marine contractors Florida

Tips To Ensure A Safe and Durable Boat Dock

Keeping your boat dock safe is essential. Boat docks can stand the test of time even through extreme weather conditions. Many people take them for granted. It is time to take notice of them and do something to keep them clean, safe, and in optimum condition. There are plenty of marine contractors Florida in case you need help with repairs or replacement. Before you proceed, here are the things that you can do to maintain your boat docks regularly.

Clean Regularly

One of the essential things to do to keep the boat dock well-maintained is to clean it regularly. Here’s how to clean the decking:

  • Pressure Cleaning. The best way to do it is to remove any dirt and debris through pressure cleaning to prevent buildup. However, you also have to remember that you should not clean it too hard. If you do not know how to do it correctly, hire a professional who can do it for you.
  • Sanding. Once you finish pressure cleaning, it is time to sand the wood because it would be softer wood fragments will appear, and this will prevent you or any of your guests from getting splinters on your feet.
  • Sealing. If you have not sealed your dock for the last four years, then it is time to do so, especially if it’s not painted. You must choose a natural sealer to protect your wood. Sealing will boost its appearance and also improve the integrity of the dock. All you need is two to three coats of sealant.

Inspect Regularly

Even though life gets busy, you have to make sure that you take the time to inspect your docks. It should be as important as your other activities in life. Thoroughly check the dock, clean it, and make sure that you take pictures so that you know the difference in its appearance every month. Take note if there are any structural issues. Do not forget to inspect the ladders. If there are any issues, plan to fix them as soon as possible. Put this on one of your to-dos lists.

Importance Of Corner Rubber Mats And Carpets

Sometimes no matter how careful you are, parking your boat can do damage, especially on the corners of your docks. To reduce the costs of damages, make sure that you place rubber mats and carpets on these corners. If you don’t want to spend much, you can put old tires to reduce impact damage.

Work With The Experts

During the inspection process, you have to learn how to determine how severe the damage is. If you think you cannot fix it on your own, call an expert to have it done for you. Do not settle for temporary fixes. If you have the budget, replace if needed. Do not ignore minor problems because this can get worse and would end up being a massive problem in the end.

Safety should be your number one priority when it comes to your boat deck. Minor problems can get worse in the long run. So do not take for granted the simple issues. Have them fixed right away and call an expert if you do not know what you are doing.