A do-it-yourself dock kit allows you to design your boat dock as you desire… or so I thought. After hearing great things about aluminum, I chose it as the material for my second dock. My first is made of wood, and though I still stand by my choice, I wish I had browsed higher quality options because my dock is now rotting from places. Some boards need to be replaced, and I have been advised to get them sealed yearly to ensure they last longer.
Aluminum is an expensive material, but it is maintenance-free. For this reason, most lake house owners prefer it over wood and PVC. Aluminum on its own does not rust. When metals containing iron combine with oxygen, oxidation occurs, causing rust. Since aluminum has a similar structure to copper and does not contain iron, it stays safe in wet conditions.
However, my aluminum dock did not have the same fate. After a couple of months, I saw rust forming underneath the deck. You are probably wondering what I was doing down there. After my wood dock was dirty by the lake, I inspected by aluminum dock regularly. However, I had to go on a business trip for three months, and that’s when the culprit struck.
The reason I opted for aluminum is that it does not rust. However, I didn’t know that any fasteners used on the dock could transfer rust to aluminum. Usually, these bolts or screws are made of iron. When water comes in contact with it, a reddish-brown liquid spreads on the surface, giving the appearance of rust.
I didn’t visit my lake house for two more months until summer. My dock now had gone uninspected for a total of five months. However, I was not worried because the company I bought the dock kit from had assured me my dock would last a long time.
Instead of solo trips, I invited some friends for a weekend party. I arrived a day earlier to take care of things. As soon as I stepped on the dock, I felt it move slightly. The closer I moved to the lake, the more I felt it wobble. By now, I was extremely worried and retreated. When I reached land, the end of the dock gave away, and the boards broke off, falling into the water. I watched in horror as the dock dangled from one end.
Hearing the noise, my neighbor came to inspect the scene and rushed to me. I told him what had happened, and he told me a possible cause behind it. It turns out the fasteners used on the dock were of cheap quality.
All this could have been avoided if I had done a little research. I did call and complain to the person I bought the dock kit from but didn’t receive the response I was hoping for.
My neighbor told me to visit the EZ Dock Texas website and email them explaining my problem. For decades, the company has offered dock-building services for residential, commercial, and government applications. I was assured my boat dock would be fixed in no time. They explained every step of the installation process and assured me I wouldn’t face this problem again.
