seasonal dock

[card-diver]

I am considering replacing an existing 4x40' pipe dock due to rusting of cross supports and overall hassle of dock take out and put in. Anyone have experience with crank up docks or light weight sectional docks? And any advise regarding reliable vendors?

[Lakegeezer]

Check with John Ferranti at CHD&P. He did a good job for us, including design, getting the permits and construction. It ain't cheap, but it eliminated the spring "joy" of standing in the 39 degree water for three hours installing the dock.

[Stina]

CHD&P did mine as well... Best money I've ever spent. Easy in, easy out, you never get wet and no winter ice woes! You'll love it!!

[card-diver]

Thanks Lakegeezer and Stina, I'm going up to talk with him tomorrow.

[Gatto Nero]

I used Lakes Region Marine out of Center Harbor. They did a great job for me. I had some issues over the winter because I'm on a very windy point. They stepped up to the plate and took care of it.

The permit was just a permit by notification or PBN. It's a pretty straight forward and simple process that I was able to do myself. You can find the form on the DES web site.

[BlackCatIslander]

I agree with the above posts. We had John Ferranti get the permit in the late winter of 2003 and will be starting our third season of use. We opted for the ironwood and are happy with our decision.

[card-diver]

BlackcatIslander, I'm not not familiar with "ironwood" what do you mean by that?

[RLW]

BlackcatIslander, I'm not not familiar with "ironwood" what do you mean by that?
I believe the proper name for that material (wood) is Eppy(SP) wood. It is a very heavy wood and does not float in water, it sinks like a rock. I believe it comes from Brazil. It is suppose to weather great and turns a grayish color. If I have this mixed up with something else someone please correct this ole geezer.
RLW:)

[Gatto Nero]

Definition borrowed from http://www.trimscrew.com/IPE.htm

"IPE (aka. Ironwood) is one of many commercial names used for the the imposing Lapacho group of trees from the various species of Tabebuia.The trees generally grow from 140 to 150 feet, but some can reach heights of 200 feet. Some other common names for the trees from this group include Bethbara and Lapacho, and a host of names used in the countries where the trees grow. The trees are mostly found in Brazil as well as throughout Central and South America and some of the Lesser Antilles.

IPE'S strong, tough resilient properties make it an excellent material and increasingly popular choice for commercial/residential decking and outdoor furniture. It is prized for its stability, durability, strength and natural resistance to decay, wet conditions, and infestation by termites and borers. It is available in long lengths and relatively easy to season. Ipe has a Class A fire rating, the same rating given to concrete and steel."

I wished I used it. The thing with the seasonal lift up docks is that the decking is not really attached to the frame of the dock itself. Small sections of 4 or 5 boards are built on individual frames which are just placed on top of the aluminum dock frame. The problem with the less expensive route of PT in this application is that it tends to warp when there is nothing substantial holding it place, as mine already has after one season.

[BlackCatIslander]

I think that Gatto Nero and RLW have defined what ironwood or IPE is. There is a cost premium but three years ago it was not signicant and I would strongly recommend that it be considered.