How Much Do Boat Dock Repairs Cost?

Dock Repair Cost by Dock Type

The type of boat dock you have affects the repair cost, as the parts, materials, and complexity of the repairs vary considerably. Simple algae buildup on a crib dock in a still pond, for example, costs significantly less to repair than replacing cables on a suspension dock located in a fast-flowing river. Consider the typical cost ranges and average costs for dock repairs by dock type for an average 400-square-foot dock.

Dock Repair Cost by Material

The dock’s materials directly impact repair costs; some base materials are less costly, more readily available, and easier to work with, which helps to keep costs down.

Dock Repair Cost by Part

Even simple docks are reasonably complex structures, with many separate parts that may need repair individually or together at any given time. A light repair on a dock bumper may only cost you around $85, but repairing a dock roof may run you $1,000.

Dock Repair Cost by Problem

Getting rid of algae buildup or replacing corroded nails, for example, typically costs only $100 to $250, and you'll pay less than that if you can do the job yourself. However, if the dock foundation needs repair, you'll need to hire a local dock repair pro and can expect to pay up to $3,000. Ultimately, some problems requiring dock repair are easy to remedy with or without professional help.

Dock Repair Cost by Service

There are several common problems and associated repair services common to docks. Consider some of the most common repair services and their average cost for a standard 400-square-foot dock.

Dock Parts Replacement Cost

Replacement usually costs more than repair. However, replacing an old part extends the dock’s lifespan and should reduce structural maintenance and repair.

Dock Repair Cost Breakdown

Dock repair cost falls into two buckets: materials and labor. The price of labor is fairly consistent per hour, regardless of the problem or material requiring attention. However, the materials cost varies wildly based on the type of dock, the damaged part, the material, and more. 

Cost of Materials to Repair a Dock

The cost of materials for dock repair varies hugely because the parts and materials you need depend on the type of repair. Pine dock boards, for example, cost $3 per square foot and up, whereas you can pay up to $2,000 for the materials to fix a dock foundation.

Labor Cost to Repair a Dock

Hiring a specialist to repair a dock costs $50 to $100 per hour. Your chosen professional may charge by the hour or project for both repairs and installation, so be sure to get quotes from multiple companies. 

Remember that most dock repair services have a minimum project fee, so even if you only need a couple of deck boards repaired, you'll likely pay for at least a couple of hours of labor to make the job worthwhile. Urgent repairs will also likely carry a higher fee or an emergency call charge, which increases the project’s overall price.

Factors That Influence Dock Repair Cost

The type of dock you choose, the climate, and the day-to-day maintenance and wear-and-tear a dock receives all determine how much and how often you'll pay for dock repair.

Dock Location

Dock location influences the repair cost; every body of water poses different levels of challenge, accessibility, and complexity. For example, a small, still pond is much easier to work on than a fast-flowing river.

Docks on ponds are the least costly to repair, ranging from $200 to $1,350, while rivers are the most expensive, with typical costs of $275 to $1,650. A river’s relatively less favorable and more challenging working conditions drive up the costs.

Dock Inspection

Having a professional dock inspection every year and after major storms can save you money long term. A dock inspection costs $50 to $100. The pro undertakes a visual inspection of the dock, including pilings, frames, boat lifts, the foundation, and more. They look for established problems or signs of developing issues and provide you with a full report. This lets you take care of highlighted issues before they become more serious and more costly to fix.

Dock Maintenance

Regular maintenance costs far less than extensive repair. Perform routine cleaning, make sure to suitably treat metalwork to prevent rust, keep an eye out for rusty nails or cracked boards and treat wood with oils or sealant every year to prevent rotting.

Dock Repair vs. Replacement

Replacing a dock costs $7,250 to $26,000, including removal fees of $250 to $1,000. However, the cost of building a new dock comes in at $3,700 to $27,400. While this is a significant sum, it's less expensive than the cost of building a seawall or bulkhead, priced at $10,000 to $100,000.

However, docks have a limited lifespan. Take a traditional wooden dock, for example. These last between 10 and 20 years, even with regular maintenance. After this time, they degrade quickly as rot and other structural issues set in. If your dock is old or you find yourself regularly making repairs, these costs can quickly mount and even exceed the cost of putting in a new dock.

So, before you decide whether to repair or replace your dock, consider:

• The problem.

• How much you've spent on recent repairs.

• Any likely upcoming repairs.

• Your dock’s age.

DIY vs. Hiring a Dock Repair Pro

Some tasks you can do yourself to save money regarding dock repair. Pressure washing, sealing and replacing rusted nails, for example, all require minimal skills and equipment. If you have the time and the tools, doing these tasks can save you a few hundred dollars.

However, for more extensive repairs, you can easily make the problem worse, ending up paying more to fix the issue than if you'd hired a pro. Plus, if you get it wrong, the repair can be dangerous. So, if you're in any doubt about your skill or what you need to do to fix the problem, call a local dock builder instead. For some tasks, you may even need to factor in the cost to hire a structural engineer.