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When you have your own gangway, one of your biggest responsibilities is making sure that it handles the fall and winter months. It’s no secret that they can bring with them extreme weather, and you have to make sure they not only survive, but also make it to the spring ready for a whole new year of voyages on the water. In addition, there is another non-weather related event to keep in mind for your dock’s autumn survival, especially for those whose waters are found inland: the annual drawdown. If not taken into consideration, drawdowns can can leave a strong impact on your waterfront structure that can even last until after the winter. Thankfully, with this advice you should be able to make sure that your floating dock or gangway survives the drawdown with absolutely no change at all. 

• What is a drawdown?

Let’s start with the basics: A drawdown is when the water level of a lake or river is intentionally lowered by authorities or government agencies. This is done for several purposes, such as hydroelectric power generation, but the two biggest reasons are to prevent flooding and ice damage. If a body of water that is left undrawn, it leaves nearby features (i.e. homes, docks) susceptible to damage should any winter-induced ice blow in the wind (or submersion when the ice eventually melts).

• What does this mean for me?

If you have your own floating dock, it is more than likely, depending on the severity of the drawdown, that its level will be lowered as a result. This can cause your gangway to steepen to a potentially dangerous angle. If you are the type that likes to sail out in the fall, this can make the once seamless yard-to-dock walk much tricker.

• How can I prepare?

Keeping yourself informed about any drawdowns in your area is a great first step. To ensure that your dock and gangway can survive however, will require some examination. You must make sure that your dock’s float drums are fully adaptable to any water level and can withstand any weather that may come with the increased above-water exposure. As for your gangway, there are several steps and accessories available to ensure its safety. Such as making sure that the hinge is properly tightened, assuring UMHW rollers are intact so the gangway can adjust itself, and confirming disconnection from your anchoring system to prevent any unexpected tilting.

If you would like to learn more about maintaining a gangway for the autumn months click here, or give Bristol Industries of PA a call today to speak with one of our marine specialists about how your waterfront can still keep its day 1 look even in the cold weather.