Dock Repair

[NHDOLFAN]

I need to replace 2 pilings that the ice has damaged. I am wondering if anyone has had this done recently, by whom and the cost. Any help is appreciated.

[Acres per Second]

Piling-replacements by local barge companies can be a very expensive repair; moreover, use of the barge may be unnecessary and produce results that are disappointing. :(

While it's true that a piling driven into the same spot will be "new", it will also be wobbly for years! (And likely become a problem again in subsequent "bad-ice" years).

You don't mention it, but you'll have little choice if the piling had failed due to the rot that most often occurs at the high-water line. If the ice just pushed the piling out from under the 5x7 dock support, you could have a local handyman fix it. One came to a Wolfeboro neighbor's ice-damaged dock all the way from Meredith (by boat).

Also, if you have "tie-off" pilings, one piling can be replaced by two secured-together for additional ice resistance without a permit being required. Three wrapped together—like a teepee—require a permit. (That was "the word" in Wolfeboro in recent years, anyway. :rolleye1: )

BTW: I've noticed that the ice will push against a piling in short surges. When there are enough "serial" surges, the piling will push against the huge spike:

1) and either splinter the supporting 5x7 or,
2) bend the spike,
3) or both!

Photo #1 shows a spike bent straight up. Using a short length of pipe, I've since broken that spike off, as it was a hidden danger to kids playing under the dock when the usual big wakes would roll in.

To counter ice's "push", I add heavy chains to give the pilings additional support. One chain actually broke this past winter but likely saved the piling from becoming a victim of "push-under" (at least once, anyway). :)

Like mooring chains, those have to be inspected every five years or so. For some reason, this lake just "eats" chain! :eek2:

[Highlander]

Had 2 pilings replaced this spring after ice damage. You need a permit from the state to the tune of $650 to do anything in the water. The cost to replace on piling and reset the 3 cluster pilings we use as an ice deflector was approx. $1,700 in addition to the cost of the permit. Not pretty but that's the game. It took us 3 months to get the permit from the state and that was when they supposedly were not to busy.
Good Luck :cool:

[ishoot308]

If I were you I would contact Dave Farley of Diversified Marine Construction. He could handle everything for you including the permits if necessary. Here is his web site... http://www.divermarine.com/

He is doing work for me now at my camp and has been great!

Good Luck!

Dan

[offmycloud]

Center Harbor Dock and Pier are also great. They put an entire new dock for me last year and did a phenomenal job. Call Don Carey there - 253-4000.