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Air-Dock boat lift maintenance and care
Air-Dock boat lifts require very little routine maintenance. Proper cleaning, winter storage and an occasional inspection help keep your inflatable boat lift performing for years.
Cleaning, winter storage and saltwater care
Air-Dock chambers can be used in fresh or salt water, and minor damage can typically be repaired with the included patch kit.
Cleaning your lift
Routine cleaning isn’t required. Marine growth will not damage the material.
- If unsightly growth occurs, use a scrub brush and soap with a power washer, and be careful not to damage the chambers
- Clean before long-term storage to prevent mold and smell
Winterizing and storage
Remove and store your lift if you expect a hard freeze of 1″ of ice or more.
- After cleaning, fold the chambers in one direction, then roll them like a sleeping bag or rug
- Don’t double fold like a flag, as damage could occur over time
- If you leave it in the water without a boat, inflate the chambers slightly above the waterline to keep the tops clean
Using Air-Dock in saltwater
Bottom paint is optional and not required.
- Barnacles can be removed with a plastic scraper, in or out of the water, and won’t damage the chambers
- West Marine Bottom Shield Anti-Fouling Paint or equivalent works well
- Seasonal use: apply a new coat each season. Full-time use: apply two coats before the first installation
Chamber repairs are simple
Air-Dock chambers are easy to repair, and each unit comes with a patch kit to help if it’s ever needed.
Minor repairs, done on the spot
You can make minor repairs without un-installing your lift. Most patches take only minutes to complete and can hold for many years.
Larger repairs, handled by our team
Ship your chamber back to Air-Dock’s repair facility. A trained professional will analyze the problem, complete the repair and ship you a fully functioning chamber, often in less than a week.
Care and maintenance guide
Keep these tips handy with our printable PDF guide.
Maintenance questions, answered
How much maintenance does an Air-Dock need?
Very little. Proper cleaning, winter storage and an occasional inspection help keep your lift performing for years.
Do I need to clean my Air-Dock?
Routine cleaning isn’t required, since marine growth will not damage the material. If unsightly growth occurs, a scrub brush and soap can be used with a power washer, being careful not to damage the chambers. Clean the lift before long-term storage to prevent mold and smell.
Should I take my Air-Dock out for the winter?
We recommend removing and storing your lift if you expect a hard freeze of 1″ of ice or more. If you leave it in the water without a boat, inflate the chambers slightly above the waterline to keep the tops clean.
How do I fold and store the chambers?
After cleaning, fold the chambers in one direction and roll them like a sleeping bag or rug. Don’t double fold them like a flag, as damage could occur over time.
Does an Air-Dock work in saltwater, and does it need bottom paint?
Yes, the chambers can be used in fresh or salt water. Bottom paint is optional and not required. If you choose anti-fouling paint, West Marine Bottom Shield Anti-Fouling Paint or equivalent works well. Apply a new coat each season for seasonal use, or two coats before the initial installation for full-time use.
Will barnacles damage my chambers?
No. Barnacles can be removed with a plastic scraper, in or out of the water, and they will not cause damage to the chambers.
How do I repair an Air-Dock chamber?
Each unit comes with a patch kit. Minor repairs can be done on the spot without un-installing your lift, and most patches take only minutes and can hold for many years. For larger repairs, ship your chamber back to Air-Dock’s repair facility, and we will often return a fully functioning chamber in less than a week.
More answers on our full FAQ page.
Questions about caring for your lift?
Our team is happy to help with cleaning, storage, repairs or anything else about your Air-Dock.
