Latest News

When buying a gangway for your docking system, whether it’s for a marina or a backyard dock, it’s important that it’s just right for you. Not just in terms of color or size, but also in how it’s made. Does it have a strong support system? Is the surface non-slip? Is it ADA compliant? All of these are important questions to ask when purchasing a gangway, but one of the most important questions to ask is, “What does it come with?”

Gangways can come with many different parts and components. It’s important to understand what exactly they are and how exactly they can benefit you and the people that may be riding on your boat. Here are just some of the crucial elements of a gangway you should keep in mind when you’re searching for one:

• Handrails

Even outside marine gangways, handrails have always been a crucial safety feature in walkways. They provide the people who walk on them with an extra layer of protection from slipping or falling. In addition, a handrail’s design can provide an extra layer of style to your footpath. In some cases, if the length is 16ft or less, they can even be removed to make storage easier.

• Piano Hinges

Aside from being required for ADA compliance, piano hinges play an important role in making your gangway as convenient as possible. Unlike typical hinges, piano hinges leave absolutely no gap between the gangway and its connected surface, ensuring smooth and safe movement for all your boat’s passengers. This is especially helpful for those with strollers, pets, and wheelchairs.

• Optional Transition Plates

Much like piano hinges, they can play a big role in letting passengers on and off your boat. At the tail end of your gangway, you can potentially have a solid platform utilizing proprietary shapes tapering down with a diamond plate and a curved edge made of incredibly tough plastic that allows a gapless walk from your boat to your dock. In addition, the plate comes built with a piano hinge that helps it adapt to any wave or tidal action that may occur.

• UMHW Gangway Rollers

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, best known by its acronym UMHW, is a material known for being the toughest form of thermoplastic currently on the market. Being incredibly resistant to the impact of corrosive chemicals and strong abrasion makes it an extra layer of protection for your dock or pier, not to mention having wheels makes it easier to move around and store.

If you would like to learn more about how Bristol Industries of PA’s gangways utilize all of these components and more, give us a call or request a quote today!