Beat the Heat: How to Protect Your Dock from Florida’s Summer Sun and Salt
Summer in Sarasota is nothing short of stunning—but the same sun and sea breeze that make waterfront living so enjoyable can also be surprisingly destructive. As temperatures climb and UV rays intensify, your dock, boat lift, and accessories are under constant assault from sun, salt, and moisture.
At Mariner Dock & Seawall, we want to help you make the most of summer without compromising the integrity of your investment. Here’s how to protect your dock from Florida’s harshest seasonal conditions.
Sun, Salt, and Surface Damage: What You’re Up Against
From May through September, UV exposure in Florida is at its peak. For wood docks, this can mean warping, splitting, or fading. Composite materials, though more resistant, can still suffer surface cracking or expansion. And let’s not forget salt: it seeps into crevices, corrodes hardware, and accelerates decay—especially on older docks or unsealed materials.
Regular maintenance and inspection are key. Our team offers comprehensive dock repair and maintenance services to identify and resolve damage caused by prolonged exposure before it becomes irreversible.
Clean, Seal, Repeat
Salt and grime build up fast during the summer months. One of the best ways to extend your dock’s life is to keep it clean. Power washing every few months can remove damaging salt deposits and prepare the surface for sealant. After cleaning, we recommend applying a high-quality marine-grade sealant to protect against water intrusion and UV rays.
If you’re unsure which sealants are best—or when and how often to apply them—our crew at Mariner is happy to help. We’ve been protecting Sarasota’s docks for over 25 years and can recommend the right products and schedule for your setup.
Don't Forget Your Boat Lifts and Jet Ski Docks
Your boat lifts and jet ski docks also need extra care during the summer. Constant exposure to sunlight can degrade cables, while saltwater accelerates corrosion in metal components.
Routine inspection of boat lifts for fraying, rust, or weakening parts can prevent costly failures—and help keep your watercraft safe and secure. If it’s been a while since your last checkup, we recommend booking a mid-season inspection now.
Upgrade Your Dock for the Summer Season
Summer is the most popular time to entertain guests by the water, so why not make your dock more enjoyable and functional while you’re at it?
At Mariner Dock & Seawall, we offer a wide selection of dock accessories, including:
Dock benches for watching sunsets
Storage boxes to protect gear from sun and salt
Fish cleaning tables for your freshest catch
Ladders and slides for safer swimming
All our accessories are designed to withstand Sarasota’s intense weather while enhancing your waterfront lifestyle.
Stay Ahead of the Weather
With hurricane season now underway, it’s more important than ever to ensure your dock is in peak condition. Structural damage caused by summer heat and salt can weaken your dock’s ability to handle high winds and waves later in the season.
If you haven’t already, check out our guide to hurricane preparedness, and schedule an inspection to make sure your dock is ready.
Trust Mariner Dock & Seawall for Summer-Ready Solutions
From seawall repair and boat lifts to docks and accessories, Mariner Dock & Seawall is Sarasota’s trusted partner in protecting your waterfront property. Don’t let the sun and salt steal your summer. Reach out today and let our experts help you preserve the beauty, strength, and functionality of your dock all season long.