6 Warning Signs That You Should Replace Your Floating Jet Ski Dock

October 05, 2020

If you’re going to take up jet skiing, you should make sure that you have the right tools to properly store your jet skis. One such piece of equipment is a jet ski dock. This is a specially designed dock that will allow you to secure your vessel to your waterfront property.

Most jet ski docks nowadays are made up of plastic floats that can be assembled with minimal effort. They are also quite durable and can take a great deal of damage. However, they are not indestructible.

A damaged dock can be dangerous because it can get overturned or sink. So it is imperative that you know when to repair or replace your dock. Here are 6 warning signs that you should replace your jet ski dock.

Loss of Buoyancy

One of the first signs that your jet ski dock needs to be replaced is the loss of buoyancy. If a jet ski dock is in perfect condition, it would usually be very stable and provide a good foothold. It should also be able to handle both your weight and that of your jet ski.

A floating dock that has lost its buoyancy, however, would usually dip into the water, and some parts would even sink. A floating dock that has lost its buoyancy can be dangerous because it can rapidly sink or overturn. So if you notice that your jet ski dock is losing some of its buoyancy, you should have it checked and make the necessary repairs.

Punctured Floating Docks

One of the easiest to spot signs that you should repair or replace your jet ski dock is punctures in the floating dock. Punctures and scratches can cause your jet ski dock to sink. So it is important that you regularly check your floating docks for these signs.

You should also check if there is any debris that may have gotten lodged or impaled on your dock floats. When you check for damage, you should make sure that you check the bottom of the dock as well because it is the most vulnerable and less visible part of the dock.

Damaged Accessories

Aside from checking your floating docks, you should also check its accessories like stairs, ladders, balusters, handrails, and extra platforms. If they are damaged or faulty in any way, there is a good chance that you’ll injure yourself.

You could be climbing onto your dock and the handrails or balusters could give way causing a serious accident. So you should make it a habit to check your accessories on a daily basis. This means that you check their screws, stability, and if there are any signs of deterioration on them.

Floating Dock Connectors are Damaged

Floating docks are usually made of plastic floats that are connected by rope or wire that are tied to specially designed connectors. These connectors are usually very sturdy and it takes a long time for them to deteriorate.

However, they are not indestructible and they can be broken off in the long run. Even one broken connector can weaken the stability of your floating dock, so you should make it a habit to check them for any signs of damage or deterioration. Aside from the connectors, you should also check the ropes or wire that secures them together.

Dented and Misshapen Floats

One of the most common types of damage that your floating dock can sustain is dents or deformed parts. They are usually the result of collisions from your jet ski or other vessels. Aside from being an eyesore, these dents and deformities can also distort the shape of your floating docks.

Remember that the plastic floats should perfectly fit together because any dents or deformities can make it difficult for the floating docks to stay compact. This can also weaken the integrity of your floats.

Corrosion

Although plastic is one of the most durable and long-lasting materials in existence, it is still not indestructible. It can get punctured, and it is also very susceptible to corrosion from ultraviolet rays. It can also get damaged through permeation, weathering, and aging. Through the years, your plastic floating dock can start cracking and even splitting due to plastic corrosion.

So it is imperative that you check your floats for signs of wear and tear. If there are any, you should make it a priority to replace the damaged floats as soon as possible. Luckily, there are companies such as Hiseadock that sell plastic floating docks. So if you need to replace any individual floats, you can check out this link.

Conclusion

Jet ski docks are specifically made to hold and secure jet skis. They are usually made of plastic floating docks and can be built easily. However, they are not indestructible and can be prone to wear and tear in the long run. To avoid any potential accidents, you should make sure that your dock is in the best condition possible. With these tips, you’ll know if it’s time to repair or replace your jet ski dock.