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Fall & Winter Dock Prep Checklist | NP Floats & Docks


Protect your dock and make spring start-up a breeze


Snow-covered pier by a calm, reflective harbor under cloudy skies. Sun rays break through clouds, casting a serene ambiance.
Bayview, NS


Why Winter Dock Prep Matters


Getting your dock ready for the cold months is one of the smartest ways to protect your investment. Proper winter dock prep helps prevent ice damage, anchor stress, and costly repairs when spring returns. Whether you leave your dock in or take it out, this checklist will guide you through the best steps for keeping your dock safe in Nova Scotia’s harsh winters.



Winter Dock Prep Checklist


  • Float Chains – Use dark rope or small black corks with a breakaway rope to prevent ice from dragging your anchors. In most cases, the corks and rope will melt out of the ice before it shifts, reducing the risk of your anchor or mooring being pulled.


  • Shore Lines – Always use sinking rope when running lines back to shore. Gravel and mud bottoms are fine, but avoid large rocks that can snag or weaken your rope over time.


  • Leaving Docks In – If you plan to leave docks in place, detach ramps and tie the dock back to shore so it can move with the ice. Remove dock fingers/piers with 90° connections and tie them alongside the main dock, since these are weak points.


  • Post Removal – A monkey wrench can help twist and lift posts. If that doesn’t work, we offer jack rentals designed specifically for pulling dock posts.



Man in hoodie with machinery, beside stacked wood panels near a lake. Bright blue sky, houses in the background, orange straps on grass.

Dock Removal Options for Winter


  • Hire Us: NP Floats & Docks offers safe, professional dock removal in Cape Breton, and parts of mainland Nova Scotia.


  • DIY: Many hardware stores rent boom trucks for affordable dock lifting and stacking.


  • Pulling on Shore: Avoid dragging docks across sharp rocks or debris that could puncture plastic floats (like Candock modular docks).


  • Our Recommendation: We typically suggest removing docks for the winter. In some sheltered areas, leaving them in may be an option depending on construction. Not sure? —we’ll locate your dock on Google Earth and recommend the best solution.



Taking the time to plan your winter dock prep now will save you stress, time, and money when the ice melts in spring. From floating chains and sinking rope to safe dock removal, these steps will help protect your dock all season long. Not sure what’s best for your dock? Contact NP Floats & Docks.



Woman in a black coat and dog stand on a wooden deck overlooking a frozen lake under a clear blue sky, creating a serene scene.

This is Sully enjoying the view of the chilly Bras d'Or Lake, though we're pretty sure he's daydreaming about his next swim.


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