As the summer season approaches, I’m sure, like many of us here at Micks Marine Maintenance, we are getting excited about spending time out on the water. But before we can do that, it’s important to ensure our pontoon docks are in tip-top shape and ready for use.
In this blog post, I’ll discuss some of the critical steps to ensure that your pontoon dock is ready for the summer season. We’ll cover the importance of checking for any damage, making sure the hardware is in good condition, and how to maintain the dock throughout the summer.
So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Inspection
Inspection is an important step for any pontoon dock owner in preparation for summer. It’s always best to inspect your dock before the start of the season so that any potential issues can be addressed and fixed to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.
Start by doing a visual check of all components: pontoons, decking, rails, electrical components, and any other areas. Look for signs of damage, such as cracks or corrosion. Check the hardware, like cleats, fenders and fasteners, to ensure they are not loose or missing. Also, inspect the cables, turnbuckles, shackles and wiring to ensure they are in good condition with no rust, or exposed wires and don’t require tightening.
Repairing and Replacing Damaged Components
If, during your inspection, you find any areas of concern, take immediate action to fix them. This may involve replacing the damaged components or repairing them if possible.
A few common repair and replacement tasks include addressing wear and tear on flotation devices, repairing or replacing damaged decking, ensuring the anchoring system is secure and functional, and fixing or replacing worn pile rollers, broken railings, bumpers, cleats, and ladders.
If you’re not confident in carrying out the repairs yourself, contact Micks Marine Maintenance. We specialise in pontoon dock maintenance and repairs and can help get your dock ready for the summer season. In our experience, maintenance is much more cost-effective than repairs.
Cleaning and Maintenance
As the summer season approaches, ensuring your pontoon dock is ready for use is important. In this section, I’ll discuss the importance of cleaning and maintenance to ensure a safe and fun summer experience.
When it comes to cleaning and maintaining your pontoon dock, there are several things you should do. Scrubbing your pontoon is key to keeping it in good condition. Use a brush and soapy water to get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated over the winter months. Keep on top of mould on carpeted surfaces. It can be kept at bay, but if it gets to the point where it forms a crust and embeds into the carpet fibres, it is hard to then get a handle on it and can result in the replacement of the carpet if left to go.
Power-washing the decking can also help keep it looking its best; be careful not to set the pressure too high, or you could damage the gangway decking or pontoon carpet. Remove any barnacle buildup from the piles on a low tide using a crowbar on the back side of a shovel. This will eliminate the risk of the pile brackets becoming bound up on the barnacles on a low, low tide which can cause major damage and is a major safety concern if it does become stuck.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your pontoon dock can pay off in terms of safety and enjoyment during summer. It will look better and make sure everything is working properly and safely for those long days out on the water with family and friends!
Safety Tips
Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to using your pontoon dock, especially during the summer season. To ensure that your pontoon dock is safe to use, there are some key steps that you must take.
First, ensure that the area around the dock is kept clear of debris, as this could cause an obstruction or tripping hazard. Check all railings and boards for loose pieces that need to be tightened or replaced. Additionally, if your pontoon has any electrical accessories, such as lights, inspect them to ensure they’re in working order before you start using them. Finally, keep an eye on any weather changes that may occur throughout the summer so you can adjust accordingly if necessary. By following these simple tips, you can rest assured knowing that your pontoon dock is ready for a safe and enjoyable summer season!
Conclusion
Owning a pontoon dock can be a great way to make the most of your waterfront during the summer. However, before you start enjoying it, make sure you inspect and clean it properly so that you can enjoy it safely and without interruption.
Micks Marine Maintenance offers pontoon dock maintenance and repair services to ensure your dock is in top condition for the summer season. With our expertise and experience, we can help get your pontoon dock ready for a safe and enjoyable summer. So why wait? Give us a call today at 0431 778 468 to get started!
By taking the time to inspect, clean, and maintain your pontoon dock for summer, you’ll be able to make the most of your waterfront all season long!