The Right Dock Accessories for Your Family

In some ways your dock is a tool. It’s useful and practical, a means to an end: access to the water and your boat. But if you have a family, your boat dock also serves as a venue for fun and play. That makes it even more important to assure your dock is family-friendly and as safe as possible!

To keep your family safe on and by the water, consider these upgrades, including some great dock accessories, for your waterfront space:

• Bumpers: Enough quality bumpers can help keep your family safe in many ways. It will absorb shock, protecting the boat, the dock, and your family in case of a hard landing.
• Stairs and ladders: if you have large steps up or down or the dock is used for swimming, stairs and ladders are a great way to increase the safety of your family. Ladders are also beneficial in case of a fall and for general accessibility.
• Corner sections: do you have kids or even pets that like jumping the corners of your dock? You can discourage this dangerous behavior and add a little more space for people to maneuver by adding corner dock sections.

Read the full article about dock accessories on our website!

There’s no reason to risk your family’s safety when these safety items are so easy to put into place. If you are interested in any of the dock accessories featured here, or have other questions about dock safety, give us a call today!

Dock Accessories for Safety

Are you already making plans for a safe and family-friendly summer boating season on your dock?

Want tips to share with your family to keep them safe on the dock this year?

• Lighting: Early morning fishing outings? Late night stroll on the dock? Swimming at dusk? Make sure these activities are well lighted to avoid accidents and unnecessary risk. Solar lights are a great accessory for safety and accessibility.
• Cables: check all cables on your boat lift and elsewhere for signs of excessive wear or corrosion. Be sure they don’t interfere with moving freely on the dock. Cables should be checked at the beginning and end of each season and intermittently throughout the season.
• Regular maintenance and cleaning: not only will this keep your dock looking great, but it will also extend its life, help you avoid more costly repairs, and keep the dock safer with a smooth, sturdy, level surface for your family to enjoy.

Read the full article about dock accessories on our website!

There’s no reason to risk your family’s safety when these safety items are so easy to put into place. If you are interested in any of the dock accessories featured here, or have other questions about dock safety, give us a call today!

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.

The Fisherman’s guide to Dock Accessories

Everyone who fishes knows their gear is very important to catching the best and biggest fish. Having the right rod, reel, line, and bait all goes in to making a great catch. This holds true when it comes to your dock.

Finding the right dock accessories will elevate your fishing game. Check out our favorites below:

Dock Boxes
Dock boxes offer a secure storage location for all your fishing needs. Having your tackle boxes, rods, and tackle boxes right stored right on the dock will save a lot of extra trips back and forth from your dock when fishing. These boxes can also store many other dock needs.

Rod Holders
If you have multiple rods, rod holders will be your best friend. When the fish are really biting, you’ll be able to drop in multiple lines with ease. Once you cast out and set your rods in your rod holders, all you have to is sit back and watch the fish bite.

Cleaning Table
Tired of making a mess when cleaning the fish you caught? Adding a cleaning table to your dock will let you do all the work right out on the water, and reduce the amount of clean-up.

CONTACT ALUMI-SPAN DOCKS FOR DOCK ACCESSORIES TODAY

It’s never too early to start shopping for next summer. We have great deals available in the off-season, so it’s a great time to buy. Call Alumi-Span to get started on your journey to having the perfect dock.

How To Improve the Safety of Your Dock

The safety of you and your guests on your dock should not be overlooked. Luckily, a few simple additions can improve your dock’s safety and give you extra peace of mind.

1. Dock Bumpers – No matter how good your driving skills are, accidents happen. Installing bumpers will protect both your boat and dock from collisions, and ultimately reduce the need for repairs.
2. Dock Lights – In addition to making your dock more attractive, lights allow for dock use later into the night. Whether it be taking the boat out at sunset or chatting with friends after the sun goes down, lights ensure a safer experience.
3. Railings – You’ll never want someone to fall in water from your dock, so consider adding railings. This will increase the stability and comfort of those around you. 

