Lake Lanier Dock Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Living on Lake Lanier means your home extends beyond your four walls and right onto the water. One of the most critical—and enjoyable—parts of your property is your dock. Just like any other part of your home, your dock requires regular maintenance to keep it safe, beautiful, and operating efficiently for all your summer days and evenings on the water.

 

Here are some essential maintenance tips, straight from the pros, to keep this key feature of your Lake Lanier property in top condition.

 

Your winches and cables do the heavy lifting, and they need an annual inspection.

 

• Lubrication: A periodic spray with a lubricant like WD-40 or white lithium grease on the winch's moving components and the cable spool will assist in smooth release and tightening. When you spray, be sure to place a barrier (like cardboard) behind your spray direction to prevent lubricant from entering the lake.
• Inspection: Visually inspect all cable clamps, both on the dock and where they are secured on land, and tighten them.
• Replacement: If you see any signs of fraying or wear, the cable should be replaced. As a rule of thumb, use stainless steel cable if it will come in contact with the water, and galvanized cable if it will remain 100% out of the water.

Your dock's flotation should also be checked annually.

• Fasteners: Check the fasteners that attach the floats to the dock. If they are secured with bolts or "J" hooks, a nylon insert nut is a great choice as it's very difficult to wiggle loose with wave movement. If your floats are attached with lags drilled into the float, ensure they are tight and secured with at least four lags per float.
• Freeboard: The USACOE requires all dock flotation to have a minimum of 9 inches of "freeboard" visible (the distance from the water level to the top of the float). If your floats measure less than 9 inches, they likely either have water inside and need replacing, or the dock is under-floated and requires additional flotation.

Ramp wheel kits generally don't need lubrication, but they do need a visual inspection. Check that the cotter pin(s) are in good condition, washers are intact, and any caps are properly in place.

 

Now is the perfect time to give your walking surfaces a good spring cleaning.

 

• Repair and Replace: Replace any defective boards. If the boards are still structurally sound but weathered, you can sometimes flip them and reinstall them. Otherwise, new pressure-treated lumber will be required. Composite boards, while more expensive, are a popular low-maintenance option.
• Cleaning: A light spray with an environmentally safe cleaner, followed by a pressure washing, will get the dock looking clean and ready for the season.

For any exposed metal or rusted areas, you should sand or wire brush the spot, then prime and brush paint it.

 

Important note: Spray paint is strictly prohibited on or around any boat dock.

 

Vertical dock bumpers and horizontal dock edging can become weathered and mildewed. You can clean them with a bleach-and-water mixture. Let it soak in, then rub it with a clean shop towel. If they are beyond repair, new replacements can be purchased locally.

 

Taking the time for this spring maintenance ensures your dock—a key part of your Lake Lanier home—is safe and ready for a fun-filled summer. If your dock requires more attention than you can handle, several professional dock builders and marine contractors on Lake Lanier are available to help.