Repairing Guides

how to repair a boat dock

by Dejon Ratke Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  1. Inspect Dock Posts. Your first step when repairing a lake dock is to inspect the dock posts that are above the water level for any problems or for nails ...
  2. Waterproof The Replacement Wood. You must then treat the wood that is getting replaced in the water with the deck sealant. ...
  3. Remove Old Nails. You must now pry out any nails from the previous post you are taking away from the dock in order to repair a fixed lake dock.
  4. Aesthetic Repairs. It is now time to do any minor repairs that may be necessary such as replacing nails with galvanized nails.

How much does it cost to repair a boat dock?

How much does it cost to repair a boat dock? Simple repairs may cost as little as $255 for parts and labor, but more extensive work can cost more than $4,000. The table below shows the average costs for common dock repairs: Homeowners can save money on labor charges by completing some repairs on their own.

How to protect your boat at the dock?

Worst-Case Scenario

  • Document It. Record all the important numbers you can, starting with the boat’s hull identification number (HIN).
  • Copy It. If your boat is recovered, you’ll need to prove that it’s yours. ...
  • Photograph It. Cameras aren’t just for vacations—photos help you prove ownership of property. ...

How to properly dock a boat?

So how do I properly dock a boat into a slip?

  • Watch your speed. First and foremost, one of the most common phrases you will hear when it comes to boating is “never approach a dock faster than you are willing ...
  • Prepare before you head in. ...
  • Check your surroundings. ...
  • Proceed with caution. ...
  • Final techniques to back in. ...

How to jack up a boat dock?

  • Make sure the ground is solid and fairly flat.
  • Check blocks for rotting or splitting; replace damaged or badly rusted stands.
  • Place a plywood base under each stand to spread the load evenly and keep the stand legs from sinking.
  • Use pairs of boat stands, one placed to port and one to starboard, every 8 ft. ...

More items...

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How do you repair an old dock?

5:2813:36This Old Dock. How to repair and level a dock with a car jack - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn then i'm going to push it down into the bottom and start loading the concrete. In on the 4x4 iMoreIn then i'm going to push it down into the bottom and start loading the concrete. In on the 4x4 i put some nails in it uh just to keep it locked into the concrete.

How do you replace wood on a dock?

1:268:50Fixing up the Dock by Replacing Deck Boards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFrom our dock. But before we add the new ones on we're going to be doing a little bit of work on theMoreFrom our dock. But before we add the new ones on we're going to be doing a little bit of work on the actual frame of the duck.

How much does it cost to replace wood on a dock?

Dock Repair Cost by MaterialMaterialCost Range (including labor) per sq. ft.Average Cost (including labor) per sq. ft.Pressure-treated wood$5 – $20$12.50Wood composite$10 – $50$30Hardwood$8 – $35$21.50Vinyl$4 – $15$9.505 more rows

What material is best for docks?

Aluminum is considered by many dock owners to be the best choice for decking material because it requires no maintenance, will not rot, decay, warp, or twist and it only needs to be cleaned as you see fit. Aluminum decking from ShoreMaster is also incredibly lightweight while remaining extremely durable.

What kind of wood is used for docks?

The best wood boards for docks are western red cedar, redwood, cypress and eastern white cedar. However, if the dock will feature permanent piles or cribs, then you are going to want a stronger hardwood, such as Douglas fir, tamarack and hemlock.

How long do wood docks last?

approximately 15 yearsThe average wood dock lasts approximately 15 years. Determine if your dock is well past it's intended lifespan or still in it's prime. The age of the dock isn't an ultimate deciding factor for replacement, but it's a great place to start.

How do you repair a rotting deck?

5 Steps to Repair Wood RotGather tools and materials.Remove rotten boards Use a 5-in-1 rasp, chisel, or claw hammer to remove the rotted areas of wood. ... Apply wood hardener, filler, or epoxy If minor damaged wood cannot be easily replaced, wood hardener, filler or epoxy may help strengthen the damaged area.More items...•

How do you repair deck boards?

0:405:38How to Fix and Repair Damaged Deck Boards | Mitre 10 Easy As DIYYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow i'm just going to use my pin gun here to fix that board down if you don't have a finishing gunMoreNow i'm just going to use my pin gun here to fix that board down if you don't have a finishing gun just use the old hammer. And. Nails now for this job i'm using a multi-tool.

How much is a 40 foot aluminum dock?

