3 Quick Assembly Dock Installation Tips

Posted by Alumi-Span Docks on 8/31/2020
Do you dread dock installation and removal every year? 

Is dock installation a chore that you’d rather pay someone else to do for you? 

Dock installation can be easy if done correctly, with the right type of lightweight dock sections. 

We talk to dozens of customers each year who, in frustration, decide they’ll do or pay almost anything to get out of the back-breaking work of dock installation. Rolling docks and other options are available but expensive, and often don’t work as well as advertised. 

Did you know that a conventional dock can be installed in about 3 minutes per section without any heavy lifting? 

Follow these basic steps for easy installation: 

  1. Use lightweight sections: It’s simple: if your sections aren’t light, the installation won’t be easy. Old, all-wood sections often weigh 200-250 pounds, and can be more if they’re wet. Our selection of over 25 different sizes and styles of dock sections ranging in weight from 45-150 pounds. All aluminum and vinyl are by far the lightest. 
  2. Get rid of auguring: Dock augers are used as feet to help stabilize dock supports into the lake bottom. Many conventional wood dock and some aluminum docks do not have a stringer bracket to connect the dock to the crossarm. A dock like this needs to be augured, or the poles would fall over. Our inexpensive permanent augers take a lot of the work out of the installation process. These units are designed to be left under the ice all year, creating a permanent underwater base. 
  3. Shallow water depth: The deeper you go, the tougher it is to install your dock. We love to sell long docks and putting in a dock in eight feet of water is definitely doable, but realistically, three to four feet of water is enough for any inland lake boat. Because you’re likely installing your dock when the water is still cold, deeper than four feet will be above your waders and will cause a lot of discomfort. Better still, in three or four feet of water, the uprights are short and stable, and you won’t need additional diagonal bracing. 

Installing a Basic Dock is Easy with Alumi-Span! 


When you receive a dock from us, you’ll also get a kit. Our basic kit includes dock sections, crossarms, an upright post, bottom plates, stringer brackets, and caps for the post. The first step is pre-assembling as much as possible. In the next few years, you won’t have to repeat these steps. 

To read our full assembly process, read more here

Why Choose Alumi-Span for Aluminum Docks? 


The answer is in the name! Since 1956, Alumi-Span has been a name that people trust. Whether it's a complete boat dock system or the individual components, we manufacture our products using quality methods and materials. With the high quality and dependability of Alumi-Span, it's no wonder so many property owners in Michigan have selected our aluminum docks over the years. In Detroit and the surrounding area we have built a reputation you can depend on. Interested in a new dock or replacement parts that will last? Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 855-523-2444 to find out more.