Frequently Asked Questions

After you fill out our GET-A-Quote form, one of our friendly and knowledgeable marine specialists will reach out to you directly to confirm your design, exact specifications, and competitive price. After that, you will mail in a specified deposit and will receive your completed, high-quality gangway within only 7-10 days.

Our gangways are typically 3′ or 4′ in width. However, 6′ wide extended width dock gangways offer significantly more room for passage and can even provide room for fishing and other activities. Perhaps more importantly, the additional gangway width can be added relatively cheaply. If wider gangways are acceptable to your local regulatory agency, we encourage you to consider an extended width aluminum gangway. 

Benefits of a Wider Dock Gangway

1. Expanded space for waterfront activities.
2. Additional room for comfortable passage.
3. Our extended width gangways are built to the identical standards as our narrower gangways in terms of performance, durability, and strength.

While we carry a variety of different float sizes, our most popular are 2′ x 4′ x 12′ and 2′ x 4′ x 16′. We always have them in stock and ready to ship anytime.

All of our gangways can be made to meet special ADA requirements such as length, slant ratio, railing size, height, edge protection, and handrail extensions for transition plates. Please notify us if your gangway has special American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

All of our gangways are made 100% in-house at our manufacturing facility in Langhorne, PA.

Our standard gangways with aluminum planks (2FT, 3FT, 4FT) can support up to 40lbs, 50lbs, and 100lbs per sq. ft. respectively.

Our typical turnaround time for a standard gangway from manufacturing to delivery is 7-10 days. Some projects such as Gangway Super Structures can increase the time required to deliver. We take pride in getting your gangway delivered ASAP so you can walk across the water safely.

There are several factors to consider when figuring out the right amount of dock floats.

First, there’s where your dock is and what you intend to use it for. Small residential fishing docks in a freshwater pond tend to need less support than a large commercial marina dock used for full-scale celebrations in a high-tide ocean. 

Next, you will need to factor in the overall weight of your dock, this includes the architecture and any hardware that may be permanently attached (hinges, brackets). 

Then, you will need to consider how what your dock will weigh after your new floats are installed. Will you be hosting bigger events? Will you be adding more accessories? This can be very difficult to measure and it is best to be within the 30-50lb per sq foot range. 

After taking all of this into account, you will need to do some simple math to figure out the exact number of floats you need. First, you will need to multiply your dock’s length and width to calculate your square footage. Next, you will need to multiply the square footage by your choice of number between 30-50. Lastly, you will need to divide that number by your dock float’s buoyancy weight.

For example, we have a 6′ x 20′ dock with pressure treated decking. We can factor 30 pounds per square foot. After multiplying 6 and 20, we can conclude that the total square footage of the dock is 120 sq ft. Next, we multiply the 120 sq ft by the estimated 30 pounds to determine that 3600 pounds of dock float lift capacity will be needed. Finally, we would divide the 3600 by the buoyancy of the dock float you are currently using and your end result will be the number of dock floats you need.

No, we are solely a manufacturing company and only offer curbside delivery for our aluminum gangways. However, we do have a vast network of affiliated contractors that can offer installation services. 

Because we build with marine-grade aluminum alloy, our gangways are virtually maintenance-free. You shouldn’t need to do more than powerwash or soft bristle brush your gangway for dock-appeal. Aluminum gangway have proven themselves long-lasting for decades along the coasts and lakes of the United States. Our gangways will not rot, split, or rust. No painting or other protective coatings will be needed.

Our gangways have always been built to withstand both fresh and salt water. Even as far back as our original founding back in 1988. 

Yes, we also always interested in finding new partners that want to work with us. To inquire about opportunities, please give us a call at 215-493-7230 or email us at Info@bristolramp.com.

All townships, cities, and counties have different laws and regulations regarding what requires a permit. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to determine if a permit is necessary before installation. However, due to the nature of a gangway’s removable nature, it may not be seen as a permanent structure on the water.

Yes, Bristol Industries of Pennsylvania Inc, will accommodate to your space and build custom gangway applications. However, you must supply a blueprint with your exact specifications. Please contact us to see how we can help, or visit our Get-A-Quote page and email your PDF attachment to info@bristolramp.com.