Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post - Dock broke - question about aluminum trusses or other aluminum DIY solutions

ApS · 10-25-2015, 09:38 PM

IMHO, hoisting a wooden dock of that size was asking a lot of wood construction.

Because you want to keep costs down, this may be the time to consider a "hybrid" dock.

Because of winter's "drawdown" of the lake, consider setting professionally one pair of wood pilings 20-feet from your shoreline. (Call for installation this season). Pilings that close to shore are highly resistant to ice pressure, and are much firmer than other pilings further out.

Next spring, take the strongest 20-foot part of your old damaged wood dock and secure it atop the two pilings. The rest of the dock can be aluminum, which can be folded back (flat) on the wood dock, keeping winter's winds from the violent oscillating twists that aluminum docks can suffer when hoisted, with the added benefit of sparing the base from damage.

(And you've got all winter to design its construction).

.

I've also learned of a handyman who might be able to assist. PM me, and I'll inquire of his availability this season or next Spring.

10-25-2015, 09:38 PM	#3
ApS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro Posts: 5,788 Thanks: 2,085 Thanked 742 Times in 532 Posts	Hybrid Dock Opportunity... IMHO, hoisting a wooden dock of that size was asking a lot of wood construction. Because you want to keep costs down, this may be the time to consider a "hybrid" dock. Because of winter's "drawdown" of the lake, consider setting professionally one pair of wood pilings 20-feet from your shoreline. (Call for installation this season). Pilings that close to shore are highly resistant to ice pressure, and are much firmer than other pilings further out. Next spring, take the strongest 20-foot part of your old damaged wood dock and secure it atop the two pilings. The rest of the dock can be aluminum, which can be folded back (flat) on the wood dock, keeping winter's winds from the violent oscillating twists that aluminum docks can suffer when hoisted, with the added benefit of sparing the base from damage. (And you've got all winter to design its construction). . I've also learned of a handyman who might be able to assist. PM me, and I'll inquire of his availability this season or next Spring. __________________ Every MP who enters Winter Harbor will pass by my porch of 67 years...