Signs Your Boat Dock Needs Replacing
Boat docks are built to withstand incredible amounts of punishment, but eventually they succumb to damage and wear-and-tear regardless of how sturdy they are.
Docks receive a barrage of daily waves, not to mention punishment from heat, winds, boats knocking into them and people walking all over them. With or without regular maintenance, boat docks eventually deteriorate.
If you’re looking out at your boat dock wondering if it needs to be repaired or replaced altogether, there are signs that it’s time to put some money back into it. In many cases, a dock can be repaired, but sometimes they’re simply too old or beyond saving. Here are some signs your boat dock may need to be replaced.
The Foundation is Decayed
If the integrity of what holds the whole structure up is compromised, it’s incredibly dangerous, as the entire dock can come tumbling down into the water.
If you see any signs of deterioration in your dock’s foundation, you may only have to replace a pillar or two. However, if the entire foundation is rotted, you’ll have to face the fact that your dock needs to be replaced. Treat foundation decay on your boat dock as a safety hazard and close off the area until it’s been replaced.
Water is a very corrosive element, and most metals are susceptible to rust. It can destroy the structural integrity of a dock and create a tetanus risk for anyone who walks on it. While individual rusty hardware can be replaced, if the entire dock is corroded, you should replace the dock as soon as possible before it collapses.
If you’re going to replace the dock’s metal hardware or have an entirely metal dock installed, go with aluminum, as it’s a more durable type of metal that doesn’t rust, and is incredibly resistant to corrosion.
Rotting Wood
Wood and water don’t mix well, as water gradually eats away at the wood as it soaks into it, leading to wet wood rot that can collapse the entire dock if left unattended.
If you have a wooden dock, inspect it regularly for signs of rotting. Like with rust, a small rotted wood area of the dock may be able to be repaired in time, but if the decay has spread to the entire dock, it may need to be replaced altogether.
Rotting wood can crack, splinter and eventually expose hardware such as rusty nails, leading to safety hazards for anybody who walks on it. While wooden decking can easily be replaced, if the dock was built entirely with wooden structural support and is rotting from top to bottom, you should have the dock closed off and replaced.
Loose Decking
The deck is the most important part of the dock as far as foot traffic goes, and any loose decking is a recipe for an accident or injury for anybody who walks across it.
Deck boards and hardware can come apart due to the heavy load and constant push and pull of watercraft that are tied to it, as well as foot traffic. You should inspect the decking for damage and loose boards, as these can cause serious injury, especially if a leg breaks through. Hammer down any loose boards or get them replaced as soon as possible, but if most or all of the decking is coming apart, consider replacing the entire deck or the dock itself.
Creaky Noises
If you hear horror-movie-like creaking noises while the dock is in use or even in the wind, it’s a sign that the structural integrity of the dock is probably compromised.
Creaking sounds are indicative of decay and/or a weak foundation. If you hear such noises coming from your dock, have it inspected by a professional to see if it needs to be replaced. Because if the creaky noises from your boat dock are left unchecked, you may find the dock collapsing or washing away someday.
Warping
Whether it’s a wooden or metal dock, warping and bending can occur over time with age, but also in large part due to water and wave damage.
Heavy waves and currents can twist and bend the frames of a dock over time, making it look crooked. Boat collisions and general pulling and tugging can also warp a dock. Warps and bends affect the stability of the dock’s surface, and on a wooden dock, warping could cause hardware to get dislodged and create a safety hazard. If your dock looks crooked or like it’s melting, it’s a sign that it may have to be replaced.
Wobbling
A wobbly dock is another sign of decay and loss of stability, and that it’s time to inspect and tighten up the structural support.
If your dock is wobbling or feels out of balance, inspect the hardware holding the dock together to see if anything has come loose or fallen off. Check every joint thoroughly and replace anything that may have come off to see if that stops the dock from swaying. And if it doesn't, you should replace the whole thing.
Algae, Moss and Mold Growth
Lack of cleaning and regular maintenance of your dock can make it a petri dish of algae, mold and who knows what else.
If the growth has spread so out of control you can’t even clean it, consider replacing your boat dock. Moss, mold and mildew can also make the dock slippery, creating a safety hazard. If you can’t even remember the last time you deep cleaned your mossy dock, the growth has probably set in beyond the point of no return and it’s time for a new dock.
Aging
No matter how well you’ve cleaned and cared for your boat dock, the lifespan of a dock is still about 20-30 years. Once a dock has aged beyond its years, there’s not much you can do except replace it.
Using a dock that’s been around for decades is dangerous, even if it looks structurally sound. If you’re not sure how old your boat dock is, check for signs of aging such as calcification, mold and slime on the foundations, and a dull, weathered appearance. If you know the dock is at least 30 years old, you should go ahead and have it replaced.
Your Boat is Too Big
If you started out with a smaller boat and then upgraded to a bigger one, your dock may not be big enough to accommodate it, and you should have it replaced.
If your current dock is large enough to comfortably accommodate the new boat, you’re good to go. However, don’t force it if you’re struggling to dock and load/unload a boat that’s too big for a small dock. A boat that’s too big can stress the dock out and cause it to wear out faster. If you don’t want to replace your dock altogether, at the very least hire a professional dock builder to expand on it and make necessary upgrades to accommodate a larger boat.
Deteriorated Dock Hazards
Don’t let boat dock damage and decay go unattended, as it could lead to serious injury or death. Never wait to repair or replace anything that’s been mentioned in this article.
Besides the already mentioned hazards that a deteriorating dock pose, you need to consider other factors such as damage to the environment and electrical hazards. Regularly inspect electrical wiring on your dock for exposed cables and electrocution hazards both in and out of the water. Also, make sure all cleats are intact, and all dock lines are sturdy and holding to prevent them from snapping and inflicting serious injuries while boat docking occurs.
Finally, if you plan on replacing your dock, do it during the boating offseason when nobody is around so that you’ll have a safe and operational dock ready to go when boating season returns.
