How Much It Costs To Repair a Dock

It is not always simple to calculate how much it costs to repair a dock, especially when there is a litany of damages. Docks are essential structures for boat owners that need easy access to water. After all, not everyone has the time, resources, or patience to hitch a boat to a trailer and drive to a lake or ocean. So having a dock nearby is the most feasible option.

The downside is that constant exposure to the environment can damage docks. Additionally, it can suffer wear and tear, misuse, and other factors. And when that happens, they can be expensive to fix.

Many boat owners have a good idea of the costs of fixing a boat. After the recent onslaught of Hurricane Ian, some may have taken their watercraft to ship repairers. But few know how much it would cost to repair a dock.

There are plenty of expenses commonly involved in fixing a dock. It isn’t a comprehensive rundown, as there are far too many unknowns and variables to cover. Even so, the information provided here should give your clients a good idea of how much they might have to spend to fix common problems.

How Much Money Does It Cost to Repair a Dock?  

The average cost of dock repairs in the country is $250 to $1,500. Of course, the actual price might be higher or lower, depending on the damage the owner needs to fix. 

Rotted posts, the most common problems, typically cost $800 to replace. To get a 120 sq. ft. dock pressure washed, your client may have to pay $100 or more. To fix foundation damage in a 540 sq. ft. dock, your client could pay $3,000 or more.

How Materials Impact Costs

Materials constitute a significant part of a repair, so they will almost certainly affect the repair cost. For pine, plastic, cedar, and vinyl, your client may have to pay from $3 to $12 per sq. ft. on average, labor included. The cost will be considerably higher for wood and aluminum, ranging from $5 to $20 per sq. ft. to $25 to $250 for concrete. 

Dock Design and Repair Costs

Something else that can affect the price of repairs is the dock design. Some docks are relatively easy to fix as the different sections are easily accessible and replaceable. Others require complicated maneuvers and procedures, which always add to the cost. 

Crib, piling, pipe, roll-in, and lift-up designs typically cost $250 to $1,650 to fix. More complicated structures, such as floating and suspension docks, could cost $250 to $1,800 to repair.

Location and Its Effect on Repair Prices

The dock’s physical location may also affect the cost of repairs. Again, this is often a matter of accessibility and convenience, with some landings easier to access than others. As with many other aspects of dock repair, prices typically increase as the job becomes more complex.

For pond-based docks, repair costs average $200 to $1,350. It will be slightly higher for a lake-based port‒closer to the $250 to $1,500 range. River-based docks are more expensive to repair, averaging $275 to $1,650.

Problems, Solutions, and Required Repairs

Other factors that can potentially impact the cost of repairs are the nature and scope of the issue, the proposed solution, and the required repairs. For example, fixing issues with the bumpers and floats may cost $85 to $150. But hurricane and foundation damage could cost $250 to $3,000.

As for the proposed solutions, the sealing could cost only $150. But leveling and reinforcement could cost $200 to $1,500. And for restoration, your client could be looking at a $500 to $2,000 bill.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, there is little your client can do to prevent damage to their dock due to exposure to the elements and natural disasters. However, preventive maintenance and careful use could minimize wear and tear and possibly avert costly repairs.

Considering the expensive repairs, your clients should have any potential issues addressed as soon as possible. Doing so will prevent minor problems from worsening and possibly save them money in the long run. 

About Merrimac Marine Insurance

At Merrimac Marine, we are dedicated to providing insurance for the marine industry to protect your clients’ business and assets. For more information about our products and programs, contact our specialists today at (800) 681-1998.