Learn more on our website!

CONTACT ALUMI-SPAN DOCKS FOR DOCK ACCESSORIES TODAY

It’s never too early to start shopping for next summer. We have great deals available in the off-season, so it’s a great time to buy. Call Alumi-Span to get started on your journey to having the perfect dock.

How to Plan a Fall Boating Day Trip

Trying to squeeze out the last bit of semi-warm weather even after the kids go back to school?

Day cruising is a great way to get out on a Saturday or Sunday and enjoy the weather before the temperature changes for good!

Day cruising can also be fun for everyone – you can fish, picnic, or even just sail around if a quiet, lazy day is more your speed.

Here are some things to remember:

1. Don’t forget your gear! Prepare for a day on the water and anticipate any activity with these safety items: lifejackets, signaling device, anchor, throwable flotation device, and fire extinguishers.
2. Also think about how you’ll be spending your time and prepare accordingly. Consider water toys, skis, boards, fishing rods, and cooler.

More fall boating tips are on our website!

Stock Up on Dock Accessories for Fall Boating

If you’re going to keep boating into the fall season, you want to be sure you’ve got all the dock accessories you need to do it safely. Dock lights and dock bumpers will be essential as the days get shorter and it gets darker while you’re still out on the water.

Need advice? We can help! Not only can we get you the accessories you need, but we can help you plan for getting your dock out of the water and making sure you have a plan for reinstalling it next spring.

Contact Alumi-Span Docks today for expert advice and dock accessories!

Fall Fishing Tips for Cooler Weather

Is fishing one of your favorite ways to relax?

You don’t have to stop fishing just because the weather is starting to get cooler!

As the leaves change color and the air gets chilly, you can take full advantage of some great fishing weather.

Here’s our tips for great fall fishing:

1. Pay attention to migration patterns in your area: As fall hits, baitfish are on the move, and their predators will follow. Follow those patterns and you’re sure to get a bite.
2. Watch for birds: Gulls, terns, and other birds will be looking for schools of batfish, so if you see them swooping and diving, it’s a sure sign that you’re in the right spot.
3. Look for fish in deep, cold spots: As the temperature of the water drops in most bodies of water, fish will be on the move looking for favorable conditions. Look for areas where they have easy access to both shallow and deep waters throughout the day, and you’ll likely hit the fishing jackpot.

Looking for more fall boating tips?

First, read the full article on our website! Next, contact us! We love fishing and boating as much as you do, and we’d love to talk about not just your boat dock and dock accessories, but all the fun that come with them.

Stock Up on Dock Accessories for Fall Boating

If you’re going to keep boating into the fall season, you want to be sure you’ve got all the dock accessories you need to do it safely. Dock lights and dock bumpers will be essential as the days get shorter and it gets darker while you’re still out on the water.

Need advice? We can help! Not only can we get you the accessories you need, but we can help you plan for getting your dock out of the water and making sure you have a plan for reinstalling it next spring.

Contact Alumi-Span Docks today for expert advice and dock accessories!

Boost Your Boat Dock with Boating Accessories

Need accessories to make your boat dock more accessible for your entire family?

Want to boost the safety of your dock with ladders, lights, and dock bumpers?

Adding accessories is a great way to make your dock more practical and easier to use. It also makes it safer for your family and friends this summer.

Satisfied with your own dock but looking for other places to take the boat this summer? We can help with that, too! Visit our website to read about our recommendations for Midwest boating destinations!

Hitting the road with the family this summer is a great way to get outdoors and spend some quality time together. If you’ve got a boat you can tow, you can visit many lakes and rivers that are sure to create special memories for you and your family.

Alumi-Span Builds Boat Docks and Creates Memories

From our general boating tips to our more specific dock-related information, we’re your one stop shop for everything boating in the Midwest. If you need accessories for your boat dock or need to have a new one built and installed so you can fully enjoy the summer, we can help!

