You need to look after your boat dock if you want it to remain in good condition for several years. The day you stop looking after it will be the day you’ll regret you didn’t. In your hand, you’ll be looking at a huge repair bill.
If repairs aren’t the answer to return your boat dock to its previous condition, you’ll have no choice but to replace it, and that will cost more money. We want owners of boat docks to take out a few minutes from their schedule each day to inspect it.
If inspecting your boat dock each day is asking for too much, you can make it at least once a week and especially during seasonal changes. But let’s work to not let get your boat dock to that point by following these tips to keep floating docks looking pristine:
1. Clean Boat Docks Properly
You need to use a pressure cleaner to remove dirt and debris from your boat dock. If you regularly clean your boat dock, you won’t have to clean your boat dock so rigorously later. You can hire a professional cleaner to clean your boat dock each month. If you intend to clean your boat dock yourself, you need to buy the right knowledge and equipment to improve the condition of your boat dock.
If you’re using a pressure washer to clean wooden boat docks, the dock will be softer with splinters. You need to sand your boat dock to protect your feet from splinters. If you don’t want to do the extra work, you can buy a boat dock made from a different material such as plastic or aluminum. Other tips include:
- Get your boat dock sealed every 4 to 5 years if it’s not painted.
- Choose a natural sealer to protect your wooden dock and increase its integrity and appeal.
- Spray 2 to 3 coats of the sealant and leave it to dry.
- Ensure to prime, sand, and paint all supports and steel components, including rusting areas as needed.
2. Take Pictures of Your Boat Dock One Time Each Month
You need to take pictures of your boat one time each month from various angles. Every time you take a picture, you need to compare the recent pictures with the previous pictures. What are you looking for? You need to look for subtle changes in the boat dock’s exterior. If you find anything amiss, take care of it straight away; otherwise, it’ll worsen.
3. Establish a Schedule to Inspect Your Boat Dock
Boat docks are a lifetime commitment. You need to create a schedule to inspect your boat dock. Put reminders either on your phone or on your calendar as a reminder to examine and maintain your boat dock. You need to look for rotting and loose boards, screws and nails sticking up, or any structural problems that you uncover. You need to inspect your ladder as well. If you set time aside to inspect your boat dock, you’ll be on top of maintenance.
4. Protect the Sides and Corners of Your Boat Dock
Wind damage and other weather elements can damage your boat dock. You can reduce the damage by adding carpet or rubber mats on the corners and sides. If you have a boat, add rubber bumpers on the sides to prevent your boat from damaging your boat dock.
5. Say No to Temporary, Quick Fixes
You shouldn’t resort to quick fixes, as they’re temporary and do more harm than good. Don’t use fasteners meant for indoors, for instance. Repair right away when you come across an issue.
Follow our boat dock maintenance tips to keep your boat dock in good working condition for several years. If you need to need a boat dock, call EZ Dock Texas at 800-654-8168 for a quote if you reside in Texas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico.
