Preparing Your Dock and Boat Lift for Hurricane Season

Living in South Florida means enjoying year-round boating—but it also means being prepared for hurricane season. High winds, storm surge, and heavy rain can cause serious damage to docks, boat lifts, and vessels. Protecting your waterfront investment starts with planning ahead and taking the right preventative steps.

At Atlantic Harbor Marine Construction, we’ve seen firsthand how proactive maintenance can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs. Here’s what you should know to keep your dock and boat lift ready when a storm is on the horizon.

Why Hurricane Prep Matters

Even a minor tropical storm can:

• Loosen dock pilings and decking.

• Damage or flip boat lifts.

• Create costly corrosion from saltwater intrusion.

• Put your vessel at risk of breaking free.

By preparing early, you reduce the chance of damage and ensure a faster recovery after the storm.

Step 1: Inspect Your Dock

Before hurricane season begins, schedule a full inspection of your dock:

• Check pilings and fasteners for cracks, rot, or looseness.

• Examine decking boards for wear and replace any damaged planks.

• Inspect hardware—bolts, cleats, and brackets should be secure and rust-free.

• Confirm permits and code compliance, since many storm-related failures happen on older, non-compliant docks.

If your dock shows signs of wear, repairs should be made well before a storm approaches.

Step 2: Prepare Your Boat Lift

Your boat lift is one of the most vulnerable structures during a hurricane. To prepare:

• Lift boats completely out of the water to reduce exposure to storm surge.

• Secure the cradle with straps or safety locks to prevent swaying.

• Disconnect electrical power to avoid short circuits.

• Inspect cables and pulleys for fraying or corrosion. Replace worn components before storm season.

For larger boats, it’s often recommended to relocate them to a safe harbor or haul them out entirely.

Step 3: Remove Loose Items

Anything left unsecured becomes a projectile in hurricane-force winds. Before a storm:

• Remove dock boxes, furniture, bumpers, and hoses.

• Store jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards on land.

• Tie down ladders and gangways or bring them indoors.

Step 4: Reinforce with Professional Help

Some hurricane preparations are best left to experts. Marine contractors can:

• Install storm-rated pilings and stronger lift systems.

• Add hurricane straps or tie-downs for additional lift security.

• Recommend floating docks in areas with wide tidal fluctuations.

• Ensure electrical systems are protected against water intrusion.

Step 5: After the Storm

Once conditions are safe:

• Inspect your dock and lift immediately for structural damage.

• Photograph and document any damage for insurance claims.

• Schedule repairs quickly to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

Hurricane season is a fact of life in Broward County and across South Florida, but with the right preparation, you can safeguard your dock, boat lift, and vessel. Don’t wait until a storm is on the radar—schedule inspections and upgrades now to ensure peace of mind when the next system approaches.

Protect your waterfront investment this hurricane season. Call Atlantic Harbor Marine Construction at 954-564-3715 or visit www.AtlanticHarborMC.com to schedule a dock and boat lift inspection today.