Dock woes - need to replace - Wood or Aluminum? Which is better/more cost effective?
 

We've got 2 docks (in different locations - one is a "safe dock" in a cove and the other is our regular dock).

The "regular" dock is of all wood construction, and I remove the planking and pull the frame out of the water for the winter using a tree mounted winch.

This seems to work very well, however the dock is showing its age and it is only a matter of time before I have to replace it.

The other dock - the safe dock - is constructed from big oak piers (3 sets) driven into the lake bottom, which support the dock frame on cross pieces(wood). Note - all of this was here when we bought the cottage.

During the first year of the dock's life, the end piers were pushed out by the ice and the next set was pushed over (on an angle) quite a bit. The previous owner had Winnipesaukee Marine come and pound the 2 remaining sets of piers back in, and used 4x4s to reconstruct the remaining end of the dock support system. The 4x4s are removed in winter, and the end 20 feet or so of the dock is supported by cables tied back to the piers to prevent it from breaking off.

This past winter, the end most set of piers (about 20 feet from shore) was pushed over at a good 45 degree angle, and almost popped out. I pulled them back to vertical with a come-along, but I fear this winter will be the last for these. They are way up out of the bottom from where they should be.

I suppose I could have the piers driven back in by Winnipesaukee Marine and maybe get another winter out of it..... don't know how much that might cost - haven't called them yet!

But, I think the ultimate solution here is to construct a "proper", removable (crank up) dock that can be taken out for the winter.

I see a lot of aluminum docks out there, and they look pretty strong, and I would guess, a lot lighter to crank up for wintering.

How do these aluminum docks work out? Are they very expensive? Any pros/cons over wood construction?

Any advise about what to do, particularly with the safe dock, and any experiences or advise with respect aluminum docks would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and Regards,

Steve

Crank ups
 

We sell a 6x40 crank up with Red Cedar Pallets and 4x6 legs for around $10,500 installed including the concrete pad and all the rigging. Thanks

There are a few companies which sell the same frame build at weld fab in gilford. Thanks Luke
nedockandbarge.com

Trex Composite
 

Have you ever considered doing a trex composite dock??? We have trex decking and we love it. Lasts a lot longer than wood :)

Thanks ! I have wondered how trex would hold up in a wet environment - with the UV beating down on it all day. How long has your trex decking been on your dock? What is the dock frame made from?

Thanks and Regards,

Steve

Latitudes or Ipe
 

If I was going to use composite decking I would use Latitudes Marine Composite Decking. http://www.ufpi.com/product/latitude...ing/marine.htm

I have their standard (non marine) decking at my camp and it is extremely durable. I have a couple pieces I have submerged under water (used as a shim) for over a year now and no issues of swelling or anything at all. Harvey Industries in Manchester sells it. I am very impressed with it.

If I was going to use wood, I would use Ipe only. This stuff is like iron!!

FWIW;

Dan

Our dock is a crib dock with Rhinodeck. So far after 5 seasons we have had no issues with it.

$10,500 for a 6X40 deck? WOW! I thought my 6X40 crank up Trex deck for $6,000 was bad. I use a plan drawn by Hebert Foundries to make the deck. A concrete base with rebars for hinges. And a motorized windlass to raise the dock. Can't use concrete pads as the sand drift too much. I use the aluminmum pads provided by the foundry. You can get all materials at Boulia Gorrell lumber in Laconia. I found out later that Lowe's sell the trex boards for less.

I looked on goggle but can't find what a windlass is. I have been looking for an electric way to raise my docks. It could be my age but they seem to get heavier every year. OK its my age....:rolleye1:

My age is getting to me as well. :rolleye1: I wrote windlass than winch. Google electric winch and you should see a multitude of winches. That is what I use to raise and lower the deck. :cool: