Intro to Uprights

When you build a boat dock, how do you use uprights?

Uprights, or dock posts, provide vertical stability and anchor the dock to the lakebed. Their functions include:

1. Height Adjustment. Uprights allow docks to be leveled according to water depth and seasonal changes. Docks with adjustable legs simplify installation and removal.
2. Foundation Anchoring. Depending on the lakebed conditions, uprights may use bottom plates, augers, or other stabilizing bases to remain secure. Alumi-Span’s permanent augers and Big Foot systems ensure stability even in soft or mucky lakebeds.
3. Load-Bearing. Uprights support the entire dock, including the dock platform itself, accessories, and any weight applied during use.

Learn more in our latest article.

Shop Michigan-Made Dock Posts (and Much More)

Alumi-Span is your one-stop-shop for all the boat dock parts you’ll need. No need for you to worry about scouring different websites to find quality dock parts and hardware. To place an order or ask a question, call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form here. We can’t wait to help you design your boat dock! 

Intro to Crossarms

When you build a boat dock, how do you use crossarms?

Crossarms serve as horizontal support beams that span between upright dock posts. They are essential for:

1. Distributing Weight Evenly. Crossarms connect the uprights and help distribute the dock's weight. This ensures stability, especially under heavy weight.
2. Structural Integrity. By linking the uprights, crossarms reduce lateral (side-to-side) movement caused by water currents or wind.
3. Customization. Crossarms make it easier to build custom docks, allowing configurations like straight piers, "L"-shaped docks, or even platforms. For example, Alumi-Span offers crossarms in various sizes to match different dock designs and applications.

Learn more in our latest article.

Shop Michigan-Made Dock Posts (and Much More)

Alumi-Span is your one-stop-shop for all the boat dock parts you’ll need. No need for you to worry about scouring different websites to find quality dock parts and hardware. To place an order or ask a question, call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form here. We can’t wait to help you design your boat dock!

Installing a Basic Dock is Easy with Alumi-Span!

When you receive a dock from us, you also get a kit. Our basic kit includes dock sections, crossarms, upright posts, bottom plates, stringer brackets, and caps for the post. The first step is pre-assembling as much as possible. In the next few years, you won’t have to repeat these steps.

Did you know that a conventional dock can be installed in about 3 minutes per section without any heavy lifting?

Follow these basic steps for easy dock installation:

1. Use lightweight sections: It’s simple: if your sections aren’t light, the installation won’t be easy. Old, all-wood sections often weigh 200-250 pounds, and can be more if they’re wet. Our selection of over 25 different sizes and styles of dock sections ranging in weight from 45-150 pounds. All aluminum and vinyl are by far the lightest.
2. Get rid of auguring: Dock augers are used as feet to help stabilize dock supports into the lake bottom. Many conventional wooden docks and some aluminum docks do not have a stringer bracket to connect the dock to the crossarm. A dock like this needs to be augured, or the poles would fall over. Our inexpensive permanent augers take a lot of the work out of the installation process. These units are designed to be left under the ice all year, creating a permanent underwater base.
3. Shallow water depth: The deeper you go, the tougher it is to install your dock. We love to sell long docks and putting in a dock in eight feet of water is definitely doable, but realistically, three to four feet of water is enough for any inland lake boat. Because you’re likely installing your dock when the water is still cold, deeper than four feet will be above your waders and will cause a lot of discomfort. Better still, in three or four feet of water, the uprights are short and stable, and you won’t need additional diagonal bracing.

Read more about dock installation on our website!

Why Choose Alumi-Span for Aluminum Docks?

The answer is in the name! Since 1956, Alumi-Span has been a name that people trust. Whether it's a complete boat dock system or the individual components, we manufacture our products using quality methods and materials. Interested in a new dock or replacement parts that will last? Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 855-523-2444 to find out more.

Planning A Spring Getaway? Add These Destinations to Your List

Michigan ranks No. 3 in the country for registered boats, according to the Oakland Press. Our state has miles and miles of freshwater shoreline to explore, and you can check out some amazing places in Michigan that you might not have seen before!

