How to Dismantle a Boat Dock
Boat docks are useful to attach boats that you want to use often and keep in the water. Sometimes a lakefront or oceanfront property will have a boat dock that needs to be either replaced or removed. Perhaps the area is better used for swimming and wading. A dock might need to be replaced after years of water weathering and use. To dismantle a dock takes careful and concentrated effort. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Work with the end in mind.
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Longer docks need to be segmented. Decide where you will place the removed wood once the dock is dismantled. You can back up a flat bed truck to the water's edge on which to pile the wood before taking it to a safe place of disposal. This helps to avoid lifting each piece of wood twice.
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Observe whether the dock is constructed with nails or bolts. Mark off segments to take apart one at a time. Use chalk or liquid marker to indicate the size of segments you wish to create. Create segments that will split the dock into pieces that will be easier to carry and will fit in the back of the truck. Usually three even breaks will do with 6-foot pieces. Start with the far end and work toward the shore.
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Determine if the dock is going to be recycled or sold and reconstructed. Dismantle each section accordingly and use the remaining dock to walk each section back to the truck. Stack segments on top of each other, but do not make the stacks too high or they may fall during transportation.
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Use an appropriate tool to remove the dock from the post that holds it up. A sledgehammer and a crowbar may be good for nails but a wrench and drill with different size heads would be best for bolts. Have a box in which to drop any metal bolts or screws that can be salvaged for future use.
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The posts that are deep in the ground below the water may be moved by wrapping a chain around them and dragging them to shore with the truck. Once they are on shore load them with the rest of the dock pieces and head to the designated spot of disposal. Leave the beach area clear of debris and wood parts.
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Tips & Warnings
Leather or canvas gloves can prevent splinters, blisters and other friction burns and injuries.
References
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