4' x 40' Aluminum Frame Floating Dock Material List at MenardsApproximate Price More Information$5,564.6511% Mail-In Rebate Good Through 7/17/22$612.11

Is pressure treated wood safe for docks?

A: According to a number of jurisdictions across North America, yes, it is safe to use today's pressure-treated wood for docks, rafts and other water contact structures. The pressure-treated lumber you buy today does not contain arsenic, as it did up to four years ago.

How do you keep pressure treated wood from rotting?

The best way to protect from pressure-treated wood rot is to apply a deck preservative. Like we mentioned earlier, stains, paints and sealants are the best choice to use. You can find these items easily at the local hardware store.

How thick should dock boards be?

16” on center = Standard for residential decking applications. 12” on center is recommended for a sturdier underfoot feel, when using standard deck board thickness of 1”. 24” on center = Sometimes used for commercial applications such as docks and boardwalks; wider joist spacing requires greater deck board thickness.

How do you install dock boards?

3:199:05How to install a boat dock | #WPM - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd they're all put of courses upside down so we put all the good sides to the bottom we're justMoreAnd they're all put of courses upside down so we put all the good sides to the bottom we're just going to square the frame make sure that's way under the frame to square the corner to the corner.

What is the best wood to use on decks?

Pressure-treated lumber is the best wood for outdoor decks when it comes to upfront costs because of its easy accessibility. However, pressure-treated lumber — and indeed, all types of traditional wood decking material — require the aforementioned rigorous, costly maintenance over time.

What is the best wood for a boat floor?

Oak woods are prized for their rot resistance and strength, therefore making them one of the best woods for marine use.

What is the best wood for underwater?

In most cases, pressure treated lumber is the best, most economical choice for building such structures. With the correct chemical formulations it can withstand constant salt water spray, freshwater immersion or saltwater immersion.

What causes a boat dock to rot?

If you have a wooden boat dock, it is perfectly normal for it to experience a little rot. Sometimes fungus from the water can cause dry rot, causing your wooden components to decay and crumble. If this problem is contained to small areas, repairing the damage with new lumber is a simple fix. However, if you find that the rotting has spread to multiple areas simultaneously, it could be a huge waste of money and time to repair your boat dock. In this case, it would be much simpler to get your boat dock replaced.

Why does my boat dock bend?

Depending on the material your boat dock is constructed in, strong waves and currents can cause your structure to warp or bend due to the high pressure. Additionally, the impact of running your boat into a dock that is not properly outfitted with protective dock bumper s can cause damage to your dock as well.

How far should a boat dock be driven into the ground?

Unless you own a floating dock, supports that hold up your boat dock must be driven into the ground at least 4 feet to ensure stability. Different water conditions can cause rock and sand bed to erode over time, making this 4 foot minimum impossible.

Is it dangerous to crack a boat dock?

Deterioration to the foundation of your boat dock is very dangerous and any cracking should be a sign that further investigation should be done to make sure it is not a sign of a larger issue. If there is damage to the underwater foundation, this is a strong indicator that your dock needs to be replaced.

Can you replace a boat dock?

Replacing Your Boat Dock. Sometimes, dock repair is an option and your dock can be kept in use longer. While other times, a boat dock can become too worn and torn and gets to a point beyond simple repair. Docks that hit this stage of deterioration are dangerous and unreliable, as one bad step could end in injury or even death.

What happens if you don't maintain a boat dock?

If you do not maintain a boat dock properly, it can lead you to have to make repairs that can be extensive as well as expensive. Erosion and deterioration are just some of the damages that can be done to a pier if you are not taking proper care of it.

Can you take nails off a dock?

You must now pry out any nails from the previous post you are taking away from the dock in order to repair a fixed lake dock. The water pump will assist you in removing the sand from the post that you are removing. Once the post is brought to the surface, you can then throw it away.

What are the problems with floating docks?

Custom floating docks are different still. 1. Dock Deck Splintering. For wood docks, one of the biggest issues we see are that the deck boards start to splinter. Fortunately, this can be a relatively easy fix. You might need to sand down certain sections to prevent further breaks.

Why is it important to inspect docks?

Just as dock boards can splinter, other materials on your dock can have their own issues. Some types of docks can run into problems with their metal parts rusting. That’s why it’s so important to do regular checks for signs of rust around your dock. A quick inspection for rusted frames can help you feel better about your waterfront setup—and keep you safe!

What does rusting around a dock mean?

Rust around your dock means it’s just a matter of time before something gets worse or snaps. 3. Dock Floats Sinking. Dealing with a floating dock means you might need to replace a float here or there over the years. On the bright side, these issues are pretty easy to spot.

