Before winter can arrive, you need to winterize your boat dock. The perfect time to prepare boat docks for the winter is towards the end of summer. When winter comes, it strikes twice. It hits your boat dock and your bank account hard!
Snow and ice storms don’t take mercy on anyone. They come to destroy and often succeed, leaving boat dock owners regretting why they didn’t winterize their boat dock. We want your boat dock to steer clear of winter’s wrath, so we bring you tips to winterize your boat dock:
1. Inspect Your Boat Lift
Check to see if your boat lift can hold air. If you see bubbles, you need to invest in a new boat lift, as it can’t elevate your boat. Examine the boat lift for loose parts and bolts as well. You can contact a lift company to inspect the condition of your boat lift. Lastly, inspect the dock cables to ensure there is no serious wear and tear. In the winter, calling someone to fix it is a hassle, so it’s better to check the condition of the cables now.
2. Get a Bubbler or an Agitator
Bubblers and agitators prevent ice from forming around or near floating docks. For shallow waters, buy a bubbler. An agitator puts a durable submersible motor that draws water from the lake to the surface. This balances out the water levels in the lake. The devices blow small bubbles to a hose or diffuser to create continuous movement, which stops the formation of ice.
3. Examine the Dock Cables
Ensure the walkway connects to the boat dock and tighten the bolts if lose. You need to drain the pumps and water lines to prevent them from breaking when the temperatures dip below the freezing point.
4. Check the Anchors
You need to check the anchors on land to ensure they have not moved out of place or indicate any sign of moving out of place. You also need to ensure the anchor cables have not become brittle or frayed. Each end of the cable should have two clamps.
The cable anchors should be connected to the anchor properly. We also recommend checking the cable winches. Check its toggle pin to ensure it works properly and check its locks as well. Examine for any loose connection. Grease each gear and ensure the winch locks properly in place, and if it does not, replace it with a new one.
5. Check the Pilings
If you have pilings, check to ensure they are secure, as they can loosen. If you have a PVC cover collar, check it for wear and tear, replacing it if it does.
6. Walk around the Boat Dock
You need to check every inch of your boat dock for loose bolts, broken welds, cracks, and more. If you spot any, get them fixed right away. Examine the walkaway to check for loose pins or hinges.
EZ Dock Texas offers boat dock installation services in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. You can contact us at 800-654-8168 for a quote.
