How to Dismantle a Rotting Boat Dock

A rotting boat dock can be a safety hazard and should be addressed immediately. Aside from the safety aspect, it can also break apart and cause pollution in the water. Dismantling a rotting boat dock is essential to both the environment and to peoples safety.

Things to have on hand:

• Carpenter's nail bag


• Heavy duty chain


• Truck or tractor


• Crowbar


• Hammer


• Small boat


• Anchor

1. Check to rotting boat dock to see if it is safe for you to walk on prior to starting any work. This will get you familiar with the weakest points and where to step safely.


2. Anchor a small boat close to the dock to keep the boat from floating away. If the dock is unsafe to walk on, you can dismantle the dock from the boat safely.


3. Place the hook end of the crowbar between the deck board and support frame, starting with the boards farthest from the shoreline.


4. Make sure the crowbar is wedged securely to ensure a tight grip.


5. Start at the center of the board where it is nailed into the frame.


6. Push up on the end of the crowbar that is in your hand.


7. Use a hammer if you need the crowbar to go deeper between the boards by hitting the end of the crowbar to push it in further.


8. Continue the process until you have pulled the board loose from the frame.


9. Start with the next board and continue until you have removed all of the boards from the frame.


10. Pull the frame boards off using the crowbar.


11. Place a heavy chain around the pillar and attach the other end to the truck or tractor.


12. Use the truck or tractor to pull the pillar out of the water. If there are more pillars, repeat the process.