Just a comment on docks. I used telephone poles, drilled holes ~4 ft into the bottom and threw in 2-3 bags of concrete. Some of the holes filled with water somewhat as I was working but this seemed to work OK with dry concrete. I have included a picture of the poles, the dock and the dock in 6" of ice. For cross members I used 2x10's and 2x8's set in the notched posts and held with 5/8" bolts with square washer.
The pond was rising so I had to hang risers off the poles to stay above the water as I worked.
I now aerate at the dock to reduce the stress from ice so can't say how this would do in this year's 12" ice.
