If viewing your pond is the goal I would suggest spraying 75% of the cattails with ShoreDefender then burning off the dead cattails and rake the root balls out. You will gain almost 10' of pond surface and be able to just build a pier or platform near the shore. From experience it eliminates the need for a floating dock or pier to extend past the growth and helps the overall look of the pond. Keep some of the cattails for small fish cover.