Michiganders all over the state are looking forward to spring and summer not only for yearly boating excursions, but just for an excuse to get out of the house again. In 2020, we spent a lot of time at home, and the start of 2021 has been more of the same.

If you’re a seasoned boater or just someone looking for a new way to spend time outside with family, boating in Michigan is a great option.

Read the full article on our website for more!

Protect Your Boat Before Hitting the Water with Dock Accessories from Alumi-Span Docks!

Before you even get out on the water, it’s important to review our guide for dock safety upgrades to make sure you and your family have the safest summer possible!

To keep your boat protected, we’ve got you covered with all the accessories you might need, from boat dock bumpers, side stringers, stairs and ladders, outdoor lighting, and more. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you upgrade!

Stock Up on Accessories for Spring and Summer Boating

Do you have all the accessories you need to make the most of an early spring boating trip?

There are so many places and shorelines to explore in Michigan! To make sure you’re prepared for an overnight stay, make sure you’ve got the accessories you need not only to keep your passengers safe, but to make the trip more enjoyable.

We’ve got the ladders, bumpers, lights, and safety equipment you need for your first big trip.

Need more ideas about where in Michigan to go?

Visit our website to read about the best destinations for spring boating in Michigan!

To keep your boat protected, we’ve got you covered with all the accessories you might need, from boat dock bumpers, side stringers, stairs and ladders, outdoor lighting, and more. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you upgrade!

Looking for a Reliable Boat Dock Designer? Consider These Qualities

Searching for a dock designer and not sure how to make a selection?

Looking for a way to make the process easier?

Selecting the right person or company to do work for you in your home is not always easy and can quickly get overly complicated and time consuming.

To make the process easier in your search for a dock designer, consider a simple list of the top qualities recommended by experts in dock designs.

1. Experience
   Get a sense of a designer’s experience by reading online reviews, checking out their website, and getting references of people they’ve worked with. You can also ask the designer directly about their history and background in the business. 
2. Timeline
   If you want to the project done in a timely manner, a thorough timeline is a key quality in your dock designer. Make sure to ask about specific start and end dates with a clear understanding and when they will be on your property and for how long. 
3. Materials
   The ability to select and commit to reliable materials is a must-have quality for a dock designer. Find out if your designer has a preference for certain manufacturers, and be sure to do a background check there too. 
4. Contact
   Do your best to avoid working with a contractor who is difficult to contact. Secure several ways to get in touch with them including a couple phone numbers, emails, fax numbers, etc. Go the extra mile and test the contacts and response times. 

To be confident in your search for a dock designer, keep these top qualities in mind as you talk to potential contractors. With our advice in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to selecting an effective dock designer you can trust. If you’re looking for expertise in dock designs, give us a call today. We’re ready to help you design the dock of your dreams!

Can You Leave Your Dock in the Water During Winter?

If you have doubts as to whether you can leave a dock in or not it is usually wise to ask neighbors that may have a similar situation.

Many larger lakes, public and private, also have ordinances or DNR rules that prohibit leaving anything in the water due to the danger posed to snowmobile traffic in the winter.

There are also some dock accessories that could make the winterizing process easier, like our Perma-Auger! 

Like our famous “Big Foot”, Perma-Auger is heavy duty and designed to be left in the water under the ice line year round. To find out if this option will work for your application, give us a call today. 

Read more on our website!

 

Right now we’re offering free UPS shipping for orders over $150.00 (excludes items that cannot ship UPS). If you’re in Michigan, Northern Indiana, or Northern Ohio, call us at 855-523-2444 for a quote. We deliver in many of these areas with our own trucks!

Dock Accessories for Your Kayak or Canoe

Is your dock on a lake or river where the water level fluctuates often?

Do you use your dock for launching a kayak, canoe, or other small craft? If you have concerns about safely launching your small craft from your dock, we can help! There are a variety of boat dock parts that can help protect your family and friends.

Some accessories to consider:

• Handrails
• Gangway
• Tool Kit for small repairs

Read more about boat dock parts you need on our website!

