It can be easy to overlook dock maintenance. After all, we tend to be more focused on what’s happening around the dock; the boats coming in and out, the people walking up and down. However, dock maintenance is something you simply can’t ignore.

Whether you manage a hundred docks for a commercial marina or have just one residential dock for your Cruise Craft boats, it’s important to maintain your investment. Keeping your dock in good shape now can help you avoid more costly repairs down the road. It can also prevent accidents caused by deteriorating and rotting wood.

Maintaining your dock is surprisingly easy if you have the right tools and equipment and you have the skills and abilities to do it. Read the article to learn how to keep your dock looking good and maintain its sturdiness for many years to come:

Protect the Wood Materials if You Have a Wooden Dock

Most parts of wood docks are made from wood because it is one of the most suitable decking materials for marine use. However, wood weathers fast (even the best quality wood), especially when it is exposed to moist and wet conditions. That is why you should be thinking of ways to protect it from rotting and other effects of water.

You may choose to use treated timber for a wooden dock so that it can withstand marine conditions for longer. You can seal the wood to prevent mildew from growing and ensure that the wood remains in the best condition for use in the water.

Clean It Regularly

The accumulation of debris in various parts of the dock can pose a considerable risk to its durability. However, you do not have to worry too much about this because cleaning is a simple exercise you can accomplish.

A power washer is an essential piece of equipment when it comes to boat dock maintenance. This is a powerful tool that eliminates the most hidden dirt to ensure that every part of the dock is clean. It is important to ensure that you know how to use it correctly to avoid causing damage to the quality of decking.

Some of the most common cleaning routines include the following:

• Removing mildew spots and growth
• Removing mud and soil deposits
• Brushing the surface to remove a variety of dirt

Repair Any Broken Parts

Sometimes, parts of the wooden structure will give in to pressure and break or get loose. If you notice any changes, it is good to repair them quickly to avoid further damage to your dock and boat. Boat safety requires you to inspect your docks regularly so that you know they are in the best condition.

If there is any part of the wood or hardware that is badly damaged, you should consider replacing it. Many replacement parts, such as decking screws, can be bought from hardware stores so it should not be difficult for you to find the most suitable ones. It is also important to replace broken parts with high-quality ones for better performance.

Know the Marine Environment

Different marine environments call for different maintenance measures. For instance, docks used in warm tropical waters may not need the same maintenance routine as those used in places where winters are rampant. These factors will help you to choose the proper treatment for wood and hardware. In addition to that, they help you to be safe when using the equipment.

Protect the Dock from Microorganisms

It is important to make sure you are also aware of the environment around your dock, especially with those pesky microorganisms that find their way into various parts of the dock and make them their home. They will invade the wood and drill holes in your entire dock. Also, they eat away some of the parts leading to damage that can prevent a dock’s safe quality.

Getting rid of microorganisms can be a simple task because sometimes, it only requires thorough cleaning as long as you use proper care. However, you may have to use insecticides and other treatments to keep them at bay. Regardless of the method you use, ensure that it does not emit poisonous substances into the water as they pose a threat to marine life.

Get Good Covers

Dock covers protect them from adverse weather conditions, including the scorching sun and frosty winters. When ice accumulates on the surface, it is likely to cause damage to wood. Most marine conditions also pose a threat to the metallic parts, which can rust and become unusable.

During the summers, the sun can damage these docks too. That is why you have to invest in quality covers so that you can use them when taking a break from your marine adventures. You can get a dock cover in your local marine boat shops or you can order from online stores.

Install Rub Rails and Bumpers

The life of your dock can be shortened when the boat keeps bouncing, which is why you have to keep it firmly in one position. The waves will always come, and the boat will be thrown into various positions. However, if you invest in the right rub rails and bumpers, you will avoid the threat that such actions pose to the docks.

Rub rails and bumpers come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. For instance, you will find some made from rubber and others made using plastics and other materials. Be sure to choose materials that can prevent the bouncing of your boat entirely for the best protection

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