Utilize Every Spare Inch of Your Boat Dock with Accessories for Storage

Custom boat docks have so much to offer and can be an incredibly rewarding investment! If you also design your dock with storage in mind, you can get use out of it even when you’re not on the water.

If you’re looking for help making your custom boat dock dream a reality, give us a call today! We’re happy to take you step-by-step through the entire design and building process, or guide you in the right direction to quality dock accessories.

To find out more about how your dock can be a great place for outdoor parties and how you can find helpful storage solutions, contact us today!

Storage Solutions Using Dock Accessories

Do you have a boat dock but have trouble storing all your dock accessories?

Do you want to host summer parties utilizing your dock but worry it looks too cluttered?

Are you looking for a convenient place to store your gear? 

 

 

Dock storage can be easily overlooked as you build and install your dock. Many people store all their gear and accessories in a garage or shed, but how many trips to the shed and back to the dock will you have to make? 

 

Spend more time with your family and friends at your outdoor events this summer and invest in some outdoor dock accessories to help with storage! Check out our website for the full rundown. 

How Boat Dock Materials Have a Major Effect on Price

Trying to decide on materials for your new boat dock?

Is price a top concern with the design of your boat dock?

Want to know the truth about boat dock materials and price?

Constructing a new boat dock at your waterfront property is a significant investment, so you should make sure you’re spending your money wisely. That means making an economical choice when it comes to boat dock materials. But we’re not suggesting you just go with the lowest price tag! Smart shoppers know you have to consider the cost over the lifetime of you dock to know the true price of your materials.

So let’s break things down and compare two options in boat dock materials: wood and aluminum.

Short-Term Costs

Initially, wood will offer a lower price point for new dock installation compared to aluminum boat docks. With wood, you can also opt to save even more money by going with steel pipe piling rather than wood.

Maintenance Costs

Here’s where aluminum docks start to make a comeback! Wood docks require maintenance and chemical treatment to continue to last and look great; that costs money.  Aluminum docks are far more durable and require very little maintenance; that saves money! And for a bonus, the coating that protects aluminum docks is naturally occurring, so it doesn’t need to be re-applied and is completely safe for your waterway’s ecosystem. 

Long-Term Costs

Aside from regular yearly maintenance, owners of wood docks will likely incur other costs related to replacing sections and pieces that corrode, wear, rot, break, etc. And after a period of around 10-15 years, you’re looking at total replacement. Aluminum dock owners don’t have the same issues because of the durability of the material and the longer lifespan. In this category, aluminum docks are a clear winner once again.

Which is right for you: wood or aluminum docks?

Now that you understand the effect material has on the cost of your dock today and tomorrow, you can decide what’s best for you. Weigh other factors like design, size, and how you use the dock. No matter what material you go for, Alumi-Span has the experience, products, and services to help you get the job done. Call today to talk about options for aluminum boat docks at your waterfront property.

What Affects the Price of Your Boat Dock?

Crunching numbers on the cost of a new boat dock?

Trying to decide the best way to spend your boat dock budget?

Want to know what has the biggest effect on boat dock prices?

For most waterfront property owners, a boat dock is a necessary investment. It can have a huge impact on your ability to enjoy your property and on your property value. For those on a budget, you’ll want to know how to maximize your money and what elements are going to be the most expensive. Cue our list of the three major factors that affect boat dock prices.

1. Materials: A material like wood saves you some money upfront, but may cost you more long-term, especially since it won’t last as long. Aluminum boat docks cost more at installation but save you in maintenance and replacement. You need to consider your decking materials, piling, nuts and bolts, and anything else you’ll be adding on.
2. Size: This one’s kind of a no-brainer: the bigger the dock, the bigger the cost. But you can also use this factor to change the scale of the project if you want to spend more on other features.
3. Design: You have a number of design elements to consider. First and foremost, you have to determine the function your dock will have before you can make the best design decisions. If you have only small watercraft, a floating dock might serve you well. On the other hand, if you have a pretty heavy duty boat on a large body of water, you need a fixed dock that can handle and protect your boat!

Trust Alumi-Span with all your boat dock needs!

Think about the factors that have the biggest impact on the price of your boat dock so you can be confident that you’re spending your money wisely. And when you’re ready to start making some decisions, give us a call! At Alumi-Span, we can help you get the features you need for aluminum boat docks at a price that works for you. Let us help you take the first steps toward the boat dock of your dreams today.

Summer Boating Party Ideas

Spring is finally here in the Midwest, and while Mother Nature might still have a few surprises in store, it’s never too early to start thinking about summer parties on the lake!

Imagine a perfect summer day: blue skies, warm sunshine, and all your friends and family having fun. If that sounds like the day you’ve been waiting for all winter, we have some great ideas to make sure everyone at your party talks about it for days afterwards!

Many of these ideas don’t require actually being out on the lake, but rather using your boat as an extension of your outdoor living space. Boaters frequently miss opportunities to use their boats and pontoons for more than being out on the water!

