Service & Repair
Docks and boat lifts take a beating over a Michigan season — sun, waves, boat traffic, and ice all add up. Whether you've got a bent frame, rotted decking, a lift that won't raise smoothly, or storm damage you discovered at spring launch, we can help. We service and repair everything we install, and also equipment we didn't.
No job is too small. If something on your waterfront isn't working right or doesn't look right, give us a call and we'll take a look.
Dock repair & structural fixes
A structurally sound dock is a safe dock. Over time, posts sink, frames bend, joints loosen, and sections fall out of level. These problems start small but compound quickly — an unlevel dock stresses every connection point, accelerating wear across the whole system.
We diagnose and repair dock structural issues of all kinds, from a single wobbly section to a full rebuild after a rough winter.
Common repairs we handle
Re-leveling sections that have shifted or settled over time
Straightening or replacing bent frames and cross members
Re-driving or replacing posts that have heaved, sunk, or shifted
Tightening and re-securing loose joints and connection hardware
Repairing or replacing damaged anchor systems
Realigning dock sections that have shifted out of square
Welding repairs on aluminum and steel frames
Decking replacement
Decking takes the most direct abuse of any part of your dock — sun, foot traffic, water, and freeze-thaw cycles all wear it down. Cracked, splintered, warped, or rotted boards aren't just an eyesore; they're a safety hazard, especially with kids and bare feet on the dock.
We replace dock decking in treated wood, cedar, and composite materials. If you're going to replace boards, it's also a great time to upgrade — Aluminum Dock lasts significantly longer than wood and requires almost no maintenance.
Decking Services
Individual board replacement — swap out only what's damaged
Full section re-decking — strip and replace all boards on one or more sections
Upgrade from wood to composite decking
Slip-resistant decking options for swim platforms and high-traffic areas
Color and finish matching for partial replacements
Fascia board and frame wrap replacement
Hardware replacement
The hardware holding your dock together works hard and lives in a tough environment. Bolts corrode, brackets crack, hinges seize, and cleats pull loose. Bad hardware doesn't announce itself until something fails — usually at the worst possible moment.
We carry replacement hardware for most dock systems and can source specialty parts when needed. If we're already on site for another repair, a hardware check takes minutes and can save you a lot of headaches mid-season.
Hardware we replace
Deck screws, carriage bolts, and through-bolts
Pipe clamps, saddle brackets, and cross-brace hardware
Dock cleats, dock eyes, and tie-off hardware
Hinge plates and section connectors
Dock bumper mounts and edge hardware
Anchor hardware, chain, and cable
Post caps and leg levelers
Boat lift service & repair
A boat lift that doesn't work right isn't just inconvenient — it can drop your boat, damage your hull, or leave you stranded. Lift systems have a lot of moving parts, and like any mechanical system, they need occasional attention to keep running smoothly.
We service and repair cable-drive and hydraulic lift systems, and we can source replacement parts for most residential lift brands and configurations.
Lift services we provide
Bent, twisted, or collapsed pipe frames and sectional frames
Posts that have been heaved out of position or snapped
Cracked, split, or broken decking boards
Damaged anchor systems and moorings
Sections that were displaced or carried by shifting ice
Corroded and seized hardware from extended water exposure
Structural damage to boat lift frames and cradles
If you're not sure how bad the damage is, start with an inspection. We'll give you an honest assessment and a clear repair estimate before any work begins.
Signs your lift needs service
Slow or uneven raising and lowering
Grinding, squealing, or clicking sounds during operation
Visible fraying or kinking on the lift cable
Boat sits crooked or unevenly on the cradle
Motor runs but lift doesn't move
Hydraulic system feels spongy or loses pressure
Ice damage repair
Ice is the number one cause of dock damage in Michigan. Even docks that were properly removed can come back out of storage with stress damage from the previous season. And docks left in the water — even partially — are often significantly damaged by spring.
Ice damage ranges from bent hardware and cracked boards to completely destroyed frames and sections that have been carried off-shore entirely. We've seen it all, and we can repair or replace whatever the winter left behind.
Ice damage we commonly repair
Deck screws, carriage bolts, and through-bolts
Pipe clamps, saddle brackets, and cross-brace hardware
Dock cleats, dock eyes, and tie-off hardware
Hinge plates and section connectors
Dock bumper mounts and edge hardware
Anchor hardware, chain, and cable
Post caps and leg levelers
Frame and joint integrity — looking for bending, cracking, and fatigue
Decking condition — boards, fasteners, and surface wear
Hardware — corrosion, loosening, and function
Post depth and stability — checking for settling or heaving
Level and alignment — making sure the dock sits correctly
Boat lift cable, motor, pulleys, and cradle
Anchor and mooring systems
Electrical components if shore power is present
After the inspection you'll receive a written summary with photos of any issues found, along with our recommended action and an estimate for any repairs. No pressure — you decide what to move forward with.
Annual inspections
The best repair is the one you never need. An annual inspection catches small problems before they become expensive ones — a loose bolt caught in April costs a fraction of the frame repair it prevents in July.
We offer pre-season inspections every spring, either as a standalone service or bundled with your installation. We go through the entire dock and lift system top to bottom and give you a written summary of anything that needs attention.
What we check
Adding dock sections to extend length or create an L- or T-shape
Adding a swim platform or floating raft to an existing dock
Retrofitting a boat lift or PWC port to an existing dock system
Installing dock lighting, shore power pedestals, or electrical hookups
Adding handrails, safety gates, or boarding steps
Rebuilding or reconfiguring a dock layout to better fit the shoreline
Widening existing sections for better accessibility
Custom Modifications
Your waterfront is yours — it should work the way you want it to. We handle custom dock modifications for homeowners who want to add on, reconfigure, or upgrade what they already have.
Common custom work
General liability insurance — if something is accidentally damaged on your property during our work, you're protected
Workers' compensation — if a crew member is injured on your property, you