Many dock parts are stamped or extruded. The problem with these parts is that they tend to bend, slip, or break; this causes instability, especially with bottom plates and crossarm clamps. Alumi-Span uses cast parts, which don’t flex over time like stamped or extruded parts. Using cast parts for your dock eliminates a big instability issue.
Why the Lakebed Matters
The bottom of the post has to sit on something solid. On firm sand or gravel, a post can sit directly on the bottom plates. But on soft, mucky, or silty bottoms, you need more bearing surface. That's where permanent dock bases come in.
- Permanent augers screw into the bottom like a giant corkscrew, anchoring the post in place so it can't shift, even in soft sediment or current.
- Mud boards spread the post's weight over a wider footprint, so the post doesn't sink into soft bottom over time.
For a dock you plan to leave in year-round, an anchored base is worth the extra effort. For seasonal docks, a mud board or well-seated post can be plenty; the key is knowing what your bottom is made of before you set the first section.
Need to Know how to Build a Boat Dock?
Alumi-Span has been building docks since 1956, and we sell everything down to the nuts and bolts, so you can upgrade your existing dock piece by piece instead of starting over.
If you need instructions on how to build a boat dock, or if you’re just not sure what your dock needs, give us a call at 855-523-2444 or click here to submit a contact form — we’re more than happy to help you match the right parts to your dock.
