Wood Versus Canvas Dock Canopy

[JohnnyG]

Hi All - I am new homeowner to the Lake and finding a ton of great info in the forums - so thanks so much for that.

The house we bought has 10x29 crib dock and a 2x29 dock parallel to the bigger dock. There is 12' between the two docks. As we consider the replacement options we would like to install a canopy and are looking at the PROs and CONs of a canvas versus wood canopies. What I understand so far is that while wood may look better if there is ever any ice damage down the road then that could impact the wood canopy and increase repair costs. It also seems that the wood canopy might create a habitat for birds and spiders that would then be relieving themselves on our boat and while a canvas canopy may not prevent this, removing the canvas each season would be a bit more of a deterrent. I also look around the lake and see more canvas than wood canopies and assume there is more than just cost involved in choosing a direction.

Any thoughts, insights or lessons learned would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Seaplane Pilot]

I may be wrong, but I'd be surprised if the State allowed a permanent wood canopy to be built. I know you need a permit even for a canvas canopy, which requires that the canopy be removed during the winter season.

[tis]

Posted by Shore Things:


From NH Wetlands Bureau Administrative Rules:

Env-Wt 101.09 "Boathouse" means a docking facility which has a permanent roof with or without sides covering the boat slip or slips.

Env-Wt 101.15 "Canopy" means a seasonal open structure with a flexible fabric roof not able to withstand the expected snow load and without side walls, which is erected to shelter watercraft during the boating season.

Therefore, if it has a permanent roof, it is a boathouse. From the regulatory standpoint in NH there is no such thing as a permanent canopy.

Also, please note that by definition canopies may not have sides.

[JohnnyG]

That all makes total sense. Also, explains why the canvas outnumber the wood. The newer wood must have been be grandfathered and built to replace an existing wood canopy.

Thanks to both of you guys for responding.