Is Your Boat Dock Protected?

Boating season is here! If you haven’t planned a summer trip on the water yet, it’s time to start thinking about ideal boating destinations.

Michigan and the entire Great Lakes region is an amazing place for boating. Each of the lakes has their own climate and offers something for everyone at different boating skills.

To learn more, visit our website!

Protect Your Boat Before Hitting the Water with Boat Dock Bumpers from Alumi-Span Docks!

Before you even get out on the water, or if you’ve already got a boat dock on one of the Great Lakes, it’s important to review our guide for dock safety upgrades to make sure you and your family have the safest summer possible!

To keep your boat protected, we’ve got you covered with all the accessories you might need, from boat dock bumpers, side stringers, stairs and ladders, outdoor lighting, and more. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you upgrade!

How Boat Dock Materials Have a Major Effect on Price

Trying to decide on materials for your new boat dock?

Is price a top concern with the design of your boat dock?

Want to know the truth about boat dock materials and price?

Constructing a new boat dock at your waterfront property is a significant investment, so you should make sure you’re spending your money wisely. That means making an economical choice when it comes to boat dock materials. But we’re not suggesting you just go with the lowest price tag! Smart shoppers know you have to consider the cost over the lifetime of you dock to know the true price of your materials.

So let’s break things down and compare two options in boat dock materials: wood and aluminum.

Short-Term Costs

Initially, wood will offer a lower price point for new dock installation compared to aluminum boat docks. With wood, you can also opt to save even more money by going with steel pipe piling rather than wood.

Maintenance Costs

Here’s where aluminum docks start to make a comeback! Wood docks require maintenance and chemical treatment to continue to last and look great; that costs money.  Aluminum docks are far more durable and require very little maintenance; that saves money! And for a bonus, the coating that protects aluminum docks is naturally occurring, so it doesn’t need to be re-applied and is completely safe for your waterway’s ecosystem. 

Long-Term Costs

Aside from regular yearly maintenance, owners of wood docks will likely incur other costs related to replacing sections and pieces that corrode, wear, rot, break, etc. And after a period of around 10-15 years, you’re looking at total replacement. Aluminum dock owners don’t have the same issues because of the durability of the material and the longer lifespan. In this category, aluminum docks are a clear winner once again.

Which is right for you: wood or aluminum docks?

Now that you understand the effect material has on the cost of your dock today and tomorrow, you can decide what’s best for you. Weigh other factors like design, size, and how you use the dock. No matter what material you go for, Alumi-Span has the experience, products, and services to help you get the job done. Call today to talk about options for aluminum boat docks at your waterfront property.

What Affects the Price of Your Boat Dock?

Crunching numbers on the cost of a new boat dock?

Trying to decide the best way to spend your boat dock budget?

Want to know what has the biggest effect on boat dock prices?

For most waterfront property owners, a boat dock is a necessary investment. It can have a huge impact on your ability to enjoy your property and on your property value. For those on a budget, you’ll want to know how to maximize your money and what elements are going to be the most expensive. Cue our list of the three major factors that affect boat dock prices.

1. Materials: A material like wood saves you some money upfront, but may cost you more long-term, especially since it won’t last as long. Aluminum boat docks cost more at installation but save you in maintenance and replacement. You need to consider your decking materials, piling, nuts and bolts, and anything else you’ll be adding on.
2. Size: This one’s kind of a no-brainer: the bigger the dock, the bigger the cost. But you can also use this factor to change the scale of the project if you want to spend more on other features.
3. Design: You have a number of design elements to consider. First and foremost, you have to determine the function your dock will have before you can make the best design decisions. If you have only small watercraft, a floating dock might serve you well. On the other hand, if you have a pretty heavy duty boat on a large body of water, you need a fixed dock that can handle and protect your boat!

Trust Alumi-Span with all your boat dock needs!

