Six Signs Your Dock Is in Trouble

Ranked by Urgency

1. Wobble underfoot

Loose pilings or failed connections — the load path is compromised, and marsh mud lets loose pilings loosen fast. Keep the boat off the lift until it’s looked at.

2. A racked or out-of-square frame

Sight down the walkway’s outer edge from the bluff; a run pushed out of line is carrying loads its connections weren’t designed for.

3. Waterline damage on pilings

Walk the dock at spring low — Savannah’s range makes it the most honest inspection on the coast — and look for waisting, softness or borer holes in the tidal band. Wraps and sisters fix this cheaply, early.

4. Rust streaks at connections

The bolts fail before the wood does; streaks mean the countdown is running.

5. Gangway grinding or a float sitting wrong

Eight feet of float travel wears hinges, rollers and guides faster here than anywhere — cheap now, expensive after it jams on a falling tide.

6. Soft or springy boards

Decking rot — cheap to fix, and a reason to inspect the frame while it’s open.

Found One? Found Three?

One sign: schedule a look. Wobble or racking: stay off the heavy loads and call now. Ballpark the fix, then call (912) 356-4216.