It’s almost time for spring, which means you need to get your boat dock ready. This stationary boat dock checklist includes all the information you need to prepare for spring. Go step-by-step, and when you’re done, it will be time to lounge on your dock and take your boat for a spin. Many people think that the 2021 boating season will be the best one yet, and you’re sure to get off on the right foot by following this checklist.
Check the Water Level
Water levels can get high in the spring, especially if you live in an area that gets lots of snow or rain. Waves shouldn’t splash onto the dock frame. If your stationary boat dock is too low, you need to adjust it. Adjusting the height will protect your dock from water damage. That means you can expect your dock to last longer than it would if you kept it at the current height.
Inspect Your Dock
Next, you need to inspect your stationary boat dock. Start by looking at all of the deck sections. Look for rust, rotten wood, and missing or loose screws and nails. Next, inspect the dock hardware to ensure that it’s in good working order, and see if the accessories are in ideal shape for another boating season. If you find any problems, address them before you start the 2021 boating season. You can replace boat dock sections and hardware, so it’s like new before you hit the water this season.
Clean Your Stationary Boat Dock
You might have stayed away from the water during the winter, but your stationary dock didn’t. It’s likely been wet for most of the winter, meaning it could have algae and grime on the surface. That can damage your dock, and it’s also a significant safety hazard since it’s so slippery. A pressure washer provides a quick and easy way to remove mildew and grime. Be careful if your dock is made of wood, though. Too much pressure can damage the dock. Many people use a fan tip nozzle to reduce the pressure when cleaning wooden stationary boat docks.
Give Your Dock Ladder Some TLC
Boaters often forget about caring for dock ladders, only to realize they have a problem when it’s too late to fix it. Avoid this issue by checking the dock ladder before the season starts. Make sure it’s secured in place so you can get in and out of the water safely. Then clean it so you won’t slip off when using it. Baking soda paste is an excellent option for cleaning an aluminum boat dock ladder. Baking soda is environmentally friendly, so you won’t harm marine life if you use it.
Add Lights if Needed
Your 2021 stationary boat dock checklist is meant to help you stay safe. With that in mind, you should add lights if you don’t currently have them. Automated solar lights are ideal for stationary boat docks. Put the lights along the dock’s edges so you won’t have to worry about falling off when walking around the dock. The dock lighting will also make it easier to dock your boat at the end of the day. Plus, they add ambiance to the boat dock. Entertaining on your boat dock is much more fun when you have lights.
Photograph Your Dock
Finish your preparations by photographing your stationary dock, dock hardware, and dock accessories. You should take pictures each season so you can notice changes before they become significant. It’s not unusual to miss subtle changes that occur over time unless you have photographs for comparison. Then, when the next season rolls around, take out your pictures and see if you notice any changes.
Upgrade Your Boat Dock, Dock Hardware, or Accessories
As you go through the checklist, you might realize that you need to upgrade your boat dock, hardware, or accessories. Tommy Docks has everything you need to get the most out of the 2021 boating season. You can purchase non-floating dock sections if you need to replace parts of your dock, pick up boat dock accessories, grab dock hardware, and much more. You can also buy a complete stationary dock package if you want to start fresh this boating season. The packages are designed to allow boaters to install the docks themselves instead of hiring someone else.
Browse the website to look at your options, or contact us. Call our toll-free number at 866-675-1880 or submit an inquiry online.
