Spring Dock Checklist: 8 Things to Check Before Boating

The sun is finally out. You can smell the salt in the air. The ice is gone from the lake. It is the best time of the year. You are ready to get your boat back in the water. You want to feel the wind on your face. But before you start the engine, you must look at your dock.

Winter is very hard on a dock. The ice moves. The wind blows hard. Things get loose. A small problem in April can be a big hole in your boat in June. We are a family company from Manchester, Connecticut. We have seen what a rough winter can do. Use this list to make sure your dock is safe and ready.

1. Check the Wood and Frame

Walk slowly down your dock. Look for wood that looks soft or dark. This is rot. If you step on it, you might fall through. Look at the bolts. They should be tight. If they look red and bumpy, that is rust. Rust makes metal weak. You want your dock to feel solid under your feet.

2. Look at Your Cleats

Cleats are the metal parts you tie your rope to. They take a lot of weight. Give each one a good shake. If it moves, the bolts are loose. In rough water, a loose cleat can pull right out of the wood. This can let your boat drift away. Make sure they are bolted down deep into the frame.

3. Inspect Your Dock Lines

Take a close look at your ropes. We call these dock lines. Look for fuzzy spots. This is called fraying. It means the rope is getting weak. Look for stiff spots from the sun. If the rope feels like a stick, it might snap. Buy new lines if the old ones look tired. It is cheaper than fixing a boat.

4. Test the Hardware

Hardware means the hinges and brackets. These parts let the dock move a little. Use a little oil if they squeak. Look for cracks in the metal. We use 316 stainless steel because it does not rust easily. If your parts look orange, it is time to upgrade.

5. Check Your Fenders

Fenders are the big plastic bumpers that keep your boat from hitting the dock. Check the air in them. They should be firm. Check the ropes holding them. If they are tied at the wrong height, your boat will hit the wood. This causes dock rash. Dock rash is when the dock rubs the paint off your boat.

6. Look at Your Mooring System

If you have a sliding system, make sure it slides. Some systems get stuck with salt or dirt, but not ours. If you use the Tide Right system, check the float. The float is what moves the fender up and down. Just set the height to your boat's rub rail. The tide will do the rest. Your fender will always be in the right spot.

7. Inspect Your Kayak Launch

If you have a Launch & Stow, check the winch. Pull the cable out and back in. It should feel smooth. Check the straps that hold your kayak up. The sun can make them weak over time. If you have the Pro Series, check the roller wheels. They should spin easily. This makes launching your kayak effortless.

8. Safety Gear and Lights

The last step is safety. Check your dock lights. You need to see where you are going at night. Check your ladder. Make sure it is not slippery. If you have a fillet table for fish, make sure it is clean. Now you are ready to have fun.

The season is almost here. Do not wait until the last minute to fix your dock. Get your mooring system today so you are ready to boat. Click here to shop now.