How Do You Store Your Dock for the Winter?
It’s hard to believe the summer boating season has come and gone. Hopefully, you, your family and friends have made many good memories out on the water this year.
Now, with the turn of seasons comes the reality that winter will be here before we know it. It’s time to start preparing for the colder months by taking care of some end-of-season maintenance steps as well as properly storing your dock for winter.
Pro Tips for Winterizing Your Dock
Storing your dock properly during the winter months is essential to protect it from harsh weather conditions and ensure its longevity. Not only that, but it can also help ensure that your shoreline experiences less impact from ice-related damage.
Here are some steps to guide you in storing your dock for the winter:
- Remove accessories and equipment – Before storing your dock, you’ll want to remove any accessories or equipment from the dock, such as ladders and benches. Everything should be stored in a dry location to prevent damage and deterioration during the off-season.
- Clean and inspect – As you disassemble the dock, it’s also an opportune time to thoroughly clean it. Sweep away debris and use a low-setting pressure washer to get off any dirt or algae. If you spot any signs of damage while cleaning, fix them now before they get worse (or at a bare minimum, be sure to document any repairs or maintenance that you’ll need to do prior to reinstalling the dock in the spring).
- Take apart the dock in sections – Floating docks should be removed from the water before the lake freezes. It’s easiest to do this in sections. As you take apart the dock, it can be helpful to work in reverse order of assembly. Pro tip: Label each section as you remove the dock to make reassembly in the spring much easier.
When winter rolls around, ice can put a lot of pressure on your dock and its components. Take steps to winterize it now so it’s protected and ready for next season back out on the water.
For questions about the best ways to care for your dock no matter the season, contact us at RDS Dock Hardware. All of our products are manufactured in New Hampshire and Minnesota and are made to withstand the most demanding conditions (yes, we’re looking at you too, winter!).
