Leveling Your Boat Dock: Wood Post Techniques

Building a boat dock is no easy feat, and one of the most important aspects of the construction process is levelling the wood posts. Dock posts or dock pilings are essential to your dock as they help stabilise your dock and provide a solid foundation. In this guide, we will cover the steps to take to ensure your wood posts are levelled accurately.

Using a water jet to clear away sand and silt

• Rent a Water Jetter: Visit your local home improvement store to rent a water jetter, also known as a hydro jet. These tools are typically high-powered water pumps that run on gasoline and come with a 2-inch or 3-inch diameter hose. Renting one can save you money, as purchasing one can be expensive.
• Prepare the Wood Pilings: Choose round dock pilings made of pressure-treated wood, which has been chemically treated to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Cut the pilings to the appropriate height, ensuring they are tall enough to hold the dock 3 to 4 inches above the water level. Mark the pilings with spray paint at 12-inch intervals to monitor their depth during installation.
• Position the First Piling: With the help of a few strong individuals, stand the first piling in the desired spot in the water. Gently push or hammer it a few inches into the lakebed to provide initial stability.
• Use the Water Jetter: Aim the water jetter at the bottom of the piling and turn on the pump. The force of the water will clear away the sand and silt, allowing you to guide the piling further down into the lakebed. If needed, attach a PVC pipe with a 1-inch diameter to the end of the hose to increase water pressure.
• Stabilize the Piling: Once the piling has reached the desired depth (4 to 6 feet below the lakebed), use the water jetter to push some of the dirt back around the piling to stabilize it even further.
• Repeat for Remaining Pilings: Repeat the process for the rest of the pilings, ensuring they are placed about every 10 feet along the dock on both sides for adequate support.

Pouring concrete pilings

To install concrete pilings for your boat dock, you'll need to follow a few important steps. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Measure and Prepare the PVC Pipe

First, measure the length of PVC pipe needed for each piling. Start by measuring from the bed beneath the water to the highest water level in your area. Add some extra length depending on the softness of the earth below the water—for softer beds, add about 2 feet. Choose heavy-duty PVC pipe with a diameter of 12–18 inches for standard 8-foot docks. If your dock is longer, opt for a larger diameter.

Step 2: Install the PVC Pipe

Now, it's time to install the PVC pipe. Drive it about 2 feet into the lakebed. You can do this by hand or use a spare piece of wood and a sledgehammer if the lakebed is challenging. Spray painting the pipe in 1-foot increments will help you keep track of the depth.

Step 3: Clear the Pipe

Before pouring concrete, you need to clear the pipe of water, mud, and debris. Use a bucket and a post-hole digger to remove the water and any sand, silt, or mud from the pipe. Make sure to clear down to the bottom. Avoid using a pump for this step, as electrical equipment near water can be unsafe. If the ground is extremely hard, consider renting a mini-excavator.

Step 4: Mix and Pour the Concrete

It's time to mix your quick-set concrete! Follow the package directions for mixing, and make sure you have enough concrete for your project. The amount needed will depend on the size of your pipe and post. Once the concrete is ready, pour about 10 inches of concrete into the pipe.

Step 5: Insert the Post

Lower your wood post into the PVC pipe, pushing it down into the concrete mix. This will stabilise the post within the pipe.

Step 6: Fill the Pipe with Concrete

Continue pouring concrete around the piling until you reach the maximum waterline. Work slowly and carefully to avoid trapping any air pockets in the concrete. This step may take some time, so it's a good idea to enlist some helpers to fill and carry buckets of concrete.

Step 7: Let the Concrete Cure

After you've filled the pipe with concrete, let it cure for at least 3-4 days. This is a crucial step to ensure the concrete gains sufficient strength before you continue with your dock construction.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create sturdy concrete pilings for your boat dock. Remember to take your time, work carefully, and make sure you have all the necessary materials and equipment before beginning. Good luck with your project!

