Great Lakes Lift and Dock

What Great Lakes Lift and Dock does

Great Lakes Lift and Dock is a family-owned manufacturer of aluminum boat lifts, docks, gangways, and stairways, founded in 1974 and operating from a single facility at 1382 East Caro Road, Caro, Michigan. The company builds its products from Marine Grade 6005 T5 aluminum with stainless steel hardware, brass components, and SunWalk Superior Surfaces decking; notable design choices include all-welded (rather than bolted) construction, hydraulic cylinders engineered to remain above water to avoid corrosion and zebra mussel fouling, and modular dock systems with no component weighing more than 50 pounds. Its portfolio spans vertical boat lifts (up to 5,600 lb capacity), hydraulic lifts, pontoon lifts, cantilever lifts, personal watercraft lifts, heavy water lifts, gangways (including ADA-UA compliant variants pioneered for public-sector use), and adjustable stairways, supported by a catalog of accessories such as canopies, bunks, and SunWalk decking.

The company sells exclusively through an authorized dealer network rather than direct to end customers. Pricing is quote-based and provided by individual dealers to customers, with no published price list; each transaction is customized to the buyer's shoreline and watercraft requirements. Customer segments span individual waterfront property owners (primary), municipalities and parks seeking ADA-compliant waterfront access, and commercial marina operators. Marketing is concentrated on the company website (with a dealer locator tool), a maintained blog featuring dealer spotlights, and organic social channels (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram). Founded and still led by the Sturtevant family (Dave Sturtevant as co-founder and Greg Sturtevant in dealer relations), the business operates with 1-10 employees, takes no external investment, and reports a Midwestern regional service footprint rather than a national one.

Name

Great Lakes Lift and Dock

Legal name

Great Lakes Lift and Dock

Website

https://greatlakeslift.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Great Lakes Lift and Dock designs and manufactures aluminum boat lifts, docks, gangways, and stairways from its Caro, Michigan facility. Founded in 1974, this family-owned company sells exclusively through an authorized dealer network serving waterfront owners, municipalities, and marinas across the Midwest.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Waterfront Equipment

NAICS

Overhead Traveling Crane, Hoist, and Monorail System Manufacturing (333923), Ornamental and Architectural Metal Products Manufacturing (33232)

SIC

Fabricated Structural Metal Products (3440)

akta.pro primary industry

Shiplifts & Transfer Systems (Rail/Platform Transfer, Slipways) (IMAJALAB)

Keywords

• Aluminum boat lifts
• Boat dock manufacturing
• Marine waterfront equipment
• Boat lift dealer network
• ADA gangway systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Caro

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Boat Lifts and Docks Sales: The company manufactures and sells aluminum boat lifts, docks, gangways, stairways, and accessories through an authorized dealer network. Products include vertical boat lifts (up to 5600 lb capacity), pontoon lifts, personal watercraft lifts, cantilever lifts, hydraulic lifts, and various dock systems. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales to dealers who then sell to end customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Great Lakes Lift and Dock designs and manufactures aluminum boat lifts, docks, gangways, stairways, and waterfront accessories at its Caro, Michigan facility. Products are constructed from Marine Grade 6005 T5 Aluminum, stainless steel hardware, brass components, and SunWalk Superior Surfaces decking, and are sold exclusively through an authorized dealer network in Michigan and the broader Midwest region serving residential and municipal waterfront customers.

