Winter is Coming: Prepare Yourself

As temperatures begin to drop, it’s crucial to prepare your boat lift, dock, and boathouse for the cold months ahead. Winterizing these structures helps protect your investments, ensures a smooth opening in spring, and extends the lifespan of your equipment. Here’s a guide to get your dock, boat lift, and boathouse ready for winter.

1. Inspect and Clean Your Boat Lift

Before the freezing temperatures set in, start by cleaning and inspecting your boat lift.

• Remove Your Boat: Begin by taking your boat out of the water and storing it safely on land or in a climate-controlled space. This makes inspecting and preparing the lift easier.
• Check for Wear and Tear: Inspect cables, pulleys, gears, and other moving parts for signs of wear or damage. Look for frayed cables, rust, or any abnormalities.
• Grease Moving Parts: Lubricate all the moving parts, like pulleys and gears, to prevent rust and freezing. Use a marine-grade grease, which is designed for high-moisture environments and can withstand colder temperatures.
• Protect the Lift Motor: Disconnect the lift motor and store it in a dry place. If removing it isn’t possible, cover the motor with a protective, weather-resistant cover to shield it from ice, snow, and moisture.
• Inspect and Tighten Bolts: Check all bolts, nuts, and hardware. Make sure everything is tightly secured. Winter conditions can cause these parts to loosen over time, and a quick inspection now can save headaches later.

2. Winterize Your Dock

Your dock is exposed to freezing water and heavy snowfall, making it essential to protect it from winter’s harsh conditions.

• Remove Dock Accessories: Take off items like ladders, benches, and lights that may get damaged by ice buildup. Store them in a dry, protected space until spring.
• Check for Loose Boards and Hardware: Inspect the dock surface and structure for loose boards, screws, or nails. Reinforce any weak spots to keep your dock secure during winter’s freeze-thaw cycles.
• Drain Water Lines: If your dock has plumbing or water lines, make sure they are completely drained to prevent freezing and cracking.
• Use De-Icers (If Necessary): In regions where water freezes around the dock, consider installing a de-icer or bubbler system. These devices keep water circulating around the dock to prevent ice buildup, which can damage the structure.

3. Winterizing Your Boathouse

A boathouse requires special attention to prevent damage from freezing conditions.

• Inspect the Roof and Gutters: Clear any debris from the roof and gutters. Snow and ice can build up on these surfaces, leading to damage if water cannot properly drain.
• Close and Seal Doors and Windows: Check for gaps around doors and windows. Properly seal and insulate any areas that might let in cold air or moisture.
• Disconnect Power Supply and Water Lines: Shut off the electricity to your boathouse if it won’t be in use over winter. Drain any water lines to prevent frozen pipes and potential flooding come spring.
• Store All Equipment and Supplies: Organize any items stored in your boathouse. Place valuable or sensitive items in plastic bins, ideally off the floor, to protect them from potential moisture damage.

4. Consider Ice Protection for the Entire Dock and Boathouse Area

In areas with deep freezes, ice damage can be a major concern. Using a de-icer or bubbler system not only helps protect the dock but also preserves the area around your boathouse.

• Install a Bubbler or De-Icing System: A bubbler circulates water to prevent ice from forming around your dock, lift, and boathouse. For areas with long winters, this investment can save on repairs come spring.
• Check Ice Levels Regularly: If you live nearby, make occasional visits to monitor ice levels and ensure your de-icing system is functioning properly. If a heavy freeze occurs, minor adjustments may be necessary to maintain water flow around the dock and lift.

5. Inspect and Organize All Stored Items

Whether in your boathouse, shed, or other storage areas, take time to organize your equipment for winter.

• Store Watercraft Accessories: Remove items like life jackets, cushions, ropes, and other accessories that could be damaged by moisture. Dry them thoroughly and store them in a safe, dry place.
• Organize Boating Supplies: Keep essential maintenance items like oils, lubricants, and cleaning products accessible for spring prep. Clear out any expired products and organize them by category for easy access later.
• Safeguard Your Boat’s Battery: If you haven’t removed the boat’s battery yet, take it out, clean the terminals, and store it in a warm, dry location. Regularly charge the battery during winter to prevent it from discharging completely.

6. Document Everything for Easy Spring Preparation

Documenting what you’ve done for winterization can simplify the spring startup process.

• Take Photos and Notes: Snap photos of your boat lift, dock, and boathouse once they’re fully winterized. Make notes on any repairs you identified or parts that need replacement. This will provide you with a clear checklist for spring.
• Keep an Inventory List: Create a list of all stored items and their locations, so you can quickly locate accessories, tools, and parts when you’re ready to reassemble everything.

Final Thoughts

Winterizing your boat lift, dock, and boathouse takes time but is worth the effort. By following these steps, you can protect your waterfront property from costly damage and make spring preparations much easier. With proper winterization, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your dock setup is safe and ready for another season.