Moving Boat Docks: A Step-By-Step Guide

Moving a boat dock can be a challenging task, especially if it's heavy, dry-docked, or needs to be transported over a long distance. The process depends on the type of dock you have, whether it's floating or fixed, and the terrain you need to move it across. A floating dock is designed to adjust to water levels and can be moved in one piece or in sections by detaching the mooring and pulling or towing it with a boat. On the other hand, a traditional fixed dock usually requires full dismantling before it can be altered or relocated. This involves disassembling the dock, transporting it to the new location, and then reassembling it. Various tools and techniques, such as ropes, rollers, and machinery, can be used to make the process easier.

Characteristics of Moving a Boat Dock

Manual methods: use ropes, chains, or straps

If you're looking to move a boat dock manually, ropes, chains, and straps can be a great help. Here are some methods you can use:

Using a Rope:

• Attach a rope to the dock and pull or tow it to its new location. Ensure the water is deep enough to avoid scratching the bottom of the dock.
• Use a rope with a loop on one end, or create a loop using a cleat knot. Secure the looped end to a cleat on the dock, then tie the other end to an anchor point.
• If moving the dock over land, use a come-a-long (a hand winch) with a rope to pull the dock to its new location. You may need to relocate the anchor point and adjust the rope length as you move forward.
• For docks on wheels, use a rope with a loop to create a "wagon" effect. Pull on the rope to guide the dock to its new location.

Using PVC Pipes:

Use PVC pipes as rollers under the dock to help slide it across the ground. This is especially useful when moving the dock over a beach or sandy terrain.

Using Farm Jacks:

If your dock is stubborn and difficult to move, use farm jacks to take some pressure off the floats, making it easier to slide.

Using Chains or Straps:

While not mentioned in the sources, you could potentially use chains or straps in a similar manner to ropes. Secure them to the dock and an anchor point, then use them to pull and guide the dock to its new location.

Remember to exercise caution when moving a boat dock manually, as it can be a challenging task. It's always recommended to have extra hands to help with the process.

Mechanical lifting: use machinery like boatlifts

Mechanical lifting using machinery like boatlifts is a convenient way to move a boat dock, especially if your dock is floating or modular. This method eliminates the need for manual dismantling and relocation, making it a popular choice for boat owners. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use mechanical lifting to move your boat dock:

Understanding Boat Lifts

Boat lifts are specialized equipment designed to elevate your boat out of the water, providing superior boat storage solutions. They are an essential part of mechanical lifting when moving a boat dock. While traditional boat lifts relied on manual crank and pulley systems, modern boat lifts have motorized mechanisms, making the lifting process more effortless.

Types of Boat Lifts

There are several types of boat lifts available, each suited to different boat types and water conditions:

• Cantilever boat lifts: These lifts are common due to their ease of maintenance and ability to lift boats farther out of the water. They use a cable to pull two H-shaped structures into a vertical position, leveraging the boat out of the water.
• Hydraulic boat lifts: Hydraulic boat lifts are premium options that use battery power to raise and lower boats with the push of a button. They are often controlled by a remote, offering convenience and quiet operation.
• Freestanding boat lifts: Freestanding boat lifts can stand alone and are ideal for various bed surfaces, including muddy or rocky lake beds. They are easily removable, making them a good choice for cold climates where boating is seasonal.
• Floating boat lifts: Floating boat lifts float on the water and can be used alongside traditional docks or connected to floating docks. They are versatile and suitable for deeper water or challenging bed installations.
• Bottom-standing lifts: Bottom-standing lifts are typically used for smaller and lighter boats in water depths of 2 to 9 feet. They stand on their own legs and are usually installed next to the dock.
• Shore-mounted lifts: Shore-mounted lifts are ramps that start in the water and lead onto the shore. Watercraft are driven onto the ramp and then pulled up using a winch system.
• Piling mount lifts: Piling mount lifts are similar to boathouse lifts but rest on top of four pilings instead of hanging from the ceiling. They are durable and can withstand strong tides.
• Vertical boat lifts: Vertical boat lifts are ideal for rough tides or large waves, offering easy access to boats from either side. They are commonly used for pontoon boats and can feature electric or solar-powered winches.

Operating a Boat Lift

Operating a boat lift safely is crucial. Here are some general steps to follow:

• Ensure the boat is empty: For boathouse lifts, make sure no one is on the boat before operating the lift. Boat lift cables can wear out and snap unexpectedly, so it is unsafe to have passengers on board during lifting.
• Lower the lift into the water: For motorized or hydraulic lifts, turn the switch to the "down" position. For lifts operated by a wheel, turn the crank. Lower the lift until the boat starts to float off the cradle.
• Back out of the lift carefully: Once the boat is in the water, board it and back out slowly, being aware of your surroundings to avoid collisions.
• Empty the ballast: Boat lifts have weight capacities, and lifting a boat with a full ballast can exceed this capacity, causing premature wear or damage. Always empty the ballast before docking.
• Drive onto the lift slowly: Float over the cradle until the back of the boat is close to the back of the cradle. It is normal to have more of the boat hanging off the front of the cradle. Take it slow and be cautious during docking.
• Exit the boat: Ensure everyone exits the boat before raising the lift.
• Raise the lift above the waves: Crank the wheel or switch to the "up" position to raise the lift until the boat is above potential wave action. For boathouse lifts, be careful not to raise the lift too high to avoid hitting the roof.