1. Host a movie night. This idea is great especially for groups with kids. You can customize your viewing experience for however many people are involved – watch on a laptop with a large screen for smaller crowds, or try a projector that attaches to your phone or laptop for a larger group. A simple option for a screen is using a white bed sheet. Load up your boat with snacks, and you’re all set for a movie night!
2. Weekend cruise. Take your family and friends out for a spin and entice them to come along with the promise of a meal on board. You could do brunch, lunch, or dinner. Keep it simple: no messy meals. Finger foods are best.
3. 4th of July fireworks show. Do you live on a lake or in a community that hosts a waterfront fireworks display? Do you want to light off some of your own? These are all great options for a holiday party. Remember, safety first! If you’re lighting your own fireworks, don’t hold them in your hand. Launch fireworks away from the boat and towards open water. Be courteous of other boaters! If you’re attending a fireworks display on the water, follow nighttime navigation rules and make sure you have proper safety lights and equipment.

Looking for dock accessories to make your night on the water or on the dock more enjoyable?

Alumi-Span is your one-stop shop for everything you need from your dock including furniture, solar lights, and ladders. We also have everything you need to keep your dock safe for all your guests, like bumpers and corner pieces so there are no sharp edges to your dock.

For more information or to talk to one of our boating experts, give us a call or visit our website today! We’d love to help you bring one of these party ideas to life!

Boating on the Great Lakes

Looking forward to getting out on the water this summer? The time is almost here! As you prepare for warm weather, clear skies, and perfect boating days, it’s time to take advantage of living in the Midwest, and get out on the Great Lakes!

If you’re from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, or some eastern states like Pennsylvania and New York, you’ve got one of the Great Lakes within driving distance! Boaters from Canada can also access some of the Great Lakes easily.

The Great Lakes is one of the largest inland freshwater lake systems in the world. There are so many options for urban access, historical sites, water sports, fishing, and more fun summer activities.

There’s something for the whole family!

Looking for something to do on one of the Great Lakes? Check out our guide below:

• Lake Erie – This is the shallowest of the five lakes, and the warmest. This lake runs along the northern coast of the state of Ohio, and also shares borders with Ontario, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York. Look for tourist destinations like Niagara Falls and Put-in-Bay.
• Lake Huron – This Lake is easily accessible from several Metro Detroit cities and Canadian cities, as it sits along the St. Clair River. This lake is great for boating, swimming, and camping.
• Lake Ontario – This is the easternmost Great Lake and is north of New York State. There are no large cities on the coast, which makes it perfect for smaller boats. There are almost 100 marinas along its shores, and it’s known as a good lake for fishing.
• Lake Michigan – Lake Michigan has one of the largest Midwest cities along its shores – Chicago. Northern Michigan has many small towns that are perfect for docking and exploring.
• Lake Superior – This is the largest and northernmost of all the lakes. This lake is always cold for a swim, but the scenery is beautiful, and many national parks and shorelines are great for family adventures, like Painted Rocks National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park.

If you’re planning a boating excursion on the Great Lakes this summer, make sure you have all the boating and dock accessories that you need for your trip! At Alumi-Span, we can help you get prepared for a boating trip of any length. Talk to one of our experts about boating, boat docks, and dock accessories.

The 4 Essential Types of Boat Dock Bumpers

Looking for boat dock bumpers but not sure what you need? Want to protect your boat and dock with the best bumpers available? Need more information about boat dock bumpers before you buy?

Anyone looking to protect the investment they’ve made in their boat and dock can’t go wrong with installing a full set of dock bumpers. But with so many options, it can be confusing knowing what to purchase. Our guide to the four essential types of boat dock bumpers simplifies your choice and makes it easy to find the best bumpers for you.

Simple Guide to Boat Dock Bumpers

Torpedo Post bumpers:
The pipe legs supporting your boat dock are susceptible to damage and pose a risk to your boat, too. With a durable and attractive design, torpedo bumpers wrap around dock pipes to cushion against impact and cover brackets and bolts to avoid damage to your boat.

Dock End Bumpers:
When you’re pulling in, the ends of the dock are potential point of damage for the dock and boat. Even a small miscalculation could leave you with a big bill! Consider end bumpers to protect your boat and dock. The wide variety of colors makes it easy to match your existing design while keeping your investment safe.

Side Stringer Bumpers:
This product fits along the edge of the dock and is particularly useful along a boat slip or any outer edges used to dock watercraft. The clean and attractive design lends a polished look to your dock while protecting it and your boat from hard landings or rough water conditions.

Heavy Duty Bumpers:
Larger vessels or rough waters sometimes require the extra strength protection heavy duty bumpers can provide. The thick, sturdy design of the product can be used in many ways, offering excellent security for your boat and dock.

Boat Dock Bumpers Made Simple with Alumi-Span

Whichever products you choose, boat dock bumpers are a crucial form of dock security no boater should go without. Use our guide to keep your options simple and make an informed decision. And you can make the protection of your dock even simpler when you trust the experts at Alumi-Span! Give us a call today to get all the answers you need about boat docks and bumpers.