Monday, August 15, 2022

How to Choose the Right Dock Sections

dock sections
Considering building a new boat dock? With so many different types of dock sections to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one.

Why choose vinyl docks?

Our strong vinyl dock design includes a unique center aluminum "U" support to provide a solid feel. These dock sections are much lighter than pine and cooler to walk on. 

Don't fall for super heavy "composite materials" that fade and sag in hot weather. Some competitive docks have lots of holes making them very uncomfortable to walk or lay on. Many vinyl docks squeak - ours doesn't! It's great looking and comes in three colors.

Read more about vinyl dock sections on our website!

Choose Alumi-Span Docks for Vinyl Dock Sections!

If you’re getting ready to build a dock and are trying to figure out what materials are right for you, leave it to the professionals! We have over 60 years of experience building quality docks using only the best materials. Contact Us to learn more about vinyl dock sections and the essential boat dock pars you’ll need to fully enjoy your summer on the water!

Monday, August 1, 2022

Why Choose Vinyl Dock Sections?

dock sections

You’ve got that perfect piece of lakefront property that’s just right for your own boat. But you need a dock.

Building your own dock can be very rewarding – but it can be a bit stressful. Between all the different types of materials and boat dock parts available, it’s hard to know what’s worth the price for the value you’re going to get.

Different Types of Boat Docks

Some factors you should take into consideration when you’re building a custom boat dock and trying to pick dock sections are:

  • The weight of the decking
  • Upfront and maintenance costs
  • Rotting
  • Overall upkeep

If you’re trying to build your own dock on a budget, consider vinyl dock sections. There are several different types of dock sections on the market, but vinyl has consistently proven to provide high quality at low upfront cost. Vinyl boat dock parts are inexpensive and easily replaceable if portions wear out faster than others due to frequent use.

Vinyl decking is less susceptible to warping, rotting, and splinters over time. Vinyl docks also tend to require less maintenance than wood docks, and don’t need to be sanded or refinished.

Read more about vinyl dock sections on our website!

Choose Alumi-Span Docks for Vinyl Dock Sections!

If you’re getting ready to build a dock and are trying to figure out what materials are right for you, leave it to the professionals! We have over 60 years of experience building quality docks using only the best materials. Contact Us to learn more about vinyl dock sections and the essential boat dock pars you’ll need to fully enjoy your summer on the water!


Friday, July 15, 2022

Add Living Space to Your Home with an Outdoor Party Dock


Do you want a space for the whole family on the lake this summer?

For those who don’t want to swim or go on the boat but still want to be near the water, a party dock is a great option. From grilling, to sitting by a firepit, there are so many options for bringing people together this summer.

Homeowners that already have some handyman skills may be able to build their own dock if it’s a smaller floating dock. However, building a dock isn’t an easy process, especially if you don’t have experience with waterfront structures.

More often than not, the best route is to hire a professional. Although it may cost you a bit more upfront, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that your dock is secure and properly built. We love and recommend anodized aluminum to nearly all of our customers for its long-lasting quality.

Find out how we can help with your dock design on our website!

Anodized Aluminum Dock Sections: Nothing’s Lighter, Nothing’s Cooler, Nothing’s Stronger

Alumi-Span originated the all-aluminum boat dock in 1956. Don't be fooled by cheaper "non-anodized" units! Unlike some competitive units, our docks are made with a strong alloy and our acid-etched anodizing process will not turn black over time. Our dock boards interlock together and then are fastened with stainless fasteners. Tough adhesive is added to eliminate squeaks and rattles.

We manufacture our products using quality methods and materials, and that’s why many Alumi-Span aluminum boat docks are still in use after more than 50 years!

Friday, July 1, 2022

How to Add a Party Dock to Your Summer Vacation Property


Do you want your lakefront property to be a home away from home this summer?

Are you looking forward to hosting cookouts, family reunions, and having all your friends over to enjoy lake life with you?

Building a party deck or dock platform on your dock can add value to your home. From a small sitting area to space for 20 people, this can be an easy and painless process. 