Do wood docks last forever?

In other cases, you might need to replace the entire board. Obviously wood docks don’t last forever, but staying on top of the smaller dock repairs can help it stay sturdy through the upcoming seasons.

How to repair a cracked EZ dock?

Many times a cracked or punctured EZ Dock section can be repaired by simply melting the polyethylene dock material with a torch or plastic welding iron (a large hot metal iron that melts the plastic together).

Can you plug a vent hole in a dock?

You can plug the old vent hole with any silicone material similar to bathtub caulk.

What is the best way to protect your boat from the sun?

Dock edges, railings and pilings are the first line of defense against boaters, sun, wind and waves. Over time, even treated wood will become degraded and begin to rot. REPLACING WOOD: When swapping out your decking, consider composites.

Does floe have cedar decking?

And FLOE International has a cedar-look aluminum decking with UV-protectant that is increasingly popular with customers. SCREWS OR NAILS: Not a lot of people use nails anymore, unless they are using a harder wood like cedar for their dock.

Dock Repair Cost by Dock Material

The material significantly impacts the cost of your repair. They can involve various materials, such as concrete, pine, vinyl, and hardwood. Some materials are cheaper and easier to work with than others, leading to lower repair costs. The table below shows common materials and average repair costs for each.

Boat Dock Repair Cost by Type of Dock

There are various boat docks, including floating, modular, and roll-in. The type can have a big impact on the cost of your repairs because different types have different problems. Some are relatively simple and cheap to fix, while others can be more complicated and expensive.

Dock Repair Cost by Location

The location may also have an impact on the cost of your repairs. Certain locations may be more accessible or easier to work with for a contractor than others. Some locations may be difficult to access or have more challenging conditions. The table below shows common locations and average costs for a dock of 400 sq.ft.

Dock Repair Cost by Type of Repair

Docks have many parts and potential issues. You might need repairs for your boat lift or require work on the frame, roof, posts, or piling. Costs vary depending on the repair. The table below shows example costs for a 400 sq.ft. dock.

Dock Repair Cost by Type of Replacement

In some situations, the damage to your dock might be too severe, and damaged parts must be replaced rather than fixed. The cost of replacements vary greatly, depending on the replacement type, because some parts are much more expensive to replace and more difficult to work with than others. The table below shows examples of replacements.

Dock Repair Cost by Problem

Many problems can arise with a boat dock. Rot is a very common issue, leading to damaged wooden parts like the posts and frame. Rust, cracks, splintering, and other issues may occur in metal sections of a dock. The costs of repair vary greatly based on the problem and the level of repair. The table below shows examples for a 400 sq.ft. dock.

Dock Repair Cost by Solution

Docks can have a range of problems, and various repair methods and solutions may be used to fix those problems. Depending on the problem, it might require restoration, reinforcement, sealing, or pressure washing. Repair costs vary from problem to problem, and the table below shows common methods and average costs for each based on a 400 sq.ft.

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Cracks and Warps in Dock Supports

Damage to The Foundation

  • Deterioration to the foundation of your boat dock is very dangerous and any cracking should be a sign that further investigation should be done to make sure it is not a sign of a larger issue. If there is damage to the underwater foundation, this is a strong indicator that your dock needs to be replaced. Such kind of damage is extremely dangerous as it is the basis upon which your boat d…
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Rusted Platforms and Supports

  • Due to the dock coming into contact with water so frequently, there is bound to be a build-up of moisture. Especially with metal docks, this built up moisture can result in rusted dock supports and platforms. This is not a big deal if the affected area is small in size since you can easily get it repaired or only need to replace individual parts. However, if it has affected a very large area, the…
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Rotting of Wood in Multiple Areas

  • If you have a wooden boat dock, it is perfectly normal for it to experience a little rot. Sometimes fungus from the water can cause dry rot, causing your wooden components to decay and crumble. If this problem is contained to small areas, repairing the damage with new lumber is a simple fix. However, if you find that the rotting has spread to multi...
See more on dockboxes.com

Supports Can’T Be Set at Least 4 Feet in The Ground

  • Unless you own a floating dock, supports that hold up your boat dock must be driven into the ground at least 4 feet to ensure stability. Different water conditions can cause rock and sand bed to erode over time, making this 4 foot minimum impossible. If you cannot set your posts deep enough into the ground, consider replacing your boat dock with a floating dock. A floating dock f…
See more on dockboxes.com

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