Advantages of Using Boat Lifts

Using boat lifts to move a boat dock offers several benefits:

• Portability: Boat lifts, especially those designed for floating docks, provide portability and ease of relocation.
• Protection: Boat lifts keep boats suspended above the water, preventing corrosion, algae buildup, and damage from floating debris or marine life.
• Security: Keeping boats lifted out of the water helps prevent sinking or drifting, providing peace of mind when leaving the boat docked.
• Convenience: Boat lifts save time and make boat storage more accessible. They eliminate the need for transportation after each trip and simplify the process of getting in and out of the water.
• Enhanced boarding: Boat lifts allow vessels to be at dock level, reducing movement during boarding and providing a safer and more stable entry and exit for passengers.

Hydraulic lifting: use hydraulic cylinders or jacks

Hydraulic lifting is one of the three main methods to lift a floating dock, the other two being manual and mechanical lifting. This method uses hydraulic cylinders or jacks to lift the dock off the water, offering increased lifting capacity, precise control, and ease of operation.

Hydraulic jacks are tools that help with heavy lifting and use hydraulic fluid or oil to move or lift heavy loads. They generally have two cylinders of different sizes connected by a pipe, and the hydraulic fluid is forced into these cylinders by a plunger. When the plunger moves forward, the oil is pushed into the cylinder, and when you pull the plunger backward, the hydraulic fluid is pulled into the pump chamber. This delivers enough pressure to power the hydraulic jack.

When using a hydraulic jack, you insert the metal pumping bar into the equipment socket and then pump it to raise the boom that lifts the load. To lower the load, open the valve usually found at the jack's base. The primary power source of hydraulic jacks is hydraulic fluid, and pressure is created by moving this fluid in two cylinders via a plunger. The two cylinders differ in size, with the larger cylinder producing more pressure. However, you will get the same amount of pressure in both cylinders.

To lift a floating dock using hydraulic jacks, you can follow these steps:

• Start with the right equipment: Use dock accessories like dock jacks or lift plates recommended by the boat lift manufacturer.
• Begin at one end: Lift one corner of the dock using the dock jacks or lift plates. Raise it high enough to insert dock supports or blocks underneath safely.
• Move to the next corner: Once the first corner is securely supported, move to the next corner and repeat the process. Continue lifting and supporting each corner incrementally.
• Maintain balance and stability: During the lifting process, ensure the dock stays level and well-supported. Adjust the supports as necessary.

By following these steps and using hydraulic cylinders or jacks, you can effectively lift a floating dock, taking advantage of the increased lifting capacity and precise control offered by hydraulic lifting systems.

Moving a floating dock: detach the mooring and pull or tow with a boat

Moving a floating dock is a simple process. The first step is to detach the mooring. Once the dock is detached, you can pull or tow the dock with a boat to its new location. If you are moving the dock a short distance, you can attach a rope or cord to the dock and walk it along the shore or marina to its new location.

When moving a floating dock with a boat, it is important to consider the conditions of the waterway. If you are moving the dock in a river with a strong current or in choppy or unprotected waters, it is recommended to tow the dock behind the boat using a towing bridle for steering control. It is also helpful to have a second boat available to assist with maneuvering when arriving at the new location.

If you are moving the dock in calm waters, such as a flat calm lake, you can use a hip tow. This involves having the stern of the boat slightly further back than the dock and angling the bow of the boat into the dock. A stern line, springs, and a bow line can be used to secure the dock to the boat.

It is important to move the dock slowly and to ensure that the water is deep enough so that the bottom of the dock does not get scratched. Additionally, if you are moving the dock over a long distance, it may be helpful to use a lower pitch prop to reduce stress on the lower unit.

Overall, moving a floating dock by detaching the mooring and pulling or towing with a boat is a straightforward process, but it requires careful consideration of the conditions and slow and steady execution.

Moving a fixed dock: fully dismantle and reassemble

If you have a fixed dock, it will most likely need to be fully dismantled before it can be moved. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

First, gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a screwdriver, preferably with both small Philips and tri-wing heads, and an extra set of hands to help with the process. If your dock is currently in the water, you may also need a boat to tow it or a rope to pull it to the shore.

Next, start by dismantling the dock following the reverse order of its assembly instructions. This will make it easier to reassemble later. Remove all fixtures and accessories, such as ladders, storage containers, furniture, railings, ramps, and lights. Be sure to keep all the parts and hardware organised and safely stored to ensure a smooth reassembly process.

Once the dock is fully dismantled, carefully remove it from the water if it is still afloat. If your dock is already on land, you can skip this step. Use a boat to tow the dock or attach a rope to it and pull it to the shore. Ensure that the water is deep enough so that the bottom of the dock does not get damaged. Alternatively, if you have a heavy wooden dock on wheels, you can use a wheelbarrow or landscaping truck to move it onto land.

After the dock is on land, you can start disassembling it into smaller pieces for easier transportation. Again, follow the reverse order of the assembly instructions, and break it down into sections that can be easily carried or transported. If you're moving the dock pieces across a beach, you can drag them with an ATV or SUV, or use PVC pipes as rollers to avoid dragging them across the sand.

Once the dock pieces are small enough, you can load them onto a truck for longer-distance transportation. Secure them properly onto the truck bed and consider using temporary trailer lights if travelling over rough terrain or long distances.

Finally, when you reach the new location, simply reassemble the dock by following the reverse process of disassembly. Make sure to follow a dock mooring guide or the manufacturer's instructions for a secure and proper reassembly.

By following these steps, you can successfully relocate a fixed dock by fully dismantling and reassembling it at the new location.

Frequently asked questions