Services
Dock Slip Additions at Lake of the Ozarks
Add an extra well or covered slip to your existing dock. Ameren permit handling included.
Most Common Modification
Why Slip Additions Are the Lake's Most Frequent Project
Slip additions are the most common Ameren-permitted modification at Lake of the Ozarks. Property owners typically add slips when an adult child takes over the family lake place and brings a second boat. Or when a PWC enters the family. Or when an extra pontoon joins the existing runabout. The original 1-well dock that fit the property in 1995 stops fitting the property in 2026.
Every new slip adds resale value (commonly $15,000 to $40,000 at current Lake market rates) and accommodates an additional boat. A covered slip with an integrated lift can extend boat service life by years, since UV damage and weather exposure are the two biggest factors in boat depreciation at the Lake.
Plan the slip carefully. A pontoon slip is wider than a runabout slip. A PWC slip is smaller than both. A slip with a future lift install in mind needs to be sized for the lift's footprint and capacity from day one, not retrofitted later. The Ameren-Certified Dock Builder we connect you with handles all of this during the on-site survey.
Types and Methods
Slip Types
Six common slip configurations at the Lake. The builder helps you choose based on the boat, the dock, and the cove.
Open single slip
The standard add. One new well with no cover. Most cost-effective option. Best for a runabout, fishing boat, or small pontoon that lives in the water all season.
Covered single slip
Single well with a roof. Protects the boat from sun, rain, and bird damage. Common upgrade when an existing dock already has covered slips for visual continuity.
PWC slip
Smaller footprint for personal watercraft (jet skis, WaveRunners). Often built as a side-mounted finger off the existing dock. Cheapest slip type to add.
Pontoon slip
Wider footprint than a standard slip. Pontoons run 22 to 30 feet long and need extra beam clearance. Plan slip width carefully or the boat won't fit cleanly.
Slip with lift integration
Most popular new-slip configuration. New slip is sized for a specific lift capacity, and the lift is installed during the same project. One permit, one job, one warranty.
Cantilever vs full-frame slip
Cantilever slips extend the dock with shorter framing on one side. Full-frame slips add a complete new well. Builder confirms which works structurally based on your existing dock.
Process
Slip Addition Step-by-Step
Slip planning consultation
What boats need slips? What's the existing dock layout? The builder reviews and confirms which slip type fits structurally and within Ameren shoreline rules.
Site survey
Measurements taken. Existing dock's structural capacity verified. Cove depth confirmed for boat draft and lift integration.
Written design and quote
Slip dimensions, materials, lift specifications (if applicable), and pricing. Includes permit fees.
Ameren permit submission
Slip additions always require an Ameren permit. The CDB files. Processing runs 30 to 60 days off-season, longer in spring.
Construction
Slip addition runs 1 to 2 weeks for a single slip. Add another week if a lift is being integrated. Active build time is shorter when the cove is accessible by water.
Ameren close-out and warranty
Final inspection. Workmanship warranty in writing. Slip is added to your property's Ameren dock record for future modifications.
Cost Reference
2026 Slip Addition Cost Ranges
Slip pricing depends on slip type, whether you add a roof, and whether a lift is integrated. Slip-with-lift packages save 10 to 15% versus separate phases.
| Slip Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Open single slip | $8,000 to $15,000 |
| Covered single slip | $14,000 to $25,000 |
| PWC slip | $5,000 to $9,000 |
| Pontoon slip | $10,000 to $18,000 |
| Slip with lift integration | $14,000 to $32,000 |
2026 Lake of the Ozarks market ranges. Final pricing depends on cove access, water depth, design, and Ameren permit requirements.
Service Area
Slip Additions Across the Lake
Slip addition demand is highest in the family second-home markets (Osage Beach, Lake Ozark, Four Seasons) and the active boating communities on the Glaize and Niangua arms. PWC slips are popular everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about slip additions at Lake of the Ozarks. For permit-specific questions, see the permit guide on the blog.
Do all slip additions require an Ameren permit?
Yes. Adding a slip changes the dock's footprint and structure, so Ameren classifies it as a modification. The permit application must come from an Ameren-Certified Dock Builder. Plan for 30 to 60 days of permit review off-season, or 60 to 90 days during spring's permit surge.
How much does a slip addition increase property value?
Realtors at the Lake commonly report that an additional slip adds $15,000 to $40,000 to the property's resale value, depending on cove desirability and slip configuration. A covered slip adds more than an open one. Premium Glaize Arm and Niangua Arm properties see the highest slip-value uplift.
Can I add a slip to any dock?
Almost any dock that's structurally sound can accept an addition, provided the underlying flotation and anchoring can handle the additional weight. Older docks (1980s and earlier) sometimes need reinforcement before a slip can be added. The builder confirms during the site survey whether your dock can support the addition as-is.
What's the difference between a covered slip and an open slip?
An open slip is a basic well. The boat sits exposed to sun, rain, and bird traffic. A covered slip adds a roof structure over the well, which significantly extends boat finish life (gel coat, vinyl, fabric) and reduces UV damage. Covered slips also typically require their own roof-portion permit and add roughly $6,000 to $10,000 to the cost.
Can I add a lift at the same time as the slip?
Yes, and you should if you can. Integrating the lift during the slip addition saves on labor, gets one permit instead of two phases, and ensures the slip is sized correctly for the lift's specifications. Most slip-with-lift packages come in at $14,000 to $32,000 depending on lift capacity.
How long does a slip addition take?
End to end, plan for 8 to 14 weeks. Permit processing takes the bulk of the time (30 to 60 days off-season). Once approved, active construction runs 1 to 2 weeks for an open slip, 2 to 3 weeks if a roof and lift are included.
Need more slip on your dock?
Free site survey, written quote, and Ameren permit handling. Slip-with-lift packages save time and money.