Saturday, August 15, 2020

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


Saturday, August 1, 2020

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.


Friday, July 17, 2020

Don’t Skip a Step when Planning Your Dock Design!

Building a new boat dock?

There’s a lot of planning involved in designing a dock. Luckily, we’ve got the information you need to consider before you buy materials. We’ve also got a custom dock design tool on our website to make the planning easier!

Before shopping, make sure you take the type to plan your design. Consider materials like wood, composite, or aluminum dock sections.

Other factors to keep in mind are:

  • Location of your dock (will it be in the full sun, or shade?)
  • Depth of water around the dock (do you need a railing?)
  • Any local town or municipal coding requirements or permits needed
  • Average number of boats that will be anchored to the dock
  • What size is your dock?

Getting the size of your dock can be frustrating if you get it incorrect and have to measure several times, but you’re in luck! We’ve got our own dock design tool that you can use to get a quote!

Read the full article on our website!

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Considerations for the Perfect Dock Design

Getting ready to install your boat dock? What about building a new one?

If you’re working on a boat dock, there’s a lot of planning involved.

Make the right choices with our expert guide! A boat dock design might seem really technical and complicated, but there aren’t too many differences between a boat dock and a backyard deck. If you’ve tackled that DIY project before, you’re probably already knowledgeable in the factors to build your own boat dock!

Read the full article on our website.

Experts at Alumi-Span Docks can help with Dock Design!


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!

Monday, May 18, 2020

What You Should Know About Building a Boat House Before You Start Construction

Do you need extra protection for your boat?

Have you considered adding on to your boat dock but you’re not sure where to start?

Building a boat house can be as complicated as building a home, and there’s a lot that boat owners should know before they get started. To make sure your boat house is the highest quality, safe, and durable, you need to consider several elements before getting started.

Read more on our website!

Family-Owned Alumi-Span Docks Has the Aluminum Boat Dock Parts You Need!


Every experienced boater needs a great boat dock, and Alumi-Span has the knowledge and expertise

Friday, May 1, 2020

What to Consider When Building a Boat House

Do you have a boat that you take care of like a second home? Are you particular about how your boat is docked, the way it looks, and how often you maintain it?

Like many of our customers, the answer is probably a resounding “yes”! Even if you get your boat serviced regularly, clean it often and make sure that everything is in working order, there’s one more level of protection you could consider: a boat house.

How Complicated is Building a Boat House?


First, consider these elements:

  • Permitting and regulations
  • Durability
  • Longevity
  • Space requirements
  • Usage


Read more on our website!

Family-Owned Alumi-Span Docks Has the Aluminum Boat Dock Parts You Need!


Every experienced boater needs a great boat dock, and Alumi-Span has the knowledge and expertise to make that happen for your family. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

Friday, April 17, 2020

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!

The Cons of Vinyl Dock Sections (and How Alumi-Span Makes Them Better)

In our last blog, we went of the pros of vinyl docks. However, vinyl isn’t the best material for everyone.   Here are a few things to keep i...