Dock Maintenance Tips: How to Prepare for Boating Season

There’s nothing better than getting out on the water, gently rocking in the waves, and basking in the sweet, salty air. But without the proper dock maintenance, your favorite boating season festivities can quickly turn from luxury to nightmare. 

Follow these 7 dock maintenance tips to ensure maximum enjoyment of the warm coastal weather and keep your docking in safe working condition as long as possible.

 

1. Begin with a thorough inspection.

Visual Inspection

• Wood: Look for rot, decay, cracks, splinters, and loose or missing boards.
• Metal: Examine any metal components (including welds)for rust, corrosion, bends, or cracks.
• Fasteners: Inspect bolts, screws, and nails for looseness, rust, or damage.
• Flotation: Examine drums and other floating components for leaks, damage, secure attachment, and proper inflation or buoyancy.
• Hardware: Check that the connections, cleats, rings, ladders, handrails, and other accessories are all in good condition and securely attached.

Structural Inspection

• Pilings: Check for damage, erosion, or significant movement.
• Anchors & Chains: Inspect for rust, wear, or secure attachment.
• Overall Structure: Take note of any signs of structural shifting or instability.

 

2. Document all of your observations.

As you inspect your dock, take plenty of photos (of problem areas AND undamaged components). Then, hold on to the pictures in case you need them down the road as proof for future repairs and insurance claims—or just for your own records.

 

3. Do a deep clean.

After manually removing leaves, clumped mud, wasps nests, and other debris, take a light- to medium-duty power washer to the dock to clean off dirt, bird droppings, and algae build-up. 

Wash metal components with material-appropriate cleaners. For most metals, you can use a rag with mild soap and water for an initial clean, followed by a wipe-down with a 1-to-1 water/vinegar solution. 

Take the opportunity to declutter any dock cabinets and storage boxes. Thoughtful organization will make the space feel space more functional and enjoyable.

 

4. Avoid delaying repairs.

Promptly address the problems you identified during the inspection stage:

• Replace damaged boards and hardware.
• Tighten loose fasteners.
• Replace missing bolts and screws.
• Repair or replace old or damaged flotation devices.
• Fix any glaring structural issues.

 

5. Don’t skimp on preservation.

Grab a bucket of stain and sealer and give your dock a fresh layer of protection from the coastal elements. Then, apply a rust inhibitor to metal components, greasing any moving parts for optimal functionality.

 

6. Keep safety your top priority.

• Electrical Safety: Carefully inspect electrical wiring and connections.
• Signage: Double-check that all appropriate warning signs are posted and undamaged.
• First Aid Kit: Make sure your dock-side first aid supplies are well-stocked and easy to access.
• Ladders & Handrails: Examine all ladders and handrails for damage, stability, and secure attachment.
• Buoys & Dock Fenders: Identify and replace any damaged buoys or fenders to protect your dock and boat from wind, waves, and other boats.
• Lighting: Test and replace bulbs as needed to allow optimal visibility along the entire dock.
• Reflective Tape: Endure reflective tape is intact and clearly visible.

 

7. Know when to call a professional.

While some dock maintenance can be completed without specialized expertise, it’s best not to handle the following tasks without the proper credentials:

• Dangerous underwater inspections
• Complex or substantial dock repairs
• Major structural issues
• Tricky electrical problems

 

Get Your Dock Ready for Boating Season with F&S Marine Construction!

Specializing in marine construction of all kinds, F&S Marine Construction offers reliable commercial and residential dock maintenance to clients in Wilmington, North Carolina and surrounding areas. 

Contact our team today for a free maintenance quote!