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Well, it’s that time of year again. The nights are getting longer, the temperature is getting lower, and boaters unfortunately have to start putting away their docks. While this may seem tedious and inconvenient to some, it is still a crucial part of dock ownership. If a dock is left outdoors unprotected in the cold, it risks potential damage brought on by the incoming ice, snow, or freezing water. Thankfully, with these simple steps, you can easily pack up your dock to help ensure that not only will it survive the bitterness of winter, but it will enter the spring as high-quality as the day it was installed. 

• Undo the Pile Hoops

First, if you want to move the dock out of water, you will have to make sure it’s not attached to any fixed mounts, otherwise it will not move at all. This is why the first step is disconnecting the pile hoops. After locating and removing the outer plate, it is important to keep your hand on it so you can unscrew the necessary nuts and bolts. After this, the dock should no longer be joined with the piling and able to move away from its position in the water.

• Walk Dock Underneath the Gangway

Now that your dock is more mobile, the next step is to move it closer to the bulkhead. If your dock is accessed with a gangway, make sure it is kept underneath the gangway to assure no damage to either walkway occurs during the process.

• Disconnect Gangway and Lower Down to Dock

The next important step is to detach your gangway from your bulkhead or pier. This can involve the removal of several parts and accessories, such as the piano hinges, transition plates, and UHMW wheels. After the disconnection is complete, it may be possible for you to remove your gangway’s handrails to make your storage easier (depending if your gangway was made with that option). 

• Float Dock onto Land

Now that your dock and gangway have been fully disconnected, your final step is to float them onto your shoreline’s boat ramp so they can be stored properly for the next boating season. Make sure to glide them carefully to ensure neither of them are damaged while making their way across. If you prefer, you can use your boat or jet ski to make the transportation easier.

If you would like to learn more about floating docks from one Bristol Industries of PA’s knowledgeable specialists, give us a call or request a quote today!