Protected Locations

It is recommended that all standing docks be removed over the winter months as frames are extremely susceptible to ice damage. Contact St. Lawrence Docks for information on removing standing dock components or to arrange for removal.

Your floating dock can be left in place over winter providing the following conditions prevail:

• If the waves resulting from high wind conditions do not exceed one foot in the dock area
• When water levels are at their lowest, floats under the dock do not rest or rub on the bottom, on rocks or other submerged hazards like sunken branches
• When the ice expands, there is a minimum of two feet of room behind the dock and the shoreline for movement

Preparing your floating dock for winter:

• Leave anchors attached. Coil 2 feet of anchor chain and fasten it with a bungee cord to a ring or cleat above the water level. The bungee will stretch to release needed slack as water levels rise
• Leave anchors attached. Coil 2 feet of anchor chain and fasten it with a bungee cord to a ring or cleat above the water level. The bungee will stretch to release needed slack as water levels rise
• Leave anchors attached. Coil 2 feet of anchor chain and fasten it with a bungee cord to a ring or cleat above the water level. The bungee will stretch to release needed slack as water levels rise
• Leave anchors attached. Coil 2 feet of anchor chain and fasten it with a bungee cord to a ring or cleat above the water level. The bungee will stretch to release needed slack as water levels rise
• Leave anchors attached. Coil 2 feet of anchor chain and fasten it with a bungee cord to a ring or cleat above the water level. The bungee will stretch to release needed slack as water levels rise
• Ensure that the ends of ramps are up on solid land, preferably at a mild angle facing up - not resting flush against rocks or the shoreline. A couple of 2'x4' planks can be placed under each end to keep the ramps out of the earth. This way, the ramps will be able to push up the shoreline if the dock is pushed by ice flows
• Always tie a safety line from the dock to a fixed object on shore. A chain is preferable as some animals like muskrat have been known to chew rope

Exposed Locations

In exposed conditions, it is recommended that all docking system components be removed over the winter months. High winds can push large ice masses against the dock, crushing it against the shoreline. Floating docks can be towed to protected locations. Contact St. Lawrence Docks for information on removing components or to arrange for removal.