Fall is the best time to look over your dock. Water levels are typically lowered for winter, boat traffic drops off, and contractors have time to fix things before spring.
Fall checklist
- Check cables and anchors. Lower water changes how cables and stiff arms sit. Make sure the dock can move with the water level without binding.
- Inspect flotation. Low water can make sagging floats easier to spot. See signs your flotation is failing.
- Look at the walkway. Confirm hinges and rollers move freely as the angle changes.
- Service the lift. Have leaks and worn parts fixed before the boat comes out again in spring. See boat lift repair.
- Tighten loose decking and note boards to replace.
- Check the shoreline. Lower water exposes erosion at the base of seawalls and banks. See shoreline repair.
- Check dock electrical. Have any damaged wiring repaired by a qualified electrician.
Book repairs early
Scheduling dock work in the off-season usually means less waiting and a dock that’s ready for the first warm weekend. Request a free estimate.