The Project

In 2009 the Whangaroa Marina choose to install the Total Floating Systems Ali-crete pontoon system for their proposed new pier. The 3 existing piers within the marina were constructed from typical pontoon systems that utilised timber walers and galvanised steel through rods, pile guides and angle frames. The Ali-crete system has been developed as a low maintenance pontoon system where timber walers and galvanised steel through rods, pile guides and angle frames are replaced by aluminium and concrete.

The timber walers and galvanised steel through rods, pile guides and angle frames require regular periodic maintenance and by installing the Total Floating Systems Ali-crete pontoon system eliminates the problematic components therefore reducing ongoing maintenance costs and operational costs.

The Ali-crete pontoon system is also a modular system which makes it efficient to install and easily modified. The aluminium extrusion on the outside of the concrete pontoon acts as a track where the pontoons and fingers are bolted together with hinges and then piled into place.

The berth widths can be easily altered to suit any size boat by simply loosening the hinge bolts and sliding the pontoon system along the track and re-piling the pile into the new position. The 14 x 8m berths along the new pier were completed within 2 days with minimal disruption to the Marina and its berth holders.

The new pier is the first of its kind to be installed in New Zealand and it is envisaged that the older piers will be replaced with the Alicrete pontoon system when deterioration is irreparable.

Marina Statistics

Contract Value: $ 600,000
Contract Period: 3 months
Pier Length: 52m
Total number of berths on Pier: 14
Berth lengths: 8m