Key Takeaways
Early summer preparation ensures your dock, boat, and waterfront equipment are safe, clean, and ready before peak season begins.
Inspecting dock connections, cleaning surfaces, and upgrading accessories improves comfort and reduces mid-season issues.
Planning ahead for installation and maintenance helps avoid delays when demand increases during warm-weather months.
Summer winding up means boaters winding down—or at least that would be the case if it weren’t for all the prep that boaters needed to do before boating season starts. It can be tempting to put off the hard work until later, but a little legwork now can save your summer. Get your calendar and checkbook out because it’s time to put summer preparation on the agenda.
Buy Now, or at Least Soon
Dealers and suppliers are still running into supply chain issues and dealing with backorders, so it’s best to order your summertime essentials as soon as possible. Now is the time to buy if you need new or replacement parts or dock accessories, flotation devices or life jackets for kids that outgrew their old ones, or an upgrade to any part of your waterfront.Also, keep in mind other essentials like fire extinguishers and first aid kits that might have expired since last year. You don’t want to miss out on a fun summer because you procrastinated on getting your waterfront pieces together.
Get That Installation Scheduled
Dealers are getting busier as summer approaches, and you don’t want to wait until the last minute for installation. If you’re going with the pros, call them as soon as possible to ensure that you’re on the calendar for your boat dock installation and maintenance. Even if you’re going to call a few friends to help you haul your dock out into the water, make sure that you set those plans now before they start making waterfront plans of their own with their loved ones.
Do Some Cleaning
Your boat, lift, and dock system all need a little love and care once out of storage. Roll up your sleeves, brush off the cobwebs, and start looking for areas that need to be fixed. Give everything a good cleaning, restock necessary supplies, get fresh fuel and lubrication in the systems, and get everything in working order before summer gets here.
Imagine Your Perfect Day
But don’t stop there—think about what could make that perfect day a reality. Consider what you’ve done in the past, any regrets you might have, or anything you wish you could have done differently. Now’s the best time to figure out which changes to make to avoid repeat issues.
PolyDock is full of seasonal boaters (we’re in Minnesota!), so we understand what preparing for the summer really means. Our boat docks are designed to stand up to the elements of all seasons while still being easy to own, use, and install, whether you’re doing it once or once a year. If you’re gearing up for summer, consider getting in touch with PolyDock for your dock, accessories, replacement parts, and more.
FAQs
What should I do first when preparing my dock for summer?
Start with a full inspection of dock sections, connections, and anchoring points. Cleaning the surface and checking for wear early helps prevent safety problems once the season is underway.
Why is spring the best time to schedule dock service or installation?
Demand increases rapidly as summer approaches, so scheduling early helps secure availability and ensures your dock is ready before busy weekends begin.
What upgrades can make a dock more enjoyable for summer?
Popular upgrades include swim ladders, furniture, lighting, bumpers, and watersport storage racks. These additions improve both safety and everyday convenience.
How can I keep my dock clean throughout the season?
Regular rinsing and light scrubbing with mild soap helps prevent algae buildup and surface stains. Seasonal maintenance keeps the dock looking good and reduces slip hazards.