How to Safely Dock a Boat

Are you a new boat owner, or just want to be more confident in your boating skills?

One of the biggest skills a boat owner must know is how to properly and safely dock their boat.

The more time you spend at the helm, the sooner you’ll find your confidence and competence growing.

Proper Speed

Rule number 1: never approach a dock faster than you want to hit it! Going slowly is the best course of action. Going slowly means there is less water flowing past the rudders and more chance to control the trajectory of your boat. When you slow down, the sharpest turns are easier – the boat will pivot rather than skidding like it does at cruising speeds. Practice clicking in and out of gear, allowing the boat to coast when needed, rather than staying in gear until you want to stop or change direction.

Read more about our recommendations for safely docking your boat on our website!

Trust Alumi-Span with Your Boat Dock Bumper and Other Safety Needs

With so many safety options available, you can customize for fully protected waterfront access! We have over 60 years of experience in custom boat docks and accessories, so you can count on Alumi-Span to assist you with choosing the right boat dock bumpers to fit your needs – and even get help with installation! Give us a call and get answers to all your questions about boat dock bumpers today.

Dock Renovation Items for Your Earth Day To-Do List

Michigan ranks No. 3 in the country for registered boats, according to the Oakland Press. Make sure you’re ready for spring and summer boating by spending Earth Day outside getting your boat and boat dock ready:

• Dock accessories: Do you have young children or elderly parents using your dock? If so, we recommend installing steps and ladders as safety precautions. Optional hand railings and bumpers add stability and security to your wooden docks.
• Dock lighting: Ready for summer nights? Dock lights help identify your dock and help navigate through dark waters. It will also make it easier for passengers to load and unload your boat.
• Dock seating: Tired of sitting on your hard, wooden docks? Spice up your space with a bench or two!
• Swimming rafts: Have you ever felt the excitement of jumping off a raft? If not, you’re really missing out! Adding a raft to your dock or anchoring one out on your lake is a great addition to every lake home.

Read the full article about spending Earth Day on your boat 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.

Earth Day: Boating Edition

While celebrating Earth Day, make sure you’re protecting the planet! Go green with earth-friendly cleaning methods for your boat:

“Green cleaners,” as they’re often called in marine-supply stores, are cleaning products for boats that are formulated to minimize environmental impact. With a quick Google search for "eco-friendly boat cleaner," you'll find a wide variety range of options to choose from.

For example, West Marine's Pure Oceans Crystal Boat Soap is made with a concentrated, eco-friendly formula that works without harsh inorganic compounds or other harmful components—and it works with both fresh or saltwater.

Read the full article about spending Earth Day on your boat 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.

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.