Dock whips in the winter......
 

We just had our old rotted out dock replaced and while I was reinstalling all of the dock "stuff" (cleats, ladders, whips, etc) I got (sadly) thinking about camp closing activities for Oct. For the last two winters (ie since buying the place) I have removed the dock whips and stored them under the deck. Why do I do it? Because that's what the previous owner told me to do. Do I really need to do this?....after all how different can it be leaving them connected to the dock versus stored in the snow under the deck? Please help me out here....is there a valid reason not to simply leave them connected to the dock??

Take Them Off
 

I would think you take them off because someone could steal them if left in place. Unfortunately it is not an uncommon occurance on island properties to have something stolen or intentionally damaged during the off season.

theft is the main reason....

I store mine in a shed to keep them out of the elements which also protects them from the sun and other elements, which will effect the longevity of the rope.....

Because it gets them out of the sun. Sun (UV) can deteriorate the whips and lines.

When I bought my whips (Dock Edge) the included information sheet recommended that they not be subjected to freezing temperatures. I disassemble mine and take them home for the off-season.

My whips came with the house we bought 15 years ago. I estimate they were over 10 years old then. So, 25+ years and still working.

I take them down during the winter and store them in an unheated shed. So the temps don't seem to have hurt them.

Docks whips in the winter...
 

I used to remove the whips,lines, and bases and store them in the house for the winter. When I recommissioned the system in the spring I used that time to carefully inspect all parts before reassembling everything. Never had a problem.

...emphasis—VISIBLE...
 

As to theft, we've lost nothing at Lake Winnipesaukee in 57 years. :)

'Course, we don't have much. :o

Repeated rain-freeze-thaw sequences are harmful to one's lines left to winter's awesome scourges, so removing them completely is probably best. This is typical visible nylon line damage from just one winter:

I'm guessing there is a reason for this advice . . .
 

See the WINTER STORAGE section on page 2:

http://www.dockedge.com/support/EngWhipsinst.pdf