December 19, 2024

Written by ShoreMaster Marketing

Preparing Your Floating Dock Sections for Winter Storms: Essential Storage Tips and Maintenance

Top-shelf floating docks provide unmatched convenience, versatility, and reliability for enjoying waterfront activities year-round. However, as winter makes its yearly rounds, taking proactive steps to prepare your docking solution for harsher, more unpredictable weather conditions is critical to preserving its performance and longevity. Winter storms can lead to costly damage without proper maintenance and storage practices, shortening the lifespan of even the most durable floating docks.

Below, we go through essential storage and maintenance best practices for safeguarding your investment and ensuring a seamless transition into the next boating season.  

Understanding the Importance of Winterizing Floating Dock

Quality floating docks are built to withstand challenging marine environments. Still, they aren’t immune to the cumulative effects of adverse winter weather. Winter storms can be a dicey combination of freezing temperatures, high winds, and fluctuating water levels. Water expands by about 9% when it freezes (IAPWS, n.d.). This expansion and subsequent contraction can exert significant pressure on dock components, including the floats, connectors, and anchor lines. 

On top of freezing damage, shifting ice and debris can collide with the dock, rising water levels can pull on the structure and the anchoring system, and snow and ice buildup can weigh down the platform. To put this in perspective, the ShoreMaster FTS9 features foam-filled floatations that withstand punctures and outer shell damage and flow-through decking that prevents water, marine growth, and debris buildup. 

Even with these premium features, we still recommend removing these robust lake docks from the water in regions that experience harsh winters. 

Inspecting Your Dock Sections Before Winter Storage

Before storing your floating dock, thoroughly inspect its components for signs of wear and tear. This step enables you to address any existing issues before they worsen, helping ensure seamless reinstallation for spring. 

Focus on the following areas during the inspection:

• Floats: Check the floating structures for cracks, leaks, or waterlogging. Even barely noticeable cracks can worsen during winter, especially if exposed to freezing temperatures. If you find any issues, check the owner's manual for the appropriate remedy or contact your dealer.
• Hardware: Inspect the dock frames, connectors, and other hardware for corrosion, cracks, or bent components. Replace any rusted or corroded bolts, fasteners, and other hardware, as these can compromise the dock's stability and structural integrity. Consider spraying all metal components with an anti-corrosion solution to provide additional protection against moisture and winter conditions.
• Decking: Carefully examine the decking material for any signs of damage, such as warped, split, or rotting panels, as these may create safety hazards. Additionally, check for scratches, gouges, or deep abrasions that may worsen with winter’s freeze-thaw cycles. 

Finally, uninstall all accessories and attachments, such as cleats, ladders, and bumpers. Detached accessories are easier to inspect and clean, allowing you to address rust, scratches, or other minor issues before reinstallation. Removing attachments also makes dock sections lighter and easier to handle during disassembly and storage, which can be especially beneficial if sections need to be moved to a different location.

Best Practices for Winter Storage of Floating Dock Sections

Clean the floating dock sections, decking, hardware, and accessories before storage, completely drying all components before storage. Notes Tim Romano of Trout Unlimited, any dirt, sand, or other debris can hold moisture, simply stating, “Moisture plus cold equals bad (Romano, 2021).” 

If possible, store the floating dock in a dry, sheltered area and lay out the dock sections on a flat and level surface to prevent damage. If on-land storage isn’t an option, move the dock to a protected cove or anchor it securely in deeper water where ice movement is less severe. 

For outdoor storage, use sawhorses, blocks, or similar supports to elevate the dock components. Keeping them off the ground promotes air circulation and minimizes moisture buildup. We also recommend covering the dock with heavy-duty tarps or specialized dock covers to shield them from the elements. 

Preventing Storm Damage with Proactive Maintenance

For those in moderate climates where floating docks can remain in the water year-round, winter storms can still compromise dock systems. High winds, heavy rainfall, and fluctuating water levels can stress your dock and its components even without extreme freezing conditions.

Here are some tips to safeguard your floating dock from adverse weather conditions:

• Reinforce Connections: Tighten all bolts, nuts, and fasteners and ensure all anchor lines are secure and in good condition. For areas prone to winter storms, consider upgrading to storm-rated anchors and adding extra lines for better stability and security during turbulent conditions. Give the lines ample slack to allow the floating dock to move with the water and prevent potential breakage.   
• Remove Accessories: Uninstall dock accessories like furniture, storage compartments, or other fixtures that may not withstand inclement weather. You may also remove decking panels and railings to reduce weight and surface area exposed to wind and waves.  
• Install Bumpers and Fenders: Strategically placed bumpers and fenders protect the dock from impact damage caused by floating debris and other vessels during storms. 

Finally, keep an eye on weather forecasts and storm warnings. Check on your dock immediately following winter storms, addressing minor issues to prevent them from escalating to costly repairs.  

Preparing Your Floating Dock for Spring Installation

As the final remnants of winter begin to melt away and the early spring flowers start to add color to the landscape, it’s time to prepare your floating dock for the boating season. 

Here’s a quick guide to ensuring your dock is safe, functional, and ready for spring adventures:

• Clean and Inspect: Before assembling and reinstalling, inspect all dock sections, connectors, and hardware for signs of wear sustained during storage and replace any worn components. Clean and lubricate as necessary to ensure optimal performance for the boating season. 
• Test and Re-assemble: Ensure all floatation systems are free of leaks or punctures by placing them in shallow water to test buoyancy. Re-assemble the dock sections, ensuring all connections are tight and secure. 
• Final Checks: Once installed, gently rock the dock to test its stability. Conduct a final safety inspection, checking for loose components and potential hazards. 

ShoreMaster’s floating dock systems, like their standing counterparts, the Infinity RS4, and the Infinity RS7, are designed for the utmost ease of installation. With regular inspections, periodic cleaning, and tightening, these reliable docking systems will support all your waterfront activities season after season. 

Reach out to ShoreMaster today to explore our innovative docking solutions and discover insights in our latest blog, How Do Floating Docks Work?

References:

• The International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam (n.d.). Why does water expand when it freezes? Why does liquid water have a density maximum? Retrieved from https://www.iapws.org/faq1/freeze.html?form=MG0AV3 
• Trout Unlimited (September 21, 2021). How to store your boat outside in the winter. Retrieved from https://www.tu.org/magazine/fishing/boats/how-to-store-your-boat-outside-in-the-winter/