FAQs

Question : Why shouldn't we use the treated lumber from the local box store? It has been treated for use on outdoor decks?

Answer : #1 or better Douglas Fir milled, cut to length, drilled & fabricated prior to being treated with ACZA .60 retention has proven to be the best for use on marina applications. Here are some comments from a customer looking for specific walers. AWPA has standards for marine grade lumber, and should be followed. It should also be noted that marinas are engineered for the weather and wave conditions specific to their area, changing anything away from engineered specifications is a dangerous practice.

1. Most box stores do not carry #1 or better nor custom sizes like a 28’ 4”x8” Free of heat center, light to no wane. 

2. Their treated wood is generally .40 ACQ – a cheaper treatment. Cheaper treatments can cause increased corrosion of galvanized metal hardware.

3. Most box stores do not fabricate their lumber at all.  So, assuming everything else is equal, you are drilling the lumber after treatment, compromising the integrity of the field treatment. (Please request attachment).

4. Field fabrication after treatment means that you have to catch all the sawdust and properly discard of the trimmings (hazmat) due to the pressure treatment being a restricted use pesticide.  Additionally, each field cut/hole must be treated twice with an approved field treatment.  Though that field treatment gives a basic protection, it’s not as good as treating it after drilling. 

5. We asked the box store near our office.  They couldn’t even quote a Douglas Fir 4x8 at that length.  They only carried 12’.  Box store price $133.05 EA. 90-100 days, in a treated Hem Fir FOB store.  The sales person didn’t even know what heart wood was, nor grade, but they do usually have light to no wane lumber.  They also didn’t know what retention it was treated to.  Of course, if you get Hem Fir, you can treat it CCA.  They provided as an alternate, a HF 6x8 28’ @ $170.52 EA, with a green tone.  That’s usually CCA, and it’s a much cheaper preservative. The cost was not much different, but you don't get the lengths you need.

6. Hem Fir is not as structurally strong as Douglas Fir.  Though we don’t know the grade they were quoted, our quick inquiry shows neither does the box store.  Again, comparing #1 Grades in Douglas Fir and Hem Fir shows a 225 psi Fb base difference.  Of course, if it wasn’t cut as a structural grade, you could get anything.

 Question : What is an ALMAG " S " Cleat?

Answer : ALMAG is an Aluminum-magnesium alloy that is very light-weight and yet has a high tensile strength. The ½ ″ machine bolt attachment is in the base of the cleat. Many people prefer the curved shape of this cleat and find it easier to tie to.

Question : What color fendering should I use?

Answer : Many marinas are now using the solid grey or black fendering. White, even when it is treated to resist mildew and staining still requires some maintenance to maintain its fresh look.

Question : How do I attach the fendering?

Answer : Fasteners, like all marina equipment, need to be corrosion-resistant. We recommend Aluminum large-head nails and Stainless Steel ring-shank large head nails, all about 1.5" long.

Question : What if I find an identical item somewhere else for a better price?

Answer : Provide MAI with proof of the lower priced item and we will beat anyones price by 5%.

Question : What kind of delivery time can I expect?

Answer : Most items are off the shelf and available to ship in 24-48 hours. Items that need to be fabricated (pile hoops, steel frame, ramps, thru rods, wood walers) take approximately 4 weeks until they are ready to ship. All of these items are fabricated to your specific needs and are not inventoried. You can always send us an email to check delivery for your specific items.

Question : I need this NOW- do you have overnight delivery?

Answer : Most items can be delivered UPS or FedEx Overnight. Specify when you would like it shipped during the Check Out process. You can always e-mail or call us to verify. You will receive a confirmation from the Shipper when your items are shipped out, with a tracking number for you to check on your own.

Question : I'm not ready to order on-line. Can I send a fax or call in my order?

Answer : YES! We are happy to accept phone or fax orders. Our toll free phone number is 1-800-585-6890 (ext: 201) and our fax number is 1-360-734-2417. You can also email us at mai@marina-accessories.com.

Question : The Freight costs on my invoice have changed, How come?

Answer : The policy here at MAI is to use the best method of shipping and charge our customers only the actual cost on their order. For "instock" items, accurate shipping costs are not hard to obtain. Freight costs for products that have to be manufactured are another matter altogether. Due to volatile fuel prices, the freight cost quoted, may be dramatically different at time of shipping. In some cases you will benefit from lower costs while in others the freight may be higher. MAI will do everything we can to keep you advised and protect your interests.

Question : How do we deal with De-Icing Concrete Docks?

Answer : We've all seen old sidewalks and wondered why some have deteriorated, while another of the same vintage has not. The same question can be asked of floats as well. A lot depends on the location, exposure to the elements, care and maintenance practices, the conditions present when it was originally cast, and the type and quality of concrete used. In the past 30-40 years the science and development of concrete admixtures have progressed dramatically, bringing a very old building material into the 21st century. But even with modern technology, because of the variety of conditions and exposures, new concrete can be as susceptible to damage as old, maybe even more so because it hasn't cured as long. Surface spalling of concrete occurs as a result of repeated freeze/thaw cycles. When it freezes the ice expands inside the concrete matrix with forces upward of 30,000psi. Deicing chemicals basically work by lowering the freezing temperature of water so it can run off the surface. This also often results in further saturating the concrete surface. As the temperatures drop, even this "treated" water will refreeze. To counter this action, modern concrete used in exterior applications such as floats and most upland sidewalks, roads, etc..., is formulated with an appropriate level of entrained air (normally 4%-7% by volume) and a compressive strength of 4,000+ psi or more. The Air Entrainment imparts "billions and billions" of tiny air bubbles into the concrete while it's still wet, or "plastic". When it hardens these bubbles form voids that intersect the ingress routes followed by the water. Due to surface tension these voids will only fill to 2/3-3/4 full, allowing room for the ice to expand and reducing the pressure on the concrete. The Air voids and higher strength concrete make it more durable and freeze/thaw resistant. There are a myriad of products available claiming to be "Safe for use on Concrete", but most just serve to lower the freezing point of water. Some actually attack the chemical composition of the concrete, making a bad situation even worse. The best method for clearing ice and snow from a concrete surface remains shoveling it off, and/or apply sand for traction, but let's be real.... it's easier and faster to use chemicals. Just be conservative in their application on well cured concrete. Applying a high quality, penetrating sealer ( surface sealers wear off quickly) every few years will also add to surface durability and inhibit the saturation of the concrete. Attached is some information put out by the National Ready Mix Concrete Association (NRMCA) explaining the cause of spalling, and some information on Deicing options. 

MAI Note: Look in our "Dock Maintenance" Section for recommended products.

Have a question that wasn't answered here? Please feel free to send us an email using the form located in the "Contact Us" page at the top or bottom of our site.

Thanks!