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Gangways

Connection Options

Dock Connections

Shore Connections

Piano Hinge

The Piano Hinge is our most common option for connecting a dock to a gangway. To achieve maximum strength, utility and aesthetics, Wahoo has developed a proprietary hinge arrangement that interlocks the components so that the stress is transferred across the entire length of the hinge and not just on individual welds. The hinge pin rings fit in an extruded rail designed for this purpose, further strengthening the connection. Additionally, we co-extrude our stainless steel hinge pin with an HDPE sheath to insulate metal-to-metal contact and ensure a noiseless hinge for the life of your dock.

Rollers

Rollers can be located on either the shoreside or the dockside of a gangway and are useful for numerous applications. Rollers are typically used in conjunction with a transition plate to ease ingress/egress. Our proprietary rollers are made with ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW) for maximum durability, noise reduction and are low profile compared to competitive options.

Dog Ears

Dog Ears provide a very durable connection and are most commonly used when the gangway attaches to a dock that is anchored with Stiff Arms. Although it performs a similar function as our proprietary Piano Hinge, the notable differences are that there is more tolerance in the Dog Ear connection, allowing more horizontal rotation, and are not as quiet as the Piano Hinge because there is no insulating bushing. However, the greater horizontal rotational freedom is ideal for Stiff Arm anchoring, where a small amount of movement is necessary for alignment. Our Dog Ears are made from 3/4" x 4" aluminum plate and connect with a 1" diameter stainless steel pin.

Bulkhead Corner

Our Bulkhead Hinge is designed to attach a gangway to a fixed object on shore, typically a seawall or pier. The Bulkhead Hinge allows the gangway to pivot up and down with one degree of freedom and incorporates Wahoo's proprietary Piano Hinge (with HDPE bushing) to ensure a durable, noiseless connection. The Bulkhead Hinge - Corner Mount attaches to the top and face of an object so that it can be secured on two faces. The mount overlaps the corner of the pier 5" on top, 4" down the face, and spans 6' for a 4' wide gangway.

Adjustable Wheels

Adjustable Wheels are typically utilized on the shore side of a gangway when the gangway is incorporated into the anchoring of a dock AND the position of a dock needs to periodically change because of seasonal water level fluctuations. Specifically, the wheels can be extended (by turning a handle) so that the gangway is elevated and rests on two wheels when the dock needs to be moved. When the dock location is set, the wheels can be retracted so that the end of the gangway rests on the ground. The wheel set is built on a 2" diameter stainless steel axle, and includes a marine-grade jack and 10" wide x 17" diameter plastic wheels.

Fifth Wheel

Our Fifth Wheel hinge is manufactured to offer 2 degrees of movement in the gangway: up/down rotation and left/right rotation. A Fifth Wheel hinge is commonly used to attach a gangway to a bulkhead when cable-to-shore anchoring is used to secure the dock. This method is useful because it ensures that any tension disparities in the cables do not stress the gangway horizontally (the gangway is designed to provide maximum support for a vertical load). Our Fifth Wheel is designed to go along the top ridge of a bulkhead and spans 6' wide, 4" along the face of the bulkhead, 10" along the top and stands 4.5" high.

Spikes

3D Aluminum Spike Gangway anchor connection render

Spikes can be added to the bottom of a gangway end to provide extra resistance from movement when the gangway is used in conjunction with an anchoring system, typically, cable-to-shore anchoring. Spikes can be welded on at our factory or attached later with bolts. Spikes can also be used in conjunction with Adjustable Wheels. Spikes are 4" long.

Fixed Axle Wheels

Fixed Axle Wheels are typically used on the shore side of a gangway when a dock and gangway need to move freely. If the gangway is a component of the anchoring for a dock, such as with cable-to-shore anchoring, Fixed Axle Wheels are not appropriate. The wheel set is built on a 2" diameter stainless steel axle and uses 10" wide x 17" diameter plastic wheels.

Optional Items

Extended Width

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

Benefits of a Wider Gangway

Increased functionality
Additional room for comfortable passage and activities
Sturdy Construction
Our extended width gangways are built to the identical standards as our narrower gangways in terms of performance, durability, and strength

3" x 3" Structural Tubing

Our gangways that use 3" x 3" Structural Frame are significantly stronger than our standard Residential gangways. When combined with Underbracing, a 3" x 3" Structural Framed gangway can create an incredibly strong span and is ideal for commercial operations or applications where small equipment is required to use the gangway.

