Looking Ahead: Dock and lift trends for the 2026 season

Jackie Bryant
46 minutes ago
2 min read

With every new year comes fresh innovation, shifting trends, and changes across the products and systems we use every day. The boating industry is no exception. As we head into the 2026 season, boat dock and lift systems are evolving in exciting new directions. Here are a few of the trends we're looking forward to in the coming year.

Boat docked under a metal canopy on a calm lake. Clear blue sky and distant shoreline with trees. Peaceful and serene setting.

Smart Lifts

As AI becomes more prominent, we’re seeing a major shift toward integrating smartphone apps, remote operation, and real-time alerts into dock systems. These smart features use sensors to monitor performance, provide preventative-maintenance insights, and detect potential issues early—reducing downtime and giving you more confidence in your setup.

Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Designs

Sustainability and eco-friendly designs have been all the rage for the past several years, but we are now starting to see it come to life in boat docks and lips. We are seeing more solar-powered lifts, allowing lifts to operate with reduced grid dependency in smaller, environmentally friendly footprints. We are also seeing the use of more environmentally sustainable materials, such as recycled plastic and corrosion-resistant metals.

Modular Custom Docks

Nobody wants their dock to look like everybody else's. Customization and modular systems are becoming more and more prevalent in the duck industry. We are seeing more custom finishes, architectural detailing such as glass, railing, stone, inlays, and Taylor designs to match the aesthetic of your home. We have seen these come to life with brands like Wave Armor, where they use a piece-by-piece dock system to make it more cost-effective and customizable.

Stability & Resilience Upgrades

Today’s floating docks are engineered with improved stabilization systems that reduce wobble, tilting, and shifting caused by waves. They’re also being designed with durability in mind, helping them better withstand fluctuating water levels, strong winds, and the corrosion challenges we frequently face here in the Midwest.