Perfecting The Manufacturing Process

A gangway allows for easy, safe movement between a boat and either a dock or the shore. Gangways are a fixture at many marinas, but people who own waterfront property frequently use them too. If you need to purchase a gangway, one of the first things to consider is what material this device will be made of. You'll commonly see gangways that are made of aluminum and wood. There are some reasons to be interested in a product that is made of wood, but you should note the multitude of benefits that aluminum provides. Here are three reasons that an aluminum gangway is a better choice than wood.

Longevity

When you invest in a gangway, you want to be confident that it will offer a lot of longevity. Wood is a material that breaks down over time, and the breakdown of this material may be quick when it's frequently in contact with water. As rot occurs, the gangway's wood will lose its structural integrity and no longer be safe to use. When you buy an aluminum product, you don't have to worry about this issue. Aluminum will last considerably longer than wood, which means that you won't face the surprise expense of having to replace your gangway any time soon.

Better Traction

Wood is notoriously slippery when it's wet, and this is a concern if you have a wooden gangway. This device spends a good amount of its life at least partially wet, thanks to spray from the water and peoples' wet feet. A wet wooden gangway provides little in the way of traction, which could cause someone to slip and fall. Aluminum gangways are much safer to walk on because they have good traction, even when wet. It's customary for the surface of an aluminum gangway to be textured to provide grip under peoples' feet.

Strength

Aluminum is significantly stronger than wood, which is a valuable asset for a gangway. There may be times when a boat makes harder contact with the gangway than the captain intends. This type of contact could result in serious damage to a wooden gangway, potentially causing damage that requires repair work or maybe even damaging it past the point of repair. The strength of aluminum means that it will stand up far better to this type of contact.

Keep these points in mind and visit an aluminum gangway supplier to find the right gangway for your needs.