As a company that specialises in pontoon dock repairs and maintenance, I’ve seen firsthand the damage that bad weather can do to a pontoon dock. Even the most robust pontoons are not immune to the power of a severe storm, and this is why it is so important to take the time to prepare your pontoon dock ahead of bad weather.
Here at Micks Marine Maintenance, we know the damage you can avoid by properly preparing a pontoon dock. In this blog post, I will share essential preparation tips to ensure that your pontoon dock is safe and secure all year.
Table of Contents
Inspecting the pontoon before bad weather hits
To start, you should check for any pontoon damage or wear and tear. Look for areas needing repair or upgrades to ensure your pontoon is solid and stable enough to withstand strong winds, heavy rains, and choppy seas. Additionally, all hardware and connections should be checked to ensure they are secure.
If you have a pilled pontoon, one crucial thing to pay close attention to is barnacle buildup on the piles. Barnacles can prevent the rollers from being able to glide up and down the piles with the change of tide, causing the pontoon to become stuck and submerged.
Call us at Micks Marine Maintenance to help you repair and maintain your pontoon if you notice any damage. Our team of certified pontoon technicians can provide pontoon repairs that will help keep your pontoon safe and minimise any damage during the storm season.
Secure your pontoon
Once you thoroughly inspect and repair the pontoon dock, you should start securing it. Check the mooring cables or strut arm, depending on the type of pontoon you have, to ensure they are appropriately secured. You may also choose to use heavy-duty chains or storm chains to secure your pontoon in place further.
Secure loose items
Finally, removing or securing any furniture or accessories, such as roller systems, fish stations, kayaks, jet skis, etc., attached to the pontoon dock is important. Additionally, make sure you disconnect and protect any electrical or plumbing connections.
Preparing boats
If you have a boat, there are additional steps you need to take to prepare it for the storm season. First, remove or secure any loose items on the boat, and ensure that all compartments are sealed tightly. Then, securely tie your boat to the pontoon dock using strong, properly tensioned lines. Finally, check for any damage that could cause leaks or flooding, and repair any damage if necessary.
What to do if your pontoon suffers storm damage
Pontoons are never immune to severe storms, no matter how diligent you are in preparing for one. But it will certainly reduce the damage you would otherwise suffer. Pontoon dock tipping or flipping over, sinking, floating away, and pontoon decking damage are all examples of typical storm damage. If your pontoon experiences any of these problems due to bad weather, please contact us at Micks Marine Maintenance immediately. Our team of pontoon repair experts can assess the damage and provide a quote for pontoon repairs. We will help you get back on the water safely and quickly!
Conclusion
By taking these steps, pontoon owners can rest assured that their pontoon dock is safe and secure during the storm season. At Micks Marine Maintenance, our pontoon professionals are here to help you ensure your pontoon is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at us. If you have any questions or would like our pontoon specialists to help you maintain and repair your pontoon dock, please get in touch with us today.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you for reading. Stay safe and stay pontoon prepared!