Getting Ready For Chilly Season!

By MSW -

We have officially moved into the fall season in Missouri, and it's time to start thinking about getting your boat and dock ready for the colder weather. Firstmate Controls is all about keeping you safe and having a great time. So, in today's blog, we're talking about some tips on how to prepare for the colder temperatures that are on their way. Keep reading to learn all about it! 



Get an Inspection


The fall is the perfect time to have your dock inspected. This can be especially important for second homeowners that aren't at their property all year long. If you have a Firstmate Controls boat lift control box, you have access to incredible support right here on our support page. You can also schedule a service call or off-season dock check right on our helpful website! 

Do a Quick Overview


One of the first things you can do on your own to make sure your dock is safe and ready for colder weather is to do a visual inspection. Make sure no bolts or fasteners are missing. Take a look at the welds on your docks to ensure you have no cracks. Check your dock cables, if they are frayed or rusted you may want to have a new cable installed. It's also a good idea to lengthen your dock cables to prepare for the drawdown at the beginning of the year. Look around the dock to make sure there are no limbs or stumps that will not allow your dock to move up and down. 

Clean Up the Dock & Clean Out the Boat


Pull all the water toys out of the water and the boat, remove all the air, dry them out (so they don't get mold and mildew!), and store them in your dock locker. If you have furniture on the dock, make sure you secure the furniture or remove it from the dock and put it somewhere safe and covered. Remove the dock ladder from the water and make sure it is secure.


 

Get Ready for Potential Ice

 
If you are in shallow water, or if the weather is calling for a very cold winter (like last year!), you will want to install dock de-icers. The size of your dock and the depth of the water will determine the number and capacity of de-icers you will want to place around your dock. Your dock being stuck in a sheet of ice and unable to move with the height of the water can be a huge source of stress to the framing. In fact, your dock could even break under the strain.
 

Get Ready with Firstmate Controls


Our team at Firstmate is full of boaters, so we understand the hobby and want to make sure you're able to enjoy your boat and dock safely and easily for as long as possible. Check out our website and find the perfect boat lift control system for you. Our remote control boat lift is incredibly popular and makes a huge difference in your boating experience. Get one today so you can get started boating with the press of a button next spring! 



Boat Lift Controls You Can Count On!

Firstmate Controls 
410 Century Business Drive
Labadie, MO 63055

Phone: (866) 570-9707


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