How to Fix a Wobbly Boat Dock with Cross Braces
No one wants to walk on a wobbly dock (not even little critters that wobble by nature). It’s disorienting and unsettling and can truly be a safety concern, especially for those who are not as sure-footed.
Wobbly docks tend to rear their heads in a few common scenarios:
- When the bottom of the dock to the lake bottom is greater than 6 feet
- When the lake water is really choppy
- When you own a large boat
- When your dock is longer than 40 feet
To diagnose and fix a wobbly dock, you should start by evaluating the flex in the dock legs and assess the dock’s cross bracing.
How to Use Cross Bracing to Mitigate Wobbly Dock Syndrome
As you get into deeper water (5-6 feet and beyond), the dock’s legs begin to flex more as the legs themselves are much longer. Greater flex in the legs creates the wobbly sensation you feel as you walk on the dock. To mitigate the wobble, it’s helpful to use cross bracing.
To apply a cross brace, attach the cross-brace bar at roughly a 45-degree angle between the two adjacent dock legs. This additional bracing significantly reduces the amount of wobble and instability you feel in the dock legs and thereby creates a much safer, more stable experience when walking on the dock.
Secure dock systems that are made of durable frames and superior dock components will offer you comfort and stability regardless of your dock configuration and location. For help determining the appropriate dock design for your waterfront property, contact us at RDS Dock Hardware today or fill out our free dock quote form for a customized quote based on your dock configuration and location. All our products are manufactured in New Hampshire and Minnesota and are made to withstand the toughest conditions.
