The Dock Nightmare Nobody Sees Coming (Until It’s Too Late)

Lake of the Ozarks is a boaters’ paradise, with more than 40,000 docks according to Ameren Shoreline Management. The scale is hard to believe for anyone who hasn't seen it.

But the team at Catalyst Electric regularly spots a few common dock problems that — unaddressed — can quickly turn into a nightmare of expenses and lost time on the water.

Every modern dock requires power, from operating the boat lift to powering lights and appliances that accessorize Lake life. And most docks look fine on the surface, but electric issues can be hidden.

The untrained eye can often miss damage caused by weather or can’t spot an incorrect electrical hookup at the dock. And electric issues are no trivial matter; an incorrectly wired dock can be dangerous.

That’s why you need Catalyst Electric in your back pocket... or saved in your phone's contacts.

Catalyst Electric

Phone: 573-552-8488 (call for fastest service; 24/7 Emergency Service available)

Email: info@catalystelectric.com

Serving the Lake since 2008, the company is owned and operated by state-licensed Master Electrician Jon Bussey, who requires staff to attend a Lake of the Ozarks Association of Electrical Contractors training program.

“We also started the LOZ Association of Electrical Contractors with two other electrical contractors down here,” Bussey said. “We worked with an Ameren engineer to write curriculum on how to train electricians at the Lake so they know how the Ameren grid can be affected by the dock and house electrical and vice versa—from big power to substations to houses to how circuits work with the docks.”

So before boating season sneaks up on you, here are a couple steps Bussey suggests for the dock.

Avoid The Nightmare! 3 Tips For Dock Owners, Before Powering Up This Season

#1. Get An Inspection

Dock inspections from Catalyst Electric are free, and they will ensure your system is safe and in working order.

“I just did a dock inspection last week where a ground wire wasn’t hooked up. In the utility room, there was actually an arc mark on the junction box from a lightning strike or something that left a burn,” Bussey said. “If it was hooked up properly, they would not have that problem. The owners, who finally transferred the title, had kids swimming on the dock for years, so they were glad to have found that and get it taken care of before this summer.”

One thing Bussey has noticed this winter is extreme cold causing dock de-icers to keep tripping circuits on docks.

Other issues that come up during an inspection include improper dock wiring and breaker failure.

Get your dock inspected for free! Catalyst Electric always gives estimates before any work begins.

Call 573-552-8488 now so you can focus on enjoying the Lake later.

An inspection is convenient for part-timers too. Bussey said homeowners don’t need to be there, and for those who have remote capabilities, a hidden key, or a code, their team can go in and do what’s needed. They’ll give the owner a full report, inform them if anything’s wrong, and provide up-front pricing on getting any problems remedied.

#2. Bought A New Boat? Surprise: You May Need A Dock Electric Upgrade!

Larger boats can require specialized power to the dock. And while Lake homeowners may assume that the dock already has the right electrical setup, an under-powered dock feed can leave you stuck at the dock rather than out on the boat. Every minute counts for weekenders, so Bussey urges anyone who buys a new boat to immediately contact Catalyst to ensure their power from the house to the shore is adequate and safe.

“People buy a boat and didn’t know they needed more power at the dock shore panel,” Bussey said. “Turns out, they didn’t have enough power from the house to the shore.”

Late winter and early spring is the best time to upgrade power! Don’t get left behind this summer – call Catalyst Electric at 573-552-8488.

This kind of work takes planning and proper execution—something the Catalyst team has dealt with often. They can upgrade an existing setup and ensure the dock is safe and code-compliant.

#3. Setting Up Audio/Video Systems At The Dock? Use A Pro

Enjoying the Lake is no longer limited to the water.

More docks have become the place to hang out all day, with seating, entertainment, and even kitchens.

It makes sense to try and soak up the warmth and sunshine while you can. Whether it’s a TV, sound system, or cameras for security, leaving the electrical work to the pros can save a major headache later.

The Catalyst team is qualified to service all facets of electrical systems, from new docks to existing setups. At the end of the day, Bussey said, “Let’s get things looked at before the season starts so it’s safe and you’re ready to use it when the season comes.”

A safe dock means no worries while you have fun. Whether it’s new additions or 24-hour emergency service, Catalyst Electric can handle the Lake’s unique challenges: 573-552-8488.

Winter tends to lull homeowners and make summer seem far away, but it’s really the best time to prepare. Ensure a smooth return to boating paradise by getting your dock inspected today!

Catalyst Electric

Since 2008, Catalyst Electric has provided superior, code compliant electrical services to the Lake of the Ozarks area and surrounding communi…