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For many, the fall is the time of year where they put their docks and gangways away until next spring. However, there are still a good number of boaters that can see the silver lining of sailing during autumn. The lakes aren’t as crowded, the weather hasn’t gone completely cold yet, and the different atmosphere can actually put a refreshing spin on the whole experience. 

While boating in the fall does have its upsides, there are still important safety steps you must keep in mind if you want to embark. Keeping an extra eye on the forecast, dressing in layers accordingly for the weather, and planning for the earlier sunsets. You also must think about your waterfront, particularly your gangway. While aluminum gangways are famous for being maintenance-free all throughout the year, there are still things you must keep in mind if you want to keep your walkway intact for the autumn months.

• Sweeping or Blowing Leaves

The changing and falling of the leaves is one of the surest signs of autumn. While it can be a beautiful sight, it can also unfortunately create a mess if your gangway is right underneath a tree. Luckily, a couple sweeps of the broom or a few minutes with a leaf blower can take care of it quickly. If your gangway is also made of aluminum, it has the additional benefit of being resistant to any dirt or debris leaves may create. Just a simple spray with the hose will get it back to its day 1 look.

• Watching for Lake Drawdowns

If you sail on a controlled lake or reservoir, there is a good chance that the water level will see some form of decrease in the fall to alleviate chances of flooding. This can cause your dock to sink lower and your gangway’s slope to steepen to an unsafe degree. You must ensure that your gangway has the proper hardware and accessories to remain stable (you can learn more about that here).

• Checking Parts for Wear

While aluminum gangways are always built to last, you should still always be mindful of what you walk on, and what better time is there to check than right before the winter? If your already-worn parts enter the bitter cold air, they risk suffering even more damage. By checking your gangway parts in the fall, you can assure that they enter the spring ready to send you out on the beautiful seas. 

Whether you like to spend your fall out on the water or on the land, we at Bristol Industries of PA want to make sure that your gangway is always in tip-top shape. If you would like to learn anything else about keeping a marine walkway in check during the cold months, give us a call or request a quote today!