Think about the factors that have the biggest impact on the price of your boat dock so you can be confident that you’re spending your money wisely. And when you’re ready to start making some decisions, give us a call! At Alumi-Span, we can help you get the features you need for aluminum boat docks at a price that works for you. Let us help you take the first steps toward the boat dock of your dreams today.

The 4 Essential Types of Boat Dock Bumpers

Looking for boat dock bumpers but not sure what you need? Want to protect your boat and dock with the best bumpers available? Need more information about boat dock bumpers before you buy?

Anyone looking to protect the investment they’ve made in their boat and dock can’t go wrong with installing a full set of dock bumpers. But with so many options, it can be confusing knowing what to purchase. Our guide to the four essential types of boat dock bumpers simplifies your choice and makes it easy to find the best bumpers for you.

Simple Guide to Boat Dock Bumpers

Torpedo Post bumpers:
The pipe legs supporting your boat dock are susceptible to damage and pose a risk to your boat, too. With a durable and attractive design, torpedo bumpers wrap around dock pipes to cushion against impact and cover brackets and bolts to avoid damage to your boat.

Dock End Bumpers:
When you’re pulling in, the ends of the dock are potential point of damage for the dock and boat. Even a small miscalculation could leave you with a big bill! Consider end bumpers to protect your boat and dock. The wide variety of colors makes it easy to match your existing design while keeping your investment safe.

Side Stringer Bumpers:
This product fits along the edge of the dock and is particularly useful along a boat slip or any outer edges used to dock watercraft. The clean and attractive design lends a polished look to your dock while protecting it and your boat from hard landings or rough water conditions.

Heavy Duty Bumpers:
Larger vessels or rough waters sometimes require the extra strength protection heavy duty bumpers can provide. The thick, sturdy design of the product can be used in many ways, offering excellent security for your boat and dock.

Boat Dock Bumpers Made Simple with Alumi-Span

Whichever products you choose, boat dock bumpers are a crucial form of dock security no boater should go without. Use our guide to keep your options simple and make an informed decision. And you can make the protection of your dock even simpler when you trust the experts at Alumi-Span! Give us a call today to get all the answers you need about boat docks and bumpers.

How to Choose the Right Bumpers for Your Boat Dock

Do you need to shop for boat dock bumpers but aren’t sure where to start? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the options available for boat dock bumpers? Looking for a quick guide to get you started?

Hunting for the best boat dock accessories, like bumpers, can be a tough chore. With so many options available, it’s understandable that you would want a simple breakdown explaining exactly how to navigate the process. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a simple How-To guide that will help you purchase the right bumpers for your boat dock.

How to Choose Boat Dock Bumpers

Step 1: Determine the needs of your boat.

Do you have a larger boat like pontoon? Or something small like a simple motorboat? Your answer will help you determine what kind of bumpers your need! Larger boats will require more bumpers with a heavy duty design, while small boats can probably get away with less.

Step 2: Consider your waterway.

Is your waterfront property situated on a lazy river or do you have direct access to a large lake? The conditions you encounter at your dock will demand different types of bumpers. Boats docked on rougher waters might be well served by vertical bumpers that protect your dock and boat through fluctuations in water level.

Step 3: Explore your options.

Study some basic descriptions of boat dock dumpers.

• Truck and trailer bumpers: cushy options to protect you boat in transit on a truck or trailer.
• Torpedo post bumpers: a wraparound bumper that protects the pipes supporting your dock and covers protruding brackets and bolts.
• Dock End Bumpers: pads that fit the ends of your dock for protection in a variety of colors.
• Side Stringer Bumpers: pads that fit the exposed sides of your dock. Particularly useful for slips or edges where people pull up with their watercraft.
• Vertical Bumpers: a long pad that runs perpendicular to the dock for security when water levels fluctuate significantly.
• Heavy Duty Bumpers: extra thick and sturdy materials to protect docks for larger boats.

Step 4: Put it all together.

Simply keeping your boat, your waterway, and your basic options in mind will help you make the best choice in boat dock bumpers. But if you’re looking for more help with the purchase or installation, give us a call!

At Alumi-Span we have over 60 years’ experience with boat docks and accessories, and we can make sure you find answers to all your questions.

