Top Midwest Boating Destinations

Are you looking forward to getting out on the water with your family this year?

Do you want to try new places instead of going to the family cottage every weekend?

Have you thought about trying inland lakes in the Midwest for your boating adventures this summer?

According to Discover Boating, Michigan beats out Florida for the most registered boaters, and many other Midwest states aren’t far behind!

If you’re looking for a great freshwater lake to get out on the water and enjoy the sunshine, we’ve put together a list of places that are sure to have you enjoying the waves!

1.    Lake of the Ozarks, MO – This 93 mile-long lake located an hour south of Jefferson City is lined with scenic hardwood forests which are perfect places to dock up and have a picnic while boating. There are several state parks along the shore that provide public access!

2.    Lake Wawasee, IN – This lake is relatively deep and is in the heart of pontoon country – about an hour northwest of Fort Wayne, and an hour southeast of South Bend. This lake is great for watersports being that it’s very open and wide. Fisherman will appreciate the largemouth and smallmouth bass fisheries here, too!

3.    Tappan Lake, OH – This lake is surrounded by thousands of acres of gorgeous forests and is extremely scenic – there’s virtually no privately developed land around Tappan Lake, making it full of trees and uninterrupted views. There’s a marina on the north side of the lake on Route 250 that provides easy public access, and the town of Ulrichsville is a short drive away.

4.    Lake Winnebago, WI – This is one of the most popular lakes in Wisconsin. Lake Winnebago is 30 miles long and 10 miles wide at its extremes, and the tourist destinations of Oshkosh, Appleton, and Fond du Lac are located along its shores. There’s great public access located at a handful of state parks along 88 miles of shoreline.

5.    Elk River Chain of Lakes, MI – The Elk River Chain features beautifully clear water and are very accessible – especially Torch Lake, which is located just off Grand Traverse Bay, a popular tourist destination. State parks and facilities are everywhere to provide ease of access and amenities for the whole family.

If these lakes sound like the perfect destination for your family this summer, we couldn’t agree more! If you want to make your summer cottage a destination for your family and friends, we can help with that, too! We have the best quality aluminum boat docks and accessories to make your cottage or lake house the perfect getaway.

We also have the knowledge and experience to keep your existing boat dock looking brand new for years to come.

Contact us to learn more!

Summer Boating Etiquette

Are you looking forward to another summer on the water?

Do you know the correct etiquette for boaters? Are you following the rules, or do you tend to be a little reckless?

The last thing you want this summer is a boating accident that could harm you or someone you love.
You should also teach boating etiquette to your children, so they can be safer boaters, too!

Right Of Way

When crossing paths with another vessel, you should recognize which vessel is the “privileged” or “stand-on” vessel. In other words, you and your boat either “stand-on” course because you have the right-of-way, or you “give way” to another vessel.

When passing another boat, sound two short blasts from your horn to signify you’d like permission to pass. If the boat you’re trying to pass blasts their horn five times, or doesn’t respond at all, you should assume it’s not safe to pass.

This rule can be a little vague sometimes, especially if you’re on a river or lake that’s very crowded. Frank Penny, a boating safety and seamanship course instructor for U.S. Power Squadron says, “It’s good sense to relax, let the other guy have the right-of-way and avoid a collision, no matter who has the right-of-way.” In other words, if you feel like you’re being challenged by another boater, let the other boat go first.

Anchoring and Mooring

Be sure to enter an anchorage or mooring at a slow speed. Remember that your neighbors and other boaters don’t want to get caught up in a wake you create by coming in at a high speed! Don’t get too close to other anchored boats, and take care not to blind your neighbors if you’re using a spotlight.

Marina Manners

If you’re stopping at a marina instead of your private boat dock, keep in mind that other boats are also using it. At peak times of the day, remember that other boats are stopping for fuel and other necessities, so make sure to follow proper procedures and move out of the way in a timely manner.
In addition, make sure to keep the area around your slip clear and put equipment back where it belongs if you use it.

