected areas.

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