6 expert tips to get your dock ready for summer

Nothing will ruin a jump in the lake like a splinter in your foot. Replace any cracking or rotting deck boards and consider staining or sealing them to prevent future damage. When you’re applying these products, do so well back from the water.

Tighten all the screws, bolts, and other hardware that holds the dock together, as well as the dock cleats. Oil the hinges (again, away from the water) to minimize annoying squeaking while you’re lounging on the dock.

Pay careful attention to the hardware holding your ladder to the dock. Body weight coming out of the water puts a lot of strain on a ladder. If it has wooden rungs, you’ll want to sand down any potential splinters.

If you have a diving board, make sure all the fasteners are secure, inspect it for signs of wear, and replace it if it’s at the end of its life—before it snaps on someone mid-spring. And take a dip to make sure no underwater hazards have shifted into the lakebed in front of your diving area.

Bumpers are worth their weight in gold, but only if they work. Make sure they’re securely fastened in place, and replace any that are worn out and won’t properly protect your boat.

Does your dock feel a little crowded? Clear up some floor space by adding a canoe and/or kayak rack to stack your water toys. Mount in on dry land if space is really at a premium.