Consider Your Dock Activities

Are you planning on building or upgrading an existing boat dock?

Here are a few things you should think about when designing your dock!

• Docking and Undocking: If you plan on frequently docking and undocking your boat, extra space around the boat will make the process easier and less stressful.
• Storage: Will you be storing other equipment on the dock, like jet skis, kayaks, or fishing gear? Factor in this additional space requirement.
• Entertaining: If you plan on using your dock for socializing and entertaining, you'll need additional space for seating, a small table, or even a grill.

Consult Your Michigan Dock Installation Experts

Whether it be simple questions or complex dock projects, don't hesitate to consult a Michigan dock installation expert, such as Alumi-Span. We can provide valuable advice based on your specific situation and local regulations. To reach out with questions, or if you’re ready to start a project, call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form here.

Know Your Boat Measurements

Do you know how big your dock needs to be?

Docking your boat should be a smooth and stress-free experience. But if your dock is too small, it can lead to scrapes, bumps, and a lot of frustration. Before you invest in a dock, it's crucial to determine the right size for your boat and your needs.

Here's what to consider when choosing the perfect dock size:

• Length: This is the most important factor. Your dock needs to be at least as long as your boat, but ideally, you'll want a few extra feet for maneuvering when docking and casting off. A good rule of thumb is to add 3-5 feet to your boat's length.
• Beam: This is the width of your boat at its widest point. The dock should be wider than the beam to provide ample walking space and stability. Aim for at least 2 feet wider than the beam on each side.
• Draft: This is the depth of water your boat needs to float. The dock needs to be positioned in water deep enough to accommodate the draft at low tide.
• Lifts: Many boats and other PWC are stored on lifts for ease of use. The dock needs to fit the outside measurements of the lift, especially when making slips.

Consult Your Michigan Dock Installation Experts

Whether it be simple questions or complex dock projects, don't hesitate to consult a Michigan dock installation expert, such as Alumi-Span. We can provide valuable advice based on your specific situation and local regulations. To reach out with questions, or if you’re ready to start a project, call 855-523-2444 or submit a contact form here.

Dog-Friendly Building Materials

Is your boat dock safe for your dog?

If you have four-legged family members who love the water, ensuring your dock is canine-friendly is essential for their safety and enjoyment.

Paw-Friendly Decking: Just like kids, dogs love to run down the dock and take a leap into the water. Our docks utilize premium materials to keep everyone safe, especially your furry friends.

Wood Decking: We hand-select premium lumber during the construction process to ensure the boards are smooth and free of splinters and holes, providing a comfortable surface for your dog's paws.

Vinyl/Aluminum Decking: Vinyl and aluminum decking feature built-in tread patterns that offer traction even when wet, without being harsh on your dog's paws. Say goodbye to slippery surfaces!

Faux Wood Decking: Powder-coated faux wood decking provides a maintenance-free option with added traction to ensure safety for dogs of all ages.

Quality Cast Parts: Our docks feature cast aluminum parts that are engineered for strength and durability. Say goodbye to bending, breaking, or slipping over time, even with the most enthusiastic dogs on board.

Quality Decking: We prioritize strength and durability with structural-grade aluminum, extruded vinyl, and premium lumber decking materials. No need to worry about cracks, bends, or warping, even with the weight of excited dogs running and jumping.

Quality Build: Our docks are built to last, with center beams and side stringers made from thick-walled aluminum. Each section is weight-tested to ensure quality and safety for all family members, furry or otherwise.

Check out the full article on dog dock safety.

Shop Dog-Friendly Dock Accessories and More!

Ready to transform your dock into a summer hangout for you and your dog? Explore our range of dog-friendly dock accessories here! Whether you're designing a new dock or upgrading an existing one, we're here to help you and your furry family members enjoy the lake to the fullest this summer!

Dog-Friendly Dock Accessories

Do your dogs love spending time on the water?

If so, you’ll want to make sure that your dock is equipped with dog-safe accessories. Here are a few recommendations:

Dock End Bumpers: Prevent accidents by capping open ends with boat dock end bumpers. These not only dog-proof the dock but also add a personalized touch with various color options.

Stairs: Ensure your dog can get in and out of the water safely by installing stairs. Made in the USA for strength and durability, these are a must-have for any dog-friendly dock.

Safety Corners: Eliminate safety hazards with corner sections that provide a smooth transition from the dock to platforms, preventing injuries from jumping over open spaces.

Check out the full article on dog dock safety.

Shop Dog-Friendly Dock Accessories and More!