Cable Stays

Cable Stays provide an added measure of strength to a gangway. This is especially useful when the gangway has the potential to receive extreme horizontal stress. Because of the unparalleled strength of our proprietary piano hinge and our extensive gusseting, Cable Stays are not typically necessary on our gangways. However, certain anchoring situations demand that Cable Stays be utilized.

Float Frames

Float Frames come in a variety of sizes depending on the application: 4' x 4', 4' x 8' and 8' x 14'. Float Frames are useful to elevate one end of a gangway or to join two gangways for extended lengths. The 14' wide float frame provides additional side-to-side stability.

Arched Profile Design

Wahoo Docks is widely recognized for its arched gangways. The pre-stressed arch is a solid, attractive design and is our most common profile.

Flat Profile Design

Flat gangways have become more common for Wahoo in recent years. Customers typically choose a profile design based on personal preference since our flat gangways are just as strong as our arched gangways.

Underbracing

Underbracing is a method of essentially extending the size of the truss supporting the gangway to provide significantly greater strength to the overall structure. We require an underbrace on all spans greater than 60', or when specifications call for greater load-bearing capabilities.

No Railing

For shorter spans, 20 feet or less, customers can opt for a gangway without structural rails. Although having more flex than our traditional gangways, the rail-less option is attractive for those concerned with sightlines.

ADA Handrail

ADA Handrails can be included on any gangway to provide added stability while on the span. Our ADA Handrail is a continuous, 1" diameter aluminum tube extended the length of the gangway, typically attached on the inside of both truss structural rails. The ADA Handrail is welded in our factory for durability and has an extended radius return on each end.

Picket Railing

Picket Railing can be added to our traditional gangways to provide added safety and is especially appropriate for protecting small children. Our Picket Railing is a welded system incorporating .875" pickets into our existing truss structural supports. Upon request, picket spacing can accommodate specific building code requirements.

Toe Rail

A Toe Rail can be added when there is a danger of wheeled objects slipping off the deck. Our Toe Rail is made of 2" aluminum flat bar and extends the length of the gangway.

Non-slip Traction Strips

Non-slip traction strips are typically used on gangways with a steep incline where traction is difficult to attain by decking alone. They are made of ribbed aluminum strips that provide a secure purchase for feet as the gangway is traversed. Traction strips typically cover only one side of a gangway so that they need not be used if the gangway becomes more horizontal with higher water levels.

Dimensions - 1.125" height x 2" depth Tubing
Unobtrusive - Traction strips typically extend from one edge of the gangway to the center, allowing room to walk on the gangway without using them if they're not necessary.
Durable - Each strip is made with marine grade aluminum and secured with stainless steel fasteners.

Privacy Gate

Privacy gates help restrict unwanted entry or egress to a dock and are often used to block pets from accessing the gangway. Privacy gates are located between a gangway's handrails and come with stainless steel hinges and latches.

Dimensions - 3'- 3" height x 3' 11" width on 4' wide gangways (width and height custom to gangway)
Maintenance Free - Our gangway gates are constructed with the same marine-grade aluminum as our gangways for maintenance-free longevity
Durable - The marine grade aluminum framework, with stainless steel hinges and latch, ensures durability

Security Gate

A security gate is similar to a privacy gate but adds significantly more protection. Whereas a person can relatively easily go around a privacy gate, a security gate is intended to fully impede unwanted visitors. Security gates are most commonly located on gangways leading to isulated docks and are typically used to discourage theft.

Dimensions - 8' height x 9' width on 4' wide gangway (width and height custom to gangway)
Maintenance Free - Our gangway gates are constructed with the same marine-grade aluminum as our gangways for maintenance-free longevity
Secure - Our security barrier extends past the gangway at least 2' on each side
Durable - The marine grade aluminum framework, with stainless steel hinges and latch, ensures durability

Transition Plate

A transition plate is used to create a smooth transition to a gangway that is not level with the shore on its own, commonly because of rullers on the gangway. A transition plate facilitates roll-on items, such as coolers and wheelchairs, and reduces any potential tripping hazard for pedestrians. Transition plates can have a natural aluminum appearance or be covered with decking to match the dock and/or gangway. The transition plate can be extended to meet ADA Guidelines for maximum slope.

Dimensions - 4' width x 12" or 18" depth (width is custom to gangway, depth can be custom)
Easy Access - A transition plate provides comfortable access onto a gangway
Durable - Our transition plate is made of .25" aluminum diamond plate and a full length stainless steel piano hinge attachment. This arrangement can support heavy loads and will not structurally deteriorate over time.
Slip-Resistant - Our transition plate has raised studs for traction. The transition plate can also be covered with decking to enhance its appearance and improve traction.