The Story Behind Great Northern Docks
The First Dock
Our story began in the 1970s when structural designer, Fremont Merriam needed a dock for his lake house in Maine. Unable to find a suitable solution in his community, he embarked on an adventure to design and build his own. The dock had to be strong enough to withstand the harsh conditions of a large lake, yet lightweight enough for annual removal and reinstallation to avoid winter ice damage.
Once the dock was complete, Fremont realized it wasn’t just a great solution for his own needs—it could also help countless others seeking reliable access to their waterfront. Inspired to fill this gap, he decided to turn his passion into a business dedicated to creating great waterfront solutions. With a vision for both quality and service, Fremont, alongside his sons, set out to design and produce the most dependable docks and dock hardware on the market.
Guided by a commitment to excellence, Fremont emphasized not only product durability but also an exceptional customer experience. Under his leadership, Great Northern Docks was founded on a solid foundation of integrity—a legacy that has remained strong for over 45 years.
The Fleet
Fremont
Proudly Family-Owned for Three Generations
At Great Northern Docks, craftsmanship runs deep. Now in our third generation of family ownership, we continue to handcraft what many consider the highest-quality aluminum docks and stairs available today. While we’ve evolved with innovation and design, we also remain true to our roots—still producing the original wood dock hardware that launched our journey.
Backed by decades of experience and a team of professional dock experts, we’re here to help you create the perfect solution for your waterfront. Whether you’re upgrading, expanding, or starting fresh, Great Northern Docks is ready to deliver unmatched durability, functionality, and aesthetic.
Family-Owned
Store
Visit Our Factory Showroom
Our downtown Naples location serves as both our factory showroom and DIY parts center. Here, you can explore hands-on displays, experience our docks firsthand, and benefit from our educational approach to project planning—empowering you to make confident, informed decisions.
Dock system orders and DIY parts are available for pickup at the store, and most online DIY orders ship directly from this location.
Proudly made in the USA, our dock systems combine quality craftsmanship with local expertise.
Why Waterfront Owners
Choose Great Northern Docks
Quality materials, lasting durability, and expert support — all from
a trusted family-owned business.
Built for Durability
Weather-resistant materials for long-term use.
Easy Installation
Modular and DIY-friendly options.
Custom Solutions
Personalized dock designs to fit your needs.
Made in the USA
Proudly hand made with expert craftsmanship.
Who We Build For
Whether you’re adding a dock to your lakefront property or installing 200 feet of frame for a public access site — we’ve got what you need.
Homeowners
For decades, we’ve helped homeowners bring their waterfront dreams to life with custom dock systems built for lasting quality, durability, and enjoyment.
Contractors / Dock Builders
We partner with hundreds of contractors and dock builders, providing dock systems and a complete range of parts and hardware.
Dealers & Retailers
We partner with trusted dealers to make our dock systems accessible and offer hardware and accessories for every project.
Municipalities
We’ve helped municipalities and build docks and boardwalks for public spaces, providing clear guidance every step of the way.
Our Values Keep Us Grounded
Everything we do reflects our commitment to quality, honesty, and long-term performance.
Durability First
Our docks are made for real conditions, not just catalogs.
No shortcuts
Designed and tested in-house, start to finish.
Committed to Solutions
We solve problems, not just process orders.
Made in Maine
Built by people who live where others vacation.
Have questions? Speak directly with our dock experts.
See What Our Customers Say
Locally Manufactured. Serving Everywhere.
Our docks aren’t shipped in from somewhere else — they’re designed, cut, welded, and tested in Maine by people who know the water.
Dive into Summer with a Swim Raft
The Aluminum Frame Advantage
Boat Tie-Up Tips
Contact Us
From custom waterfront setups to parts and advice, we’re here to help. Tell us what you’re working on and our team will guide you in the right direction.
- 1114 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, ME 04055
Contact
"*" indicates required fields









