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Custom Dock Systems builds lake docks. A family-owned and operated business located in Anderson, South Carolina, that has been providing high-quality boat docks and waterfront accessories to the Southeast since 1968. The business was founded by Buford Haynie and his son, Don, as they completed a high-end dock on Buford’s lake house. A neighbor quickly took notice of the quality workmanship and offered to buy the dock. The Haynie’s sold their first project and were off and running. While Buford continued to work in the local factory and Don continued his education at Clemson University, they built docks on the side for neighbors and friends in their back yard.
By 1980 the Haynie’s dock business had steadily grown from neighbors, friends, referrals and word of mouth, etc. to the point where they purchased property on Hwy 24 to build the business facility. By the spring of 1981 the first fabrication plant was completed, allowing Buford, Don and their design team to manufacture steel docks on site. Custom Steel and Wood, Inc. (the company’s original name) was born.
In the mid-80s the Haynie’s were awarded a contract to build what was to be the largest floating dock on Lake Hartwell for Portman Marina. A few years later the marina awarded another contract to them for an even larger dock structure. At this point the commercial dock division was established and their superior designs and solid reputation lead Custom Steel and Wood to becoming one of the largest dock builders in the Southeast.
In 1993, Buford Haynie retired, leaving Don as the sole owner. Five years later Don decided to get into the boat lift business and stopped being a distributor for several leading lift companies. Don partnered with Ernest Rogers, an avid boater with extensive knowledge of boats and welding expertise, to bring his lift design to the Upstate South Carolina lakes. They called the enterprise
Carolina Lift Systems. After some modest equipment purchases and further fine-tuning of the design, the first lift rolled out for sale in early 1999. From that first lift built in a one-bay shop area, Carolina Lift Systems has grown to a 25,000-square-foot fabrication plant with thousands of lifts on the water. In fact, that prototype lift of the late 1980s is still operating today. Although many of the lift components and materials have been further improved, the design functions of that original lift are still being used.
Carolina Lift Systems is performance engineered, using water/air displacement design with a unique, up-pressure, locking-arm mechanism (patented…?) to eliminate the bouncing, squeaking, and attachment fatigue of most other lifts. The standard lift capacity is 6500 pounds, or about 2000 pounds more than most of their competitors. This up-pressure arm system also has the ability to be padlocked for security or extended storage. And it gives owners complete confidence that their boat cannot be lowered while they are away. In the up position the lift keeps all steel components out of the water, eliminating deterioration and costly repairs. All steel components are manufactured in the Anderson plant, then hot-dip galvanized, assuring the highest possible quality.
With the up-pressure technique, the lift will add stability to the dock system, especially the lighter weight aluminum structures. The bow sections of the lift can be decked to add an extra sitting area, to provide extra storage space, or to assist in applying or removing canvas boat covers.
With Don working in the financial, marketing, and sales end of the business, and Ernest overseeing fabrication, delivery, installation, and quality control, these two have more than proven to be a winning combination.
In 1999 the third generation, Brandon Haynie (Don’s son), began his career in the family marine contracting business while pursuing his business degree at night. Over the next several years the company continued to grow and expand, adding aluminum docks as an option as well as a complete line of dock accessories and enhancements. In 2008 the company changed its name to Custom Dock Systems, Inc. to better represent their expanded product line.
With a degree in business administration and a background in construction, Brandon brought a fresh perspective and new ideas to the business. Together, Don and Brandon have grown Custom Dock Systems into a thriving business that serves customers throughout the Southeast.
Custom Dock Systems is the Southeast's leading manufacturer for aluminum and steel boat docks on Lake Hartwell, Lake Jocassee, Lake Secession, Lake Greenwood, Lake Thurman, and lakes throughout Upstate South Carolina and North Georgia. CDS has been building all levels of dock systems for more than 45 years, including platform docks, uncovered slips, covered slips, sundeck roof docks, and commercial multi-slip docks all with a variety of decking options. They also provide dock permitting, dredging, erosion control, dock repair and restoration, dock moving and relocation, commercial marinas as well as custom dock design and fabrication. Custom Dock Systems
5032 SC-24
Anderson, SC 29626
864-225-2393