Take a Safety Course

If you’re new to boating or want a refresher, take a boating safety course! There are courses available through the U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary about boat safety and boat handling that are great for learning not only written rules of boating, but the unwritten ones too.

At the end of the day, boaters tend to think of each other as members of the same community and neighbors, so make sure you exercise good etiquette out on the water. Stop to help a fellow boater if they need it, and be courteous no matter what.

Looking For More?

If you need more information about boating, aluminum boat docks, or accessories, Alumi-Span can help! We love spending time on the water and want to help you have a great summer on the lake, too. Contact us today to find out how we can help you build a custom boat dock to transform your cottage or lake house into the perfect summer giveaway!

5 Must-Have Dock Accessories

Sprucing up your dock space with a few new accessories this year? Not sure where to start furnishing your new dock with necessary accessories?

Have you recently purchased aluminum dock sections but want them to be more than just a place to tie your boat?

Putting six decades of experience to use, we have compiled a list of 5 must-have dock accessories. From purely functional to purely recreational, we’ve got it all covered! Check it out and discover what you’ve been missing.

1.    Bumpers

Bumpers are an essential piece of equipment for docks used with water equipment from motorized boats to kayaks. Protecting your dock, your person, and your equipment, bumpers are not something to go without. 

2.    Ladders

Ladders are a great addition to a dock that will be used for swimming or just for added safety. Aluminum ladders offer security and durability. Make sure to choose a spot for the ladder that won’t interfere with the function of your dock.

3.     Corner Sections

Dock corner sections might seem unnecessary, but actually offer a solution to multiple problems. Installing a corner section on a right angle corner of your dock provides a perfect location for a ladder, creates more space at the corners, and deters people from unsafely jumping the corners.

4.    Solar Lights

Solar lights are the ideal lighting solution for your dock! They are easy to install and work automatically. You don’t have to worry about wiring, where to add a switch for easy access, or adding to your electric bill. Your lights will charge in sun and turn on automatically as it gets dark.

5.    Furniture

Dock furniture could be seen as an indulgence. But if you’ve spent the time to create a great space, why not make it easy to enjoy it as much as possible? When choosing furniture, make sure you’re going for sturdy material that can handle the conditions like any other part of your dock.

If you’ve love your dock but still feel like something is missing, these 5 must-have accessories should hit the spot! Call us today with questions about adding accessories or aluminum dock sections to your waterfront space. We’re ready to help your property look its best for years to come.

4 Things to Know About Aluminum Boat Docks

Planning for a new dock this summer? Wondering if aluminum dock sections are the right choice for your new dock or dock upgrade? Don’t know much about aluminum docks and sections?

If you have an older dock at your waterfront property, you might be used to the look and maintenance of traditional wood docks and not have much experience with aluminum dock sections. Luckily, aluminum docks are the easiest docks to own and use, so your inexperience won’t stand in the way of building a beautiful, lasting dock with aluminum!

To convince you, we boiled it down to four essential things you need to know about aluminum boat docks:

1.    Corrosion-Be-Gone

With modern anodizing to protect your aluminum dock, corrosion, erosion, and other damage from exposure are things of the past. Anodizing aluminum creates an oxide layer on the surface of the metal protecting it from damage and heat buildup over time. 

2.    Unmatched Muscle

Pound-for-pound, you can’t beat aluminum’s strength as a dock material. Aside from the more obvious benefits of this strength, like durability and low maintenance, the power of aluminum also allows you to make use of a low freeboard. With your decking closer to the water, it will be easier to use non-motorized vehicles like canoes and kayaks.

3.    So Cool

Not only is anodized aluminum stronger, but it is also cooler than other dock materials. Under the baking sun, other materials will heat up and scorch bare feet, even if they’re painted white! It may be surprising to learn that, even as a metal, aluminum won’t heat up as much as other materials, making it safer and more comfortable.

4.    Light as a Feather

Not literally of course, but aluminum’s lightweight is still noteworthy! Working with a lightweight material will make your job easier if you go the DIY route with installation, or plan to make additions and improvements down the road. With lighter materials, professionals can also make efficient work of a dock installation.