We’ve been providing Midwest families with hours of fun for over 50 years, and we can help you design and build a dock that perfectly suits your needs. Contact us today to get started! You can use our dock designer app to get a better idea of the specs you need, and we deliver docks to homes all over Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.

River Boating in the Midwest

Looking for something new to do this summer?

Tired of visiting the same lakes and destinations over and over? Consider some of the large rivers that the Midwest has to offer!

Prime destinations for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking, you can take a day road trip with your family, or several days camping and boating to get the full experience.

Learn more on our website!

Need boat dock parts or accessories to make the most of this summer? We can help! We’ve been providing Midwest families with hours of fun for over 50 years, and we can help you design and build a dock that perfectly suits your needs. 

Contact us today to get started! You can use our dock designer app to get a better idea of the specs you need, and we deliver docks to homes all over Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.

Dock Accessories to Enhance Your Boating Experience

If you live on lakefront property or have a vacation home on the water, you know how important it is to have the right accessories to fully transform and enhance your outdoor space.

Do you want to buy more dock accessories for your lake house or cabin?

Having trouble deciding which accessories are right for you and your needs?

We can help! Read more about the dock accessories we recommend most on our website!

Contact Alumi-Span Docks for Dock Accessories Today

There’s never been a better time to stock up on the accessories you need to improve your boating experience. The off-season is a great time to buy – there are so many deals available! Talk to one of our friendly team members to find out more about the high-quality docks we have in stock.

Popular Dock Accessories for Fun and Functionality

If you already have a boat dock or are starting the process of buying or building a new one, you’re probably also interested in dock accessories that will make your dock more functional and attractive.

You can find accessories that are made to make everything on the water easier, and accessories that will let you enjoy your dock even when the boat is tied up.

See the most popular accessories for the modern dock owner on our website!

Contact Alumi-Span Docks for Dock Accessories Today

There’s never been a better time to stock up on the accessories you need to improve your boating experience. The off-season is a great time to buy – there are so many deals available! Talk to one of our friendly team members to find out more about the high-quality docks we have in stock.

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!

Most Popular Boat Dock Accessories

 Do you want to make upgrades to your dock with new, functional accessories?

There are so many choices on the market, it can be overwhelming. How do you choose the right dock ladder? What about the right railings?

We have the answers!

Contact Alumi-Span Docks for Dock Accessories Today

There’s never been a better time to stock up on the accessories you need to improve your boating experience. The off-season is a great time to buy – there are so many deals available! Talk to one of our friendly team members to find out more about the high-quality docks we have in stock.

Read the full article on our website!

Improve Your Boating Experience with Dock Accessories

Looking for the right dock accessories for your needs?

If you have a boat dock but want to improve your boating experience, the right accessories can make your dock easier to use and more functional.

You can also improve the boating experience for family and friends with additions to make boating and swimming easier!

To read the full article, visit our website!

Accessories allow you to safeguard your boat while making the dock easier to use and more functional. They’re also the best way to protect your investment. There are so many options to choose from, so if you need help deciding on the right accessories for you, call Alumi-Span to talk to one of our boat dock experts!

Contact Alumi-Span Docks for Dock Accessories Today

There’s never been a better time to stock up on the accessories you need to improve your boating experience. The off-season is a great time to buy – there are so many deals available! Talk to one of our friendly team members to find out more about the high-quality docks we have in stock.

How to Store a Boat for Winter

Are you getting ready to store your boat for the winter?

Do you have storage options available to you? Before you send your boat to the storage facility or dry rack it at your home, make sure you’ve taken these steps:

1. Run your boat one more time: Pay attention to any issues that need repair or replacement. Look for cracks in the hull, which can worsen over time.
   
   
2. Drain your boat: Remove your boat from the water and drain the water tanks, head, and pipes.
   
   
3. Give your boat a thorough cleaning: Scrub the entirety of your boat with soap and water, including the interior. Open any interior lockers, drawers, refrigerators, and freezers and clean those as well – you don’t want any surprises come springtime!

