Is Your Dock Ready for Cottage and Boating Season?
A Checklist for PreparingYour Aluminum Dock for Maximum Enjoyment All Season Long
It’s time to get your cottage ready for summer fun. One of the reasons cottage owners choose aluminum docks is to avoid time-consuming maintenance and upkeep. Here are some recommendations to ensure your dock has “durable beauty that lasts generations” - and you have more time for cottage and boating fun.
Inspect your Docks for Maintenance Needs
Alumidock docks are made of marine-grade 6000 series aluminum and do not rust. These products need not be sealed like wood, so maintenance is minimal. However, we recommend looking over the bottom pads and leg trusses to ensure they are not damaged before installing them.
Order Replacement Parts
Aluminum Docks can last a lifetime, but occasionally, parts will need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear. Spring is the perfect time to take this important step if necessary. Typical replacement parts needed are bottom pads and truss supports.
Clean Your Dock
Aluminum docks rarely need to be cleaned, but if dirt, grime, and algae accumulate, we recommend a power wash and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.
Get Ready to Install your Dock
Many ask if an aluminum dock can stay in the water during winter. This answer depends on the climate where you live and the severity of storms. If your body of water freezes or experiences significant winter storms that include waves and wind, all docks must come out of the water, regardless of material or manufacturer.
Most owners of aluminum docks choose to remove them for the winter. The lightweight nature of aluminum and ease of use features such as Alumidock’s hinge construction make it easy for two people to remove and reinstall them in the spring. For professional installations, get your pro installer on the schedule as soon as possible.
DIY Dock Installation
Install the first section, secure it with the provided drive pipe, or insert it into the bracket.
Insert the pins into the hinge bar hooks and lower the dock into place
Keep the dock even side to side and the hinge pins engaged down into the elbow of the hooks to prevent damage to the hinge bar hooks. Lower slowly with control.
Insert the locking bolt through the hole on the hinge bar pins to secure the sections.
Check Water Level
Spring brings rain and snow melt, so it is an excellent time to check if the water level has changed. The good news is that it is easy to adjust the height of your legs if you have an Allen wrench.
Changing the Height of Your Installed Dock
Place a level on the end of the dock
Untighten the set screws holding the legs in place
Adjust the legs to the desired height working both sides simultaneously.
Make your adjustments in small increments alternating to the left and right sides.
Re-tighten set screws.
Now that your dock is in tip-top shape, consider the following options for taking your dock use and enjoyment to the next level.
New Dock Accessories
Many dock owners are unaware of the latest accessories to make cottage time even more enjoyable. Here are a few add-ons to consider:
Dock lights for greater safety and nighttime enjoyment.
Dock Stairs can help seniors and pets to use your dock safely.
Kayak Holders help maximize your space and provide quick access.
Upgrade Your Dock with a Platform or New Configuration
One significant benefit of aluminum docks is that you can customize the configurations and add a platform for more living space with room for chairs and more people. If you are considering purchasing a larger boat or your family is growing, you can easily add and change the dock setup with additional sections.
We hope this easy checklist helps you preserve your investment and enjoy your dock even more. Now that your work is done, you can enjoy a cool beverage while sitting on your beautiful dock.
For easy online ordering, great service, and short lead times, visit Parts and Accessories
Click here to request a free platform or new dock configuration estimate.