Ready to transform your dock into a summer hangout for you and your dog? Explore our range of dog-friendly dock accessories here! Whether you're designing a new dock or upgrading an existing one, we're here to help you and your furry family members enjoy the lake to the fullest this summer!

Avoiding Dock-on-Dock Collision

Is your dock running into your neighbor’s dock?

It’s always best to get along with your neighbors, but many lake sites are not in line with the neighboring properties, which can cause issues with docks running into each other.  

To keep everyone on their property, Alumi-Span can put an angle across the first section of your dock. In many cases, this can bring everything back in line with the dock next to yours. This can help save you from neighborly disputes, and in the worst cases, legal action. 

Cutting an angle on an aluminum dock is a little more involved than just ripping through it with a saw. Alumi-Span takes care to make sure all decking material still has adequate support after making the cut. We also make sure to cap off any sharp edges made by cutting the angle on the dock section to avoid injury. We’ve seen plenty of bad angle cut jobs, and many lack support, which can be dangerous to walk on.  

Avoid Dock Installation Conflict in Michigan

Ready to make your dock work for you, rather than the other way around?

Angle cuts on a dock are a great way to place your dock exactly where you want it! Get in touch with a dock installation expert in Michigan by filling out a contact form or calling (855) 523-2444. Your dock neighbors will thank you!

Cutting Your Dock on an Angle

Is your lake front on an angle?

When cutting an angle, it’s important to measure carefully. A small angle cut at the beginning of a dock could moving the end of the dock over several feet. While this is a great way to avoid running into your neighbors, you don’t want to go too far and create a problem on the other side as well. Another thing to keep in mind is that large angle cuts (over 30-45 degrees) can take up a significant portion of the first dock piece. Careful measurement is needed here as well, especially if the length of the dock needs to be in a specific location. If you live locally, Alumi-Span can help you measure the angle cut. 

Learn More About Dock Installation in Michigan

Ready to make your dock work for you, rather than the other way around?

Angle cuts on a dock are a great way to place your dock exactly where you want it! Get in touch with a dock installation expert in Michigan by filling out a contact form or calling (855) 523-2444. Your dock neighbors will thank you!

Dreading Dock Installation this Spring? Read our Tips!

Many conventional wood docks and some aluminum frames ones do not have a stringer bracket to connect the dock to the crossarm. A dock like this has to be augered or the poles would fall over. Adding stringer brackets and bottom plates to an existing dock with conventional augers can automatically take a lot of the work out of it.

Q: “That solution is for a dock with bottom plates, and I have a pontoon boat that I tie directly to the dock in high winds. I have to auger, don't I?”
A: In most cases you don't. You can simply install our inexpensive permanent augers.

These rugged units are designed to be left under the ice all year, creating a permanent underwater base for our regular post. It's just as fast as bottom plates and gives you the added option of dropping fully assembled supports into the bases first.

You can use a combination of permanent augers and bottom plates depending on where you need the support of an augered post. We also offer large bottom plates for areas where a larger plate is needed. These can be especially useful for installing trusses - just like the permanent augers, the large bottom plates will allow you to stand the trusses up and simply lay the sections on them. A properly designed dock using these components only requires you to remove or tighten 4 bolts per section when installing or taking out your dock.

Q: “That’s fine for beach conditions but what about heavy muck, that can't be easy!”
A: That’s where Alumi-Span’s famous Bigfoot System comes in!

These units work just like Perma Augers, but are designed to push down into muddy bottoms. Once installed they form a permanent underwater base that not only facilitates installation but also gives you something solid to stand on when you're in the water. Additional advantages of both permanent systems are that they place the dock for you perfectly every year and you never have to adjust anything. You can also put the farthest section in first and build back to shore since you know exactly where it will go. Also, if you absolutely insist on conventional augering, just use a few right where you tie your boat. The rest can be bottom plates.

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 is 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 areas, we’ve 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.

How to Make Dock Installation Easy

Dock Installation has a reputation for being the most hated chore a cottage owner has to tackle each year. Those who hate it are usually in the same situation – they own a heavy all-pine dock that requires 100% augering.

We talk to dozens of customers each year who, in frustration, decide they’ll do or pay almost anything to eliminate this back-breaking work. They look at rolling docks and many other fancy options, only to find out that they’re mega-expensive and most of them don't work nearly as well as advertised.

Did you know a properly designed conventional dock can be installed in about 3 minutes per section without any augering or heavy lifting, even in muck? You can save thousands of dollars while retaining the flexibility of nearly any configuration is icing on the cake.