Read more tips for storage prepping on our website!

Protect Your Boat and Aluminum Boat Dock with Alumi-Span!

Every experienced boater needs a great boat dock, and Alumi-Span has the knowledge and expertise to make that happen for your family. Our docks are made of the highest quality materials and we’ve got the accessories you need for a boat house, too. Contact us today to find out more!

Storing Your Boat Outside or Inside this Winter

After a long summer of boating fun, it’s time to store away your vessel for the colder months ahead. Unlike your car, a boat has many more exposed parts that can corrode over time, which in turn affects performance and could cost hundreds of dollars to repair.

Some options for storing your boat in winter are boat storage units, dry stack storage, and indoor storage. These range in price, availability, and convenience.

Whatever you choose, you’ll want to do a few things before you store your boat for winter inside or outside.

Read more on our website!

Protect Your Boat and Aluminum Boat Dock with Alumi-Span!

Every experienced boater needs a great boat dock, and Alumi-Span has the knowledge and expertise to make that happen for your family. Our docks are made of the highest quality materials and we’ve got the accessories you need for a boat house, too. Contact us today to find out more!

Dreading Dock Installation? Our Tips Make it Easy

Dock installation can be easy if done correctly, with the right type of lightweight dock sections. We talk to dozens of customers each year who, in frustration, decide they’ll do or pay almost anything to get out of the back-breaking work of dock installation. 

Rolling docks and other options are available but expensive, and often don’t work as well as advertised. 

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 installation on our website.

Installing a Basic Dock is Easy with Alumi-Span!

When you receive a dock from us, you’ll also get a kit. Our basic kit includes dock sections, crossarms, an upright post, 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.

To read our full assembly process, read more here!

Our Tips for Easy Dock Installation

Do you dread dock installation every year?

What if we told you it could be easier with three simple tips?

We talk to dozens of customers each year who, in frustration, decide they’ll do or pay almost anything to get out of the back-breaking work of dock installation. Rolling docks and other options are available but expensive, and often don’t work as well as advertised. 

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

Visit our website to learn more!

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. With the high quality and dependability of Alumi-Span, it's no wonder so many property owners in Michigan have selected our aluminum docks over the years. In Detroit and the surrounding area we have built a reputation you can depend on. 

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.

Boat Maintenance: Paint Touch-Ups Can Be Easy

For many of us Michiganders, summer means getting out on our boats and hitting the lake. With all the good times our boats provide for us and our families, it’s only fair we take good care of them so they can continue to be part of our memories for years to come. Maintaining a boat is a lot of work, but one of the simplest steps is often the most neglected: applying paint to touch up your boat. 

Application is easy, and there are paints for wood, metal and fiberglass boats. All you need to do is clean the desired surface and allow it to dry, then apply the paint with a brush or sponge. Above water paint only needs 2 hours to dry, and below water takes about 4. 

To learn more about the difference between painting above and below the waterline, as well as general tips and tricks to brighten your vessel, click here! 

Are You Using the Right Paint for Boat Touch-Ups?

A boat is a big investment, so the idea of messing up a paint job is enough to make people skip this step. What if I get the wrong type of paint? What if I don’t allow it to dry in time? What if it’s not waterproof? These are all valid concerns but touching up your boat is a lot easier than you realize. 

There are two types of paints, above water and below. Paint for above the waterline is oil-based and helps protect the boat against UV rays as well as give strength and flexibility to your vessel. Below water paint, particularly for the bottom of boats, has anti-fouling properties. This means that they are designed to slowly release copper, which prevents the growth of organisms like barnacles. Left unchecked, these organisms can cause drag to your boat, meaning it will take more fuel to move your boat through the water. 

For more information about how to paint your boat, as well as a few tips to keep in mind, click here.