After buying a boat or a yacht, you need to ask yourself where you are going to park it. Just like a car, you need a place to park your boat and ensure that it remains safe and sound when you are not around. Moreover, it needs to be accessible so that you can take it out on the water whenever you want without hassle. This is only possible if your rent or buy a dock. Regardless of how many docks you choose, you have to ensure you get access to suitable waterways. After renting or buying a dock, managing it can be quite difficult. If you are having difficulties keeping your dock organized, read on.
The Benefits of Owning a Dock
Most people will not be up for purchasing a dock and managing it on their own. Organizing and cleaning a dock is not only hectic but time-consuming as well. Even though you might consider it a hassle, owning a dock does have its advantages. If you think there are no benefits of owning a dock, think again. For starters, it gives you safe and easy access to your boat. Moreover, you have a safe place to keep your boat or yacht when you are not using it.
If that’s not enough it also gives you access to other water activities including swimming and jet skiing. As long as it’s not interfering with the natural water movement or the wildlife, you get the chance to take your boat out on the water whenever you want.
The Importance of Keeping Your Dock Organized
It goes without saying that generally dock maintenance is ignored. Considering the investment you have made, it’s only rational for you to take care of it. The last thing you would want is for your dock to fall apart. Most individuals might not understand the benefits of keeping their dock organized. If that’s not enough, it also encourages the growth of aquatic plants. However, this all depends on the construction of the dock.
Is There More To It Than Just Maintaining The Dock?
As mentioned earlier, taking care of a dock is not as easy as it may seem. However, that should not discourage you from owning one. As long as you are in charge, you are responsible for it and will be held accountable. Additionally, you do have to take the environment into consideration too. There’s no harm in taking the necessary precautions to ensure you are not polluting the water or the surroundings.
Maintaining and Organizing Your Dock
There’s no better time for serious repair work and maintenance on your dock than during the fall. Not only is the weather cool but there will be no bugs to worry about while you go about your business. By the time you are done, you will be as happy as you ever can be. However, to be on the safe side, it is a good idea to inspect your dock before the start and end of every season. It is important for you to ensure the structure remains safe and sound. Test and repair any problems you may come across. If you are not sure where to start, here are a few to tips to keep in mind:
Start by hammering raised nails, or simply replace them right away
Damaged or rotten boards should be replaced immediately
If parking doesn’t go the way it’s supposed to, it can cause a lot of damage. Consider placing pieces of rubber or carpeting at the corners of the dock. This is one of the best ways of protecting your boat and dock from damage.
Dirt and debris needs to be cleaned at least once a month with a power wash
Look for loose nuts and bolts at connection points and take care of them right away
Installing rubber bumpers or old tires is perfect for protecting your boat and dock from each other
Rough spots around the dock can cause serious injuries. Smooth them out with a belt sander
If you find any rusting spots on the supports or steel crib, sand, prime and paint it right away to prevent further deterioration
Factors to Keep in Mind When Cleaning Your Dock
There’s no harm in being responsible for your surroundings and your environment. There are various alternatives you can consider apart from using the regular cleaning products. Not only will they help you effectively clean your dock, you can ensure the creatures and plants around the dock remain safe as well. Moreover, this will prevent the water from getting contaminated hence ensuring there are no health and safety concerns. Here are some things to consider during routine maintenance of your dock:
Avoid using wood preservatives and paint for routine maintenance
Ensure paint and scrapings do not drop into the water
Instead of using pressure washers, consider using wire brushes or scrubs on the surface around the work area
Completely eliminate the use of bleach, pesticides or herbicides to get rid of aquatic life forms residing around your dock
If you are finding it difficult to find alternative products for cleaning your dock, consider the following solutions:
Use baking soda instead of scouring powders
Choose non-toxic and phosphate-free soaps but use as little as possible
To preserve the wood around your dock, create a mixture using one part white vinegar and three parts olive oil and use it instead
Metals can be cleaned using apple cider vinegar but use baby oil to polish them
Consider using one cup of vinegar in warm water for cleaning dirty windows
For clogged drains, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar with the boiling water
Additional Factors to Keep in Mind
The last thing you would want is for anyone to get hurt. Instead of having to deal with such a situation you can prevent it entirely by keeping your dock properly organized. This means you should:
Install solar powered lights
Use non-metal swimming ladders
Have enough life jackets around for each individual on the dock
Make children wear their life jackets at all times
Ensure everything is in its correct place. This means you have to put away empty bottles, fishing equipment, chairs and gas cans once you are done.
Alternatives
Just like any other project, there are times when you will need a knowledgeable person to help and bail you out of troublesome situations. The aforementioned tips will help you maintain, clean, repair and organize your dock, but this does not mean you have to do all of it on your own. In fact, most individuals are not fully qualified to handle most of the repairs required on a dock.
For example, it may be difficult for you to assess the damage to your dock due to extensive rotting. However, you can hire professionals or contractors to do the job for you. Apart from making the necessary repairs, you can find individuals who can organize and maintain your dock for you. But then again it depends on how much money you are willing to spend.
Protecting Your Dock – Precautionary Measures to Consider
If you are the proud owner of a boat and a dock, you have to protect them from unforeseen circumstances. The weather is unpredictable and prevention is your only salvation. The last thing anyone would want is for their dock to be destroyed after a rough storm or flooding. The only way you can make this possible is by maintaining your dock and organizing it every now and then. However, there are certain factors you need to keep in mind to secure your dock, which include:
Look for a sturdy tree or dock cleat in order to secure the dock lines
Find an alternative and safe location for securing your boat
Have a contingency plan in place just in case things get out of control
Secure all supplies, including dock boxes, tools, fire extinguishers and life jackets
Keeping the aforementioned factors in mind, you have more than enough information to clean, repair and maintain a dock. However, it may be difficult to accomplish all of this on your own. There’s no harm in asking for help in order to get things done as quickly as possible. Remember, as long as you maintain and take care of your dock, it will remain structurally sound and sturdy.
Taking the necessary precautions will save you a lot of hassle in the long run. It would be wise to meet the predefined rules and regulations and keep your dock clear of any dangerous chemicals or pollutants at all times. A little bit of responsibility and care will ensure you never face problems. If that’s not enough, you get to save a lot of money which you can spend on improving the performance or appearance of your boat instead of getting your dock repaired all the time.