There are a few basics things that are key to quick, easy assembly:

Light Weight Sections
No matter what style of dock you have, remember that if it's not light, it's not easy. Old splintery, hot, all-wood sections often weigh 200 – 250 pounds, or potentially more if they're wet. Alumi-Span offers over 25 different sizes and styles of dock sections ranging in weight from 45-150 lbs. All aluminum and vinyl docks are by far the lightest; however, Alumi-Span also offers a cedar option with weights just slightly more than our all aluminum or vinyl sections. Cedar saves a lot of money as compared to the more maintenance free materials and it is still significantly lighter than a pine dock.

Eliminate Augering!
Many conventional wood docks and some aluminum frames ones do not have a stringer bracket to connect the dock to the crossarm. A dock like this has to be augered or the poles would fall over. Adding stringer brackets and bottom plates to an existing dock with conventional augers can automatically take a lot of the work out of it. 

Read more about dock installation on our website!

Tips for Quick and Easy Dock Installation

Do you dread dock installation and removal every year?

Is dock installation a chore that you’d rather pay someone else to do for you?

Before you start putting your dock sections in the water, there are a few things you need to do first:

1. Have a visual: Plan out the configuration of your dock ahead of time, especially if this is your first dock installation! You can use our dock design tool to plan ahead.
   
   
2. Get anchored: Whether your dock is floating or standing, you must anchor your dock. Anchoring systems for boat dock vary depending on the water depth and the distance your dock must be from the store. Read our install guide for more information.

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.

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.

Can't Decide on the Right Material for Your Wooden Dock?

Trying to pick the right material for your wooden dock?

Overwhelmed by all the options on the market?

 Choose the right type of wood for a natural looking dock that will be around at your family property for generations:

• Pressure treated pine: This is the most common and affordable type of wood used for boat docks. The initial cost is the cheapest compared to other options and should last 20 years or more with annual maintenance. 
• Cedar wood: Cedar is a softer wood option and is considered an upgrade to treated pine. While cedar has some natural rot resistance, it still requires a water sealer applied every year. Cedar planks should last 25 years or more and can be stained to truly fit your style.
• Composite deck materials: This type of decking is low maintenance, often made from recycled materials, and very rot resistant. 
• Exotic hardwood materials: Exotic hardwood requires an expensive initial investment, but this type of decking is proven to last 75 years or more! Made from sustainable wood, this rot resistant, low maintenance decking option is available in short boards, which will reduce the price.

If you want to learn more about your options for wooden dock sections, talk to our experts! We’ve been in the business for over 60 years and have the knowledge and expertise to help you build your dream dock. Contact us today to get started!

Read the full article about wooden docks on our website!

“I would highly recommend Alumi-Span Docks. I found the company on the internet and have never regretted one minute of our transaction. From the first call, anyone with whom I spoke was professional and friendly. Sketches were sent to me, and I placed my order in November 2017. Per my request, the dock was delivered at the end of March 2018. I was not required to have anyone on site to help unload it and, also per my request, they carried it to the lake side of my home. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with this company.” - Cynthia K.

How to Build a Wooden Dock

Are you learning how to build a wooden dock from scratch?

Are you rebuilding an existing dock that has since rotted or needs planks replaced?

If you need to build or rebuild a wooden dock, you want the most durable wood available that will be low maintenance and last a lifetime.

Read the full article about choosing the right material for your wooden dock on our website!

If you want to learn more about your options for wooden dock sections, talk to our experts! We’ve been in the business for over 60 years and have the knowledge and expertise to help you build your dream dock. 

Contact us today to get started!

“I would highly recommend Alumi-Span Docks. I found the company on the internet and have never regretted one minute of our transaction. From the first call, anyone with whom I spoke was professional and friendly. Sketches were sent to me, and I placed my order in November 2017. Per my request, the dock was delivered at the end of March 2018. I was not required to have anyone on site to help unload it and, also per my request, they carried it to the lake side of my home. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with this company.” - Cynthia K.

Upgrades to Your Boat to Make in the Off-season

Does your boat need repairs or upgrades?

Do you tend to put off your to-do list all summer? The offseason is the perfect time to take care of cleaning, repairs, and any upgrades your boat needs while in storage.

If any of the gauges on your dash are over 10 years old, you may want to consider replacing them. If you need to replace them yourself rather than having your boat serviced by a professional, make sure you take a photo of the dash first so you can remember the position of even gauge. Use extreme caution working with wires and electrical components.

Secondly, the safety lighting on your boat should be a top priority! Keep your passengers safe and navigation easier when you add marine lights to your boat.

Finally, the offseason is the perfect time to replace that old, wooden boat dock with a shiny new aluminum boat dock! We’ve got high quality dock sections to fit any style and color, and we can provide tips for dock installation too!