Many traditional dock platforms use long cross-arms and multiple posts that must be driven in underneath the dock.  These hold the dock up, but there are much easier and more efficient ways to accomplish the look you want.

Read the full article about dock design on our website!

Anodized Aluminum Dock Sections: Nothing’s Lighter, Nothing’s Cooler, Nothing’s Stronger

Alumi-Span originated the all-aluminum boat dock in 1956. Don't be fooled by cheaper "non-anodized" units! Unlike some competitive units, our docks are made with a strong alloy and our acid-etched anodizing process will not turn black over time. Our dock boards interlock together and then are fastened with stainless fasteners. Tough adhesive is added to eliminate squeaks and rattles.

We manufacture our products using quality methods and materials, and that’s why many Alumi-Span aluminum boat docks are still in use after more than 50 years!


Friday, June 17, 2022

Why We Love Anodized Aluminum Boat Docks

aluminum dock, aluminum boat dock, aluminum dock sections

Are you researching dock sections?

Want something worth the money that will last for years to come?

Anodized aluminum dock sections are incredibly high value when you compare them to other dock materials that don’t last as long and aren’t as durable.

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 dock might be right for you.

Read why we love anodized aluminum on our website!


Anodized Aluminum Dock Sections: Nothing’s Lighter, Nothing’s Cooler, Nothing’s Stronger


Alumi-Span originated the all-aluminum boat dock in 1956. Don't be fooled by cheaper "non-anodized" units! Unlike some competitive units, our docks are made with a strong alloy and our acid-etched anodizing process will not turn black over time. Our dock boards interlock together and then are fastened with stainless fasteners. Tough adhesive is added to eliminate squeaks and rattles.

We manufacture our products using quality methods and materials, and 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 or contact us to purchase your new aluminum boat dock.

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Anodized Aluminum: The Most Durable Dock Section

aluminum boat dock, aluminum docks, aluminum dock sections

Have you been researching the right material for your boat dock?

Have you been considering aluminum boat dock sections but are still confused about your options?

As you might guess by looking at our company name, we love anodized aluminum! We choose this material for our dock sections because of its permanent layer of protective material that rivals any paint or powder-coated material.

Since the anodizing process produces a hard, protective layer on aluminum, you don’t need to worry about scratches, chips, or fading. Many paints or powder coatings would need upkeep to keep them looking new, but anodized aluminum is made to last a lifetime. Anodized aluminum dock sections are also the easiest to clean!

Read more benefits of aluminum dock sections on our website!

Anodized Aluminum Dock Sections: Nothing’s Lighter, Nothing’s Cooler, Nothing’s Stronger


Alumi-Span originated the all-aluminum boat dock in 1956. Don't be fooled by cheaper "non-anodized" units! Unlike some competitive units, our docks are made with a strong alloy and our acid-etched anodizing process will not turn black over time. Our dock boards interlock together and then are fastened with stainless fasteners. Tough adhesive is added to eliminate squeaks and rattles.

We manufacture our products using quality methods and materials, and 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 or contact us to purchase your new aluminum boat dock.

Monday, May 16, 2022

Safety Tips for Docking a Boat


Using Wind and Current

Mother Nature can be your friend when it comes to docking! Be aware of how wind and current can affect your boat and adjust your approach to the dock accordingly. For example, it can be hard to come alongside the dock with an offshore wind blowing you away from the dock.

What’s needed in cases like that is a steep approach angle. This cuts wind resistance and allows your momentum to carry you in closer to the dock without having to bump the engine into gear.

Boat Dock Bumpers

If you have a dock and any watercraft, you’ve no doubt invested ample time and money into them. Protecting these valued items is a no-brainer, and one of the most effective ways to do so is with a complete system of boat dock bumpers.

Dinging a post or protruding bolt here and there may seem like no big deal at the time, but as these bumps and bruises accumulate, they can cause real damage to your boat and your dock. It’s better to protect them than to spend big money on repairs.

Click here for our boat dock bumper guide!


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.

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...