Product overview

Great Lakes Lift and Dock is a family-owned manufacturer of high-quality aluminum boat lifts, docks, and waterfront equipment established in 1974, based in Caro, Michigan. The company operates through an exclusive dealer network and offers a comprehensive portfolio of products organized into three main categories: boat docks (including Ever Eze Dock, Ever Eze Lite Dock, and Port-O-Eze Dock), boat lifts (encompassing Vertical Boat Lifts, Hydraulic Boat Lifts, Personal Watercraft Lifts, Pontoon Lifts, Cantilever Boat Lifts, and Heavy Water Lifts), and gangways/stairways (featuring Heavy Duty Modular Gangways, Standard Duty Gangways, Medium Duty Gangways, and Adjustable Stairs). The company has pioneered ADA-UA universally accessible dock products for parks and recreation access. Optional add-on modules for boat lifts include canopies, bunk upgrades, motor options, and deep water legs, while dock options include various accessories and decking choices.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ever Eze Dock Heavy-duty modular aluminum dock system featuring 4-inch wide aircraft-grade aluminum side stringers, heavy-duty welded cross arms, all-welded (not bolted) sections for improved strength and noise reduction, and all stainless steel hardware; available in sizes from 3' x 8' to 4' x 10' and intended for residential waterfront owners.
• Ever Eze Lite Dock Lightweight, low-maintenance modular aluminum dock system with welded frame, quick-tach endcaps, built-in pole holders, all stainless hardware, and a three-component modular design in which no part weighs over 50 lbs; intended for residential waterfront owners who want easier installation.
• Port-O-Eze Dock Modular aluminum boat dock with widths from 3' to 8' and lengths from 10' to 20', featuring removable deck panels, SunWalk decking in grey, tan, or white, and support options including Standard Half-Moon System, Under Dock Leg System, and Winch and Roll System for residential waterfront owners.
• Vertical Boat Lift All-aluminum vertical boat lift with an all-welded open-side design for easy boat access, 60-66 inches of cradle rise, only seven inches of water needed at lowest position, carpeted utility bunks, and solar or 110V electric winch options; intended for residential boat owners needing lift capacities up to 5,600 lb.
• Hydraulic Boat Lift Hydraulic-powered aluminum boat lift with a 24-volt power system (with solar tender), 54-inch rise on 70122/70134 and 80122/80134 models, and a hydraulic cylinder designed not to be submerged to avoid corrosion, floating debris, and zebra mussels; cycle time of 35-40 seconds from bottom to top for residential waterfront owners.
• Personal Watercraft Lift Cantilever-style aluminum personal watercraft lift accommodating watercraft from light stand-up machines through 1,750 lb jet boats, with adjustable legs ranging from 12 to 36 inches, heavy-duty anodized aluminum wheels, and optional poly bunks and canopies; for personal watercraft owners.
• Pontoon Lift Pontoon-specific aluminum boat lift with rear rollers, bolt guards, and adjustable legs as standard; Model 2424PL offers 48 and 60 inch hinges, all V-shaped to accept tri-toon usage, with an optional adjustable 110-inch wide stabilizer for deep water applications; intended for pontoon boat owners.
• Cantilever Boat Lift All-aluminum cantilever boat lift with Grade 5 bolts and U-bolts, 36-inch adjustable legs with 22-inch maximum extension, 42-inch cradle lift from bottom to full-up position, and 1-inch bearing bronze bushings in the pulley system for longevity; designed for residential waterfront owners.
• Heavy Water Lift High-lift capability aluminum boat lift for rough-water conditions with standard anchoring system (augers) on HW-800 and HW-800DD models, a 42-inch wheel standard on HW-40122V, carpeted utility bunks, and an all-welded side design allowing entry from the sides and ends; targets owners of larger watercraft in rough-water locations.
• Heavy Duty Modular Gangway ADA-UA compliant modular aluminum gangway system designed for municipalities and public waterfront access, with 3-5'x8' dock base frames, full 60-inch clear walking width, ADA-compliant handrails, SunWalk decking in Oak, Stone, or Ivory, and a modular design that adapts to changing water levels.
• Standard Duty Gangway Standard-duty aluminum gangway available in 10-foot and 12-foot lengths, featuring transition plates and optional ramp hinges; intended for residential waterfront access.
• Medium Duty Gangway Medium-duty aluminum gangway available in 16-foot and 20-foot lengths and 3-, 4-, and 5-foot widths, with SunWalk decking and options for railings, transition plates, QuickTach coupling devices, heavy-duty end caps, and kick rails; for residential and light commercial waterfront access.
• Adjustable Stairs Adjustable aluminum stair units available in 5-, 7-, 10-, and 13-step configurations and 3- and 4-foot widths, with aluminum treads (31 3/4-inch wide) or SunWalk step treads in Oak, Stone, or Ivory in 36 or 48 inch widths and all stainless steel hardware; for residential waterfront property owners.