Read the full article about dock installation and off-season boat maintenance tips on our website!

At Alumi-Span Docks, we pride ourselves on being a name people trust. Since 1956, we’ve manufactured our products using quality methods and materials, that’s why many Alumi-Span aluminum boat docks are still in use after more than 50 years!

Whether it's a complete boat dock system or the individual components, we have what you need to get back out on the water with peace of mind. Call us today at 855-523-2444!

Repairing, Rebuilding, and Replacing Boat Parts

Missing your boat during this long Midwestern winter? We can relate!

To cure your winter blues, take this time to repair, replace, or rebuild boat parts that may have been neglected over the summer or are due for upgrades:

1. Replace old hoses and clamps.
2. Double check hatch gaskets that are normally tucked away in small areas of your boat.
3. Avoid any accidents or citations during the boating season by replacing or repairing any broken navigation lights.
4. Look at your boat dock while it’s in storage. Do any sections need to be replaced? What about giving it a good scrub? When dock installation time comes in the spring, you’ll be glad you took care of any upkeep beforehand.

Read the full article about off-season boat maintenance tasks to tackle before dock installation on our website!

Considering an Upgrade Before Dock Installation Time?

After you’ve made needed repairs and upgrades to your boat, it may also be time to upgrade your boat dock before dock installation time! Docks were made to create more time on the water, not less! If you want a durable dock you don’t have to worry about, an aluminum boat dock might be right for you.

At Alumi-Span Docks, we pride ourselves on being a name people trust. Since 1956, we’ve manufactured our products using quality methods and materials, that’s why many Alumi-Span aluminum boat docks are still in use after more than 50 years!

Whether it's a complete boat dock system or the individual components, we have what you need to get back out on the water with peace of mind. Call us today at 855-523-2444!

Buying Tips for New and Used Boats

In the market for a new or used boat? What about boat dock parts and accessories?

Do you want to finally replace your boat but don’t know where to start?

Buying a boat in late fall or early spring before the busiest time of boating season is a great opportunity to score a great deal. If you’ve been looking for your dream boat or just want to upgrade to something new, we have the best tips for smart buying.

To make sure you get the best deals possible, read buying tips on our website!

The bottom line is to make sure you’re well informed before you buy! There are great deals for new and used boats, and you can score yourself the boat of your dreams with a little bit of time and research. For information about boat docks, boat dock parts, and dock accessories, we’ve got the expert tips you need. Contact us to learn more!

Why Buying a Boat in the Off Season is Best

Do you daydream about your dream boat? 

Have you been wanting to upgrade your boat and boat dock but have been putting it off?

If you’re in the market for a new or used boat, the off season can be the perfect time to start shopping!

If you’re looking for a used boat, September, October, and November (the end of boating season) are great times to search. Similarly, before boating season really kicks off in early spring – March and April – sellers face increased costs if they don’t sell before the season starts, so they usually have great deals.

Your daydreaming in the winter months could pay off! To get a jump on the spring buying season, winter boat shopping is definitely the way to go for the best deals and plenty of time to get both your boat and boat dock prepped for the busy summer season.

To make sure you get the best deals possible, read more buying tips on our website!

The bottom line is to make sure you’re well informed before you buy! There are great deals for new and used boats, and you can score yourself the boat of your dreams with a little bit of time and research. For information about boat docks, boat dock parts, and dock accessories, we’ve got the expert tips you need. Contact us to learn 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.

Bolt-On Dock Accessories to Improve Your Waterfront Lifestyle

Do you want to make your dock the place to be this summer?

If you love entertaining, you want your dock to be safe and have accessories that can provide hours of fun in the sun for your friends and family.

To make sure you’ve got the best dock accessories for your aluminum boat dock, read the full article on the website!

Trust Alumi-Span for Quality Dock Accessories

For nearly 60 years Alumi-Span has provided entire dock systems and component parts for docks to property owners who want their docks to last. Need assistance selecting the right Alumi-Span products for your dock? Get in touch with us at 855-523-2444.

Our knowledge about boat docks can help you construct the perfect dock that will serve you for years. If you’ve tried other boat dock parts and were disappointed in their performance, it’s time to go with Alumi-Span. Contact us today!

Building a Boat Dock on a Lake? You Need to Read These Tips!

Do you have a boat dock that needs repairs, or property that needs a boat dock installed? 

Do you have questions about the type of boat dock that will work on your lake? If you’re building a DIY dock or just beginning to do research about types of boat docks, you want a professional to build and install. 

You need to read these tips! Check out our website for more!