Buy a Boat and Accessories without Sinking Your Budget

Are you looking forward to winter ending and boating season beginning?

Do you already own a boat, or are you dreaming of making that big purchase?

Did you know that there are lots of accessories available that can not only make your boating experience more enjoyable, but also protect your investment?

At Alumi-Span, we offer a variety of unique dock accessories that add convenience and function to your boat dock. In addition, most of the accessories we sell are items that we manufacture designed around our boat dock system.

We believe in giving you the highest quality materials to make your boating experience the best it can be!

If you’re still waffling about making that big purchase, try asking yourself these questions before going shopping:

1. What will you use your boat for? According to The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the top reasons people buy a boat are fishing, cruising, and sailing. To save money, buy the simplest, cheapest boat for your use.
2. Do you really have time to enjoy your boat? Avoid purchasing a large boat if you think you’ll only be able to enjoy it once a month. If you love boating but don’t have a lot of time for it, consider renting.
3. Think you need a bigger boat? The NMMA says that ninety-five percent of U.S. boats on the water are 26 feet or less. Consider how many passengers you want to carry, and if you need room for just cocktail hour for friends, sleeping quarters, or simply a place to sit as you fish. Remember, the bigger the boat, the larger your cost is to operate.
4. Where will you keep the boat? The bigger the boat, the larger and stronger the trailer and car or truck you’ll need to pull it. Additionally, as size increases, you may find yourself needing to extend your boat dock, or get additional permits.

Once you’ve asked yourself these questions, it’s time for the fun part – shopping! Once you buy your boat, make sure to call Alumi-Span for all your boating and dock accessories!

We can help you install a great boat dock that will protect your investment by keeping your boat scratch and dent-free. To find out more about our accessories including dock lighting, stairs and steps, and boat dock bumpers, visit our website!

Which Boat Dock Bumper is Right for Your Boat?

Have you recently purchased a new boat?

Have you had a boat for years, but you’re tired of seeing it take a beating each time you dock?

Are you looking to improve the overall look and feel of your boat dock?

Boat dock bumpers are a great addition to any aluminum boat dock.  Our popular torpedo post bumpers as well as the Alumi-Span exclusive dock post bumper extensions are a great way to protect your investment.  Dock post bumpers cover the connection between your cross arm and the upright pole.  Best of all you can use these items on any post style dock system.  There are several advantages to using post bumpers.

Torpedo post bumpers come in a variety of colors and sizes to suit your needs.

Protection:

Even if you have a boat lift, it’s common to pull the boat up directly to the dock.  Loading passengers, launching wake board equipment, or transporting heavy coolers is much easier with the boat right next to the dock.  Dock post bumpers give you something to bring the boat up against.  They will protect your jell coat and also protect the dock.  If your boat has a high rub rail like a pontoon boat torpedo post bumper extensions can also be a great product to use.  With the correct bumper system you can pull your boat into the dock without worry.

Beautification:

A carefully chosen bumper system will add protection to the dock and will also beautify it! You can color coordinate post bumpers and extension bumpers to match your side stringer bumpers.  This not only gives you full coverage of the dock but also looks great.  Side stringer bumpers also work great at protecting small boats that may get bushed under the dock.  Many customers even match the color of the post and side stringer bumpers to their boat covers as well.

Universal:

Alumi-Span dock post bumpers are universal for all post style dock systems.  You don’t need to have an Alumi-Span Dock to utilize many of our dock bumper options.  Post bumpers are commonly used on aluminum, vinyl, and even wood dock systems. 

How Do You Know Which Option to Choose?

For help picking out the best boat dock bumpers for your needs, contact us today! Our friendly technicians have the expertise to guide you when you’re deciding on an upgrade for your boat dock.
At Alumi-Span, we’ve been in the business of making boat owner’s lives easier for over 60 years! We know how much pride you take in having friends and family come out on the water with you, and we want to help you make it a great experience.

Contact us today to get started! Together, we can help you design, install, or upgrade the dock you’ve always wanted.