Spring in Cape Coral means more time on the water—but before boating season kicks into high gear, it’s a good idea to inspect your dock. Many homeowners put off dock repairs after hurricane season or winter storms, only to face serious issues just when they need it most.
If your dock is starting to show signs of wear, you might be wondering: should I repair it, or is it time for a full replacement?
Here’s how to tell.
Signs Your Dock Needs Repair
Don’t wait until something fails completely. Look for these red flags:
- Soft or rotting wood boards
- Wobbling pilings or leaning supports
- Rusted or missing bolts and hardware
- Warped decking or loose fasteners
- Sagging walkways or shifting platforms
Even small issues can quickly get worse with boat traffic, wakes, and tidal movement.
When Repair Makes Sense
If the dock’s frame and pilings are in good shape, basic maintenance or part replacement might be all you need. Repairs we often complete:
- Replacing a few warped deck boards.
- Swapping out old hardware with marine-grade stainless steel.
- Reinforcing a loose railing or bumper.
- Pressure washing and resealing aging wood.
In many cases, small repairs can extend your dock’s life by 5–10 years.
When to Consider a Full Dock Replacement
If your dock is more than 15–20 years old or has been hit hard by storms, replacement may be the smarter (and safer) choice. You should especially consider replacement if:
- Multiple pilings are damaged or shifting.
- The framing has dry rot or termite damage.
- You’ve had repeat issues year after year.
- You want to upgrade to a modern dock system (like Wave Armor).
We’ll inspect the full structure and give you a straightforward recommendation with a cost breakdown.
Florida Storm Season: Don’t Wait Too Long
With hurricane season starting in June, now is the best time to tackle dock repairs. Contractors book up fast once summer hits—and the last thing you want is a compromised dock when the storms roll through.
Pro Tip: A strong dock can help protect your boat, seawall, and even neighboring property during a storm surge.
Repair or Replace? We’ll Help You Decide.
At MacDuff Marine, we’re local. We know the docks, tides, and water conditions in Cape Coral, Matlacha, Fort Myers, and surrounding areas. If you’re not sure whether your dock can be saved or needs replacing, we’ll take a look and give you honest feedback.
We work with wood, concrete, composite, and modular dock systems, and we’re also an authorized Wave Armor installer if you’re considering a long-term upgrade.