Micks Marine Maintenance customers are the lifeblood of our business. Without your patronage, we would be unable to continue our mission of providing quality pontoon dock maintenance services. We appreciate your continued support and want to ensure you have all the information you need to keep your pontoon dock in top condition.
That’s why we’ve put together this article, which answers the three most common questions about pontoon dock maintenance. We hope this information helps you keep your pontoon dock looking great and functioning perfectly for years to come.
1. What should I do if my pontoon dock starts to sink or lean to one side?
If your pontoon dock starts to sink or lean to one side, it’s essential to take action quickly. This is because pontoon docks are very buoyant and can soon become unstable if compromised. The other cause could be due to barnacle buildup on the piles.
If you notice that your dock is starting to sink, lean, or list, you should check all of the connections and fasteners. First, make sure that everything is tight and secure. If you find any loose bolts or screws, tighten them up. If the problem persists, you’ll need to contact Micks Marine Maintenance so we can come by and assess the pontoon to see if it’s possible to repair the dock.
We wrote a comprehensive guide on removing barnacle buildup from a pontoon dock just last week, which you can check out here.
Once you have successfully removed all barnacles from the piles, your pontoon dock should be able to glide up and down the piles, levelling out to become straight once again.
By taking quick action and following these steps, you can help ensure that your pontoon dock remains safe and stable.
2. What’s the best way to clean and protect my pontoon dock from the elements?
A pontoon dock is a great way to enjoy your time on the water, but it’s important to take care of it so that it stays in good condition.
Here are some tips for cleaning and protecting your pontoon dock:
- First, you’ll want to clean the dock’s surface with a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to rinse it off thoroughly afterwards. You may also need to use a bit of elbow grease to remove any tough dirt or stains.
- Finally, you’ll want to ensure you regularly inspect your dock for any signs of wear and tear. If you see any cracks or splitting, be sure to repair them as soon as possible.
These simple steps can help keep your pontoon dock looking like new for years to come.
3. How often should I inspect my pontoon dock for damage or wear and tear?
Pontoon docks, while generally low-maintenance, require some attention to ensure longevity. It is recommended that they be inspected every 6-12 months, depending on their usage and the environment in which they are situated. In most cases, a visual inspection is all that is necessary to check for damage or wear and tear. However, if corrosion or wear is apparent, it should be swiftly repaired by professionals.
Luckily, most pontoon repairs are relatively easy and inexpensive to fix if picked up early.
Here are a few of the most common pontoon repairs to look for when performing a maintenance inspection:
- One of the most common issues is damaged or rotted gangway decking. This is usually caused by water getting underneath the decking and causing it to rot from the inside out. To check for this, you’ll want to inspect the underside of the decking for any signs of water damage. If you find any, you’ll need to replace the affected pieces.
- Another common issue is torn or worn-out carpet. Carpet can start to wear and tear after years of use, so it’s important to inspect it regularly for any damage. If you find any tears or worn spots, you’ll need to replace the carpet.
- Finally, you want to look for worn pile rollers. These are the plastic or rubber wheels that sit within the pile brackets. Over time, they can become worn and damaged from the elements and years of use. If you notice these to be more concave than cylindrical, you’ll need to replace them.
Regular maintenance inspections can help keep your pontoon in good working condition for years to come. So don’t wait until something breaks to start looking for repairs – be proactive and inspect regularly!
Conclusion
We hope this article has answered some of your pontoon dock maintenance questions. Remember, pontoon docks require regular care and attention to maintain good condition. But by following these simple tips, you can help keep your pontoon dock looking new for years to come. And, should you need a hand maintaining your pontoon dock, Micks Marine Maintenance is always here to help. Give us a call today!