Maintaining Your Boat Dock: A Comprehensive Guide

Boat docks are a significant investment that adds value and beauty to your home. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure safety, longevity and aesthetic appeal. This includes regular inspections, cleaning and sealing, and handling algae and weed growth. In this article, we will cover the key aspects of boat dock maintenance to help you protect your investment and keep your dock in top condition.

Regular inspections

Structural Integrity

Check for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, warping, or splintering on wooden docks. For metal docks, keep an eye out for rust or corrosion. It's important to fix any issues immediately to prevent safety hazards and more extensive repairs down the line.

Hardware Check

Inspect bolts, screws, and other hardware for looseness or damage. Tighten or replace them as necessary. This includes checking the hardware on accessories like handrails, stairs, and ladders to ensure they remain sturdy and secure.

Floatation Devices

If you have a floating dock, inspect the floatation devices regularly to ensure they are intact and providing adequate buoyancy. Adjust the floatation level as needed, especially during winter or in freezing temperatures, to prevent ice damage.

Decking Surfaces

For wooden decking, regularly sand down rough spots and apply a wood preservative to prevent splinters and cracks. Check that all walking surfaces are free of hazards. If you have metal decking, inspect for rust and corrosion and use rust-inhibiting paint to protect the surface.

Lighting

Ensure there is sufficient lighting for evening and night use to prevent accidents. Regularly test the lights to make sure they are functioning properly and replace any non-working bulbs or fixtures.

Accessories

Keep an eye on dock accessories such as furniture, ladders, and pumps, Hoses, and drains. Ensure they are in good condition and store them properly during the off-season to prevent damage.

Cleaning and sealing

Dirt, algae, and mildew can build up on your dock, making it slippery and unattractive. Regular cleaning will not only improve the appearance of your dock but also prolong its life and enhance safety.

Cleaning

Use a pressure washer to clean your dock. If you have a wooden dock, use a fan tip and hold the washer about a foot away from the surface to avoid damage. Alternatively, use a stiff brush with a mild detergent to remove dirt and grime. For stubborn stains, consider using a specialised dock cleaner. Remember to sand the dock after pressure washing to prevent splinters.

Sealing

Wooden docks require sealing to protect against drying, which can cause splintering and cracking. Apply a sealant or stain to protect against moisture and UV damage. You should seal your wooden dock annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Handling algae and weeds

Algae and weeds can be a real problem for boat docks, causing damage and creating a slippery, unsightly surface. Keeping them at bay will ensure your dock stays looking new for years to come.

Physical removal

The first method of defence is to physically remove the algae and weeds on a regular basis. Use a brush or a scraper to dislodge and remove any growth. This is a labour-intensive method and will need to be done frequently to be effective.

Chemical treatment

For persistent growth, you may want to consider using an environmentally friendly algaecide or herbicide. It is important to ensure that any chemical treatment is safe for aquatic life and will not cause harm to the surrounding ecosystem.

Preventative measures

There are also some preventative measures you can take to reduce the growth of algae and weeds. As docks can cause water to become stagnant, creating an ideal environment for algae, it is important to keep the water moving. This can be achieved by investing in deicers, surface aerators, or submersed aerators.

Preparing for winter

Winterizing your boat dock is essential to preserving its structural integrity and promoting longevity. The winter season brings several risks to your dock and property, including changing temperatures, ice formations, freeze and thaw, and hazardous conditions. Here are some tips to prepare your boat dock for the winter:

• Create a winterization plan: Start planning for winter in spring or summer. Decide on a dry and secure storage area for your dock and accessories. Determine how you will move your floating dock sections to the storage facility, and consider enlisting help from friends or professionals.
• Inspect your dock before and after winter: Perform a thorough inspection of your dock, gangway, and accessories before and after the winter season. Take photos and notes of any existing damages or vulnerable areas. After winter, inspect for any new changes, damages, or markings.
• Consult your owner's manual: Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on winterizing your dock. This will guide you on the best practices for disassembling, reassembling, and inspecting your dock before storing it.
• Check local regulations: Familiarise yourself with the local dock guidelines and restrictions. Some locations may require complete dock removal by a specific date, while others may have assistants available to help with the process.
• Remove accessories: Take down dock accessories such as furniture, ladders, and other removable fixtures. Store them in a safe, dry place to prevent damage.
• Adjust flotation: If your dock has flotation devices, adjust them so that the dock sits lower in the water to prevent ice damage. Consult a professional for advice on dock removal, especially in areas with ice movement or significant water level drops.
• Protect anchors: Ensure that dock anchors are secure and will not be affected by ice movement. Check for any signs of wear or movement.
• Use a de-icer or bubbler: Invest in an electric de-icing tool or a dock bubbler to prevent ice formation. These devices aerate the water, creating movement that helps reduce ice buildup.
• Tighten bolts and screws: Tighten all bolts and screws, and inspect for any loose nails or fasteners. Replace any worn or damaged hardware.
• Clean and store your dock: Before storing your dock for the winter, clean the surface and accessories. Wipe down the sections and accessories, and allow them to air dry before storing them away. Store the dock sections and accessories in a dry, secure area, preferably not too far from the shore for easy transportation.

Maintaining water quality

• Regularly test the water quality: Conduct periodic water quality tests to check for any contaminants or changes in water composition. This will help you identify and address any issues early on.
• Control aquatic weeds and algae: Weeds and algae can not only be unsightly but also detrimental to the health of the water and your dock. Regularly remove them physically using brushes or scrapers. For persistent growth, consider using environmentally friendly algaecides and herbicides that are safe for aquatic life.
• Install fountains and aeration systems: Fountains and aerators help to increase oxygen levels in the water, promoting a healthy aquatic environment. They also help deter the growth of algae and aquatic weeds by disrupting still water pockets.
• Manage shoreline erosion: Erosion along the shoreline can impact water quality and the stability of your dock. Implement erosion control measures such as vegetation or retaining walls to prevent sediment runoff and maintain the integrity of the shoreline.
• Remove sediment and muck: Accumulation of sediment and muck at the bottom of the water body can degrade water quality and create an unhealthy environment for aquatic life. Regularly remove sediment and muck to ensure a clean and healthy water ecosystem.
• Control invasive species: Invasive species can disrupt the natural balance of the water ecosystem and impact water quality. Take proactive measures to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species, and manage their populations through proper control methods.
• Choose buffer plants wisely: Select buffer plants that are native to your region and effective in filtering runoff, absorbing nutrients, and providing habitat for beneficial organisms. Consult with experts or refer to regional guidelines to make informed decisions about buffer plants.

By following these guidelines and staying committed to maintaining water quality, you can ensure the longevity of your boat dock and preserve the natural beauty and functionality of the water body.

Frequently asked questions