Choosing the right wood

When choosing the right wood for your boat dock, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you need to decide on the type of dock structure you want to build. If you're opting for a permanent pile or crib dock, a stronger hardwood like Douglas fir, tamarack, or hemlock is recommended. For a more standard dock, western red cedar, redwood, cypress, or eastern white cedar are good choices.

Cost is often a significant factor in the decision-making process. Pressure-treated pine is the most common and affordable type of wood for boat docks. While it requires annual maintenance and sealing, it can last 20 years or more. If you're looking for an upgrade, cedar is a good choice. It has some natural rot resistance, but it still requires sealing to prevent water damage and splintering.

For those with larger budgets, exotic hardwoods like teak, ipe, cumaru, tigerwood, and massaranduba offer very long lifespans and require minimal maintenance. These woods are naturally resistant to rot, mold, mildew, and insects. However, they are more expensive and require annual oiling to maintain their original colour.

When selecting wood for your boat dock, it's also important to consider the environmental impact of your choice. Some woods are harvested sustainably, while others may contribute to deforestation. Look for certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure your wood is sourced responsibly. Additionally, consider the aesthetics of your dock and choose a wood that complements your surroundings and personal style. Remember that some woods can be stained or painted, while others are best left in their natural state.

Overall, the best wood for your boat dock will depend on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. By considering factors such as durability, maintenance, cost, and environmental impact, you can choose the right wood to ensure your dock is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Dock height considerations

The height of your dock above the water is referred to as the freeboard height. This distance between the main deck of the dock and the waterline is an important consideration when planning your boat dock.

For rowers, a lower dock is better to allow for easier and safer entrances and exits from the boat. However, in most cases, you will want your dock to sit as close to level with the water as possible while meeting your specific needs.

The height of your dock will depend on several factors, including:

• The type of boat you have
• The height of your boat above the waterline
• The water conditions, including the tidal range and water depth
• The type of dock you are building (floating, stationary, or wheeled)
• The intended use of your dock, including the number of boats, passengers, and gear weight
• Any future expansions or upgrades you may want to make to your dock or boat

By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your dock is functional, safe, and durable for years to come.

Using a farm jack to level the dock

Using a farm jack to level a dock is a relatively simple process, but it does require some preparation and caution. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a farm jack to level your wooden dock:

Step 1: Prepare the Farm Jack

Before you begin, ensure that your farm jack is properly maintained and in good working condition. If the farm jack has been in storage or exposed to water, apply white lithium grease to the pin mechanism to keep it functioning smoothly. You can also purchase or rent a farm jack from hardware stores or home improvement stores if you don't already have one.

Step 2: Position the Farm Jack

Position the farm jack so that its base or foot plate is on the lake bottom, and the jack is attached to an outboard deck stringer of the dock. The jack should be placed at the section of the dock that needs to be levelled. If the water is deeper, you may need to use concrete blocks or similar sturdy objects to provide additional height for the jack.

Step 3: Raise the Dock

Once the farm jack is securely in place, begin to operate the jack to raise the dock. This will take some effort, as the dock can be heavy. You may need an assistant to help with this step, especially if the dock is large or particularly heavy.

Step 4: Straighten the Posts

With the dock raised, you can now straighten or adjust the 4"x4" wooden support posts. If the posts are tilted, use this opportunity to straighten them and reattach them at the proper height. Ensure that the posts are securely attached before proceeding.

Step 5: Lower the Dock

After the posts have been adjusted, you can now lower the dock by slowly releasing the pressure on the farm jack. Again, you may need an assistant to help guide the dock down gently and ensure it is securely in place.

Step 6: Repeat as Needed

Move the farm jack to the next section of the dock that requires levelling and repeat the process. Take your time and work through each section of the dock that needs adjustment.

Additional Tips:

• If your farm jack has a stiff operating lever, you may need to use a screwdriver or wrench to help move it.
• Always wear gloves when operating the farm jack to protect your hands.
• If you are working alone, consider using floating devices like truck tubes or small boats to help support the dock while making adjustments.
• For deeper water, you may need to extend the reach of the farm jack by using pipes or other extensions.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively use a farm jack to level your wooden dock and ensure it is stable and secure.

Frequently asked questions