Quantifiable outcome

• Boat lifts built to last season after season
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Up North ShorelinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 August 2023Family-run business in Gaylord, Michigan specializing in boat lift installations, removals, and maintenance services. Founded by Mike who was inspired by Great Lakes Lift's business model and dedication to excellence. Represents Great Lakes Lift products in the Gaylord region.
• Waters Edge Dock & HoistcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 May 2023Leading provider of dock and hoist services in Howell, Michigan with over 10 years of partnership with Great Lakes Lift. Owned by Jerry and Garrick. Provides installation services for Great Lakes Lift products with a focus on customer satisfaction.
• Camp & CruisecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 December 2022Family business in Marne, Michigan serving the area for 50 years under the Camp and Cruise name. Has been a Great Lakes Lift dealer for twenty years. Sells products needed for lake experience including boat accessories.
• Lakeside ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 November 2022Partner of Great Lakes Lift serving lake residents in Michigan, primarily in the central region around greater Midland. Founded by Greg after leaving a corporate job. Provides dock and boat lift services including seasonal removal and installation.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• ShoreMaster: ShoreMaster is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of aluminum boat lifts, docks, and waterfront accessories, selling through a national dealer network. Directly comparable product categories, customer base (residential waterfront owners and dealers), and channel motion.
• Tommy Docks: Tommy Docks sells aluminum-framed modular dock kits and lift accessories through retail and dealer channels in the Upper Midwest. Directly competes on modular residential dock kits, with overlapping customer base and DIY-friendly positioning.
• FLOE International: FLOE designs and manufactures aluminum boat lifts, docks, and waterfront equipment, with a strong dealer network in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. Comparable aluminum lift and dock product lines, regional Great Lakes overlap, and dealer-channel distribution model.
• EZ Dock: EZ Dock manufactures modular floating dock systems and lifts using composite materials, sold through a global dealer network. Directly competitive on residential and municipal dock segments; differs in material (composite vs. aluminum) but overlaps on modularity and ADA-accessible use cases.
• Candock: Candock produces modular floating dock cubes and PWC/drive-on lifts, distributed through dealers for residential and commercial waterfronts. Comparable modular dock and small-craft lift categories serving similar end customers and dealers.
• Hewitt Industries: Hewitt manufactures aluminum boat lifts, pontoon lifts, and roll-a-docks, distributed through an authorized dealer network in the Upper Midwest and across the U.S. Closely overlaps with Great Lakes Lift on lift types, materials, and dealer-driven GTM.

Emerging players

• Wave Armor: Wave Armor produces rotomolded modular dock systems and PWC/jet ski drive-on ports, sold through marine and powersports dealers. Adjacent product overlap with Great Lakes Lift's PWC lifts and docks, with a different material approach but similar residential waterfront customer.

Regional players

• Alumi-Span: Alumi-Span produces aluminum docks and lifts targeted at Midwest lakefront property owners, distributed regionally. Comparable product specifications (aluminum modular docks) and similar customer geography.
• Naylor Marine Products: Naylor Marine manufactures aluminum boat lifts and docks with a strong presence in Michigan and surrounding states. Highly regional peer with overlapping customer base and product range in the same Great Lakes geography.

Others

• Rhino Metals: Rhino Metals manufactures boat lift canopies and covers used as accessories on aluminum boat lifts. Adjacent as an accessorizer within the same boat-lift category rather than a competing lift manufacturer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCe5JNmUtZSy16muOgPkFm2A
• Facebookfacebook.com/GreatLakesLiftAndDock
• Instagraminstagram.com/greatlakesliftsocial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Great Lakes Lift and Dock