Add these four things together and you have a dock that will be durable and attractive for years to come! A love for being on the water is pretty much all you need to enjoy your new aluminum dock.
If you have questions about a new dock, or aluminum dock sections, give us a call today. We are ready to help you have a better dock.

5 Boat Dock Lighting Mistakes to Avoid

Hoping to make your dock more accessible in the dark? Interested in making your dock friendly to night-fishing or other evening activities? Want to know about some of the common, avoidable mistakes in dock lighting?

Whether you have the brand new dock of your dreams and want to make sure you show it off, would like to get more use out of your waterfront space during night and evening hours, or want to make your dock safer, lighting is an important addition to your dock.

But if you’re going to make changes to your much loved and much used dock, you want to avoid these lighting mistakes.

1. No Light: The biggest mistake you can make with dock lighting is not having any or not having sufficient light. Unless you never plan to take your boat out past 4 in the afternoon, inadequate light at your dock is a safety issue. Even if you’re not much of a night owl, dock lighting will keep your property and possessions more secure.  
2. High Fixtures: In your home, a mounted light fixture is typically placed fairly high on the wall, and you might be tempted to replicate that placement on your dock, but that would be a mistake. The best height for lighting on your dock is only 24-35 inches above the ground, lower than you might think, but remember: you need good lighting when you’re pulling up in your boat, standing lower than you do on the dock. 
3. Switches and Timers: Lights powered by a switch or timer can be more of hassle and less effective than the more ideal solar option for dock lighting. Solar dock lights will turn on and off automatically as conditions demand, not relying on a timer. If your dock sits in the shade, you can still connect your lights to a larger solar panel that can be set up with exposure to sunlight. 
4. Matching the Neighbors: If you admire the way some of your neighbors have set up their lighting, use it as inspiration, but make sure to incorporate something that sets your property apart so you can easily identify it when pulling in at night. You can use a distinctive color or pattern of lights to help you find your dock in the dark. 
5. Wrong Casing: You’ll be tempted to choose lighting that’s the most appealing to your aesthetic, but your top priority should be to choose a light that will last. A metal casing that rusts and corrodes with water exposure won’t look good for long, so you’ll want to go with a water-resistant option. 

Avoid these mistakes when making choices for lighting your dock, and you’ll be in good shape for a safer, more effective dock.

If you want the assistance of experienced professionals for your dock project, give us a call today. With more than 50 years in the business, we have a solution for you, from new customized aluminum docks to small repairs and accessories.

Design Ideas for Your Dock

Considering an upgrade to your current dock? Wondering what your options are for aluminum dock design?

If you’re redesigning or putting in a new dock at your property, the good news is that your design options are endless. The bad news? All those options can be overwhelming. Taking your basic dock needs into account puts your design options into 4 easy categories to choose from, and can simplify the process. Read about each category and find out what works for you!

Platform

Make your platform a simple and effective design for people looking for a spot to park a chair for leisurely fishing, or to dangle their feet into the water. Platform docks don’t have a dedicated space for a boat or other water vehicles, but can still be used to tie off a canoe or raft temporarily. The simple design also makes this option cost effective for waterfront activities.

Slip

A boat slip is a dedicated space for a boat you want to keep in the water throughout an entire season. If you’ll be docking a larger, motorized boat, a slip is probably a must-have design feature. The space will give your boat more protection and make pulling in and out of your property easier. You can easily incorporate multiple slips into your dock to suit your needs.

Custom

Trying to accommodate multiple vehicles, equipment, and large groups of people? Your best bet may be to go with a custom design delivered by seasoned professionals. Working with the right company may offer you solutions you never could have discovered on your own.

From simple to complex, we have your design needs covered! With over 50 years experience in the business, we can help you get a beautiful wood, vinyl, or aluminum dock that lasts. We also have plenty of tips to extend the life of your aluminum dock!

Give us a call today to get started.