Aluminum Docks

[fatlazyless]

[QUOTE=LIforrelaxin;117885 ...weld Aluminum, so down the road when something breaks, I will have to find someone to weld it. [/QUOTE]

I have an old all-aluminum dock, maybe made in the 1950's or 1960's, and there's usually ways do make repairs without going to East Coast Welding-Gilford for a fancy-dancy heli-arc aluminum weld....such as galvanized mending plates from the hardware store and stainless screws....or a pressure treated wood repair rib underneath or something....probably not from Wal-Mart.....


A good place for scrounging aluminum dock hardware is out the back yard at M&M Marine Salvage, and the Meredith Transfer Station, conveniently located directly across the road from one another.

[Sunrise Point]

LI, I think that it was your suggestions a few years ago about separate dock sections and floor panels that we incorporated into our existing dock. It has made a huge difference in the weight and ease of removal. With the use of our existing hardware and some blemished 2x12's that were given to us, we were able to re-do most of the framing and make new cedar decking panels. The cost of materials was about $150.00.

You make a very valid point about repairs. I can repair our wood dock with my own tools and wood from the lumber yard.

I still dream of having an aluminum dock someday. There are a few used aluminum docks by Watermark available on Craig's list. I had been in touch with them about one of the docks, but since it was wider than our existing dock, they felt that a permit would be required.

Someday....

[BroadHopper]

Auminum docks are a big no no. A heavy wood dock on driven piles or on a hinge with a crank is the way to go. A 'newbie' up the street spent a lot of money putting in an aluminum dock and within a few years it was destroyed. He got smart and did what his neighbors did. Replace the aluminum with wood.