Wood .vs. Aluminum Seasonal Dock

feb · 03-02-2018, 07:59 AM

I have a typical 5 section, 8' x 4' seasonal wooden dock that I struggle more and more to install/remove each year. The sections are heavy and hard to carry. But once the dock is in, and the pipes are pounded into the lakebed the dock is very solid. I live in a high wind, high chop area so having the boat tied to a solid dock is a must. The last 2 sections of dock have their pipes pounded a solid 6' into the lakebed.

In lieu of a cantilevered dock, I was wondering if it was worth the $$ to replace the wooden sections with the aluminum equivalent. In my mind, the weight and ease of install would be a biggest positive. Aesthetics would be another plus. I don't mind sledgehammer work, its getting the sections in/out that is the worst part for me.

For those with aluminum docks, are they as sturdy as wooden docks?

Anyone move from wooden to aluminum and regret it?

Any negatives with aluminum docks?

Thank you.

03-02-2018, 07:59 AM	#1
feb Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Meredith (Winnisquam) & Nashua, NH Posts: 209 Thanks: 25 Thanked 20 Times in 17 Posts	Wood .vs. Aluminum Seasonal Dock I have a typical 5 section, 8' x 4' seasonal wooden dock that I struggle more and more to install/remove each year. The sections are heavy and hard to carry. But once the dock is in, and the pipes are pounded into the lakebed the dock is very solid. I live in a high wind, high chop area so having the boat tied to a solid dock is a must. The last 2 sections of dock have their pipes pounded a solid 6' into the lakebed. In lieu of a cantilevered dock, I was wondering if it was worth the $$ to replace the wooden sections with the aluminum equivalent. In my mind, the weight and ease of install would be a biggest positive. Aesthetics would be another plus. I don't mind sledgehammer work, its getting the sections in/out that is the worst part for me. For those with aluminum docks, are they as sturdy as wooden docks? Anyone move from wooden to aluminum and regret it? Any negatives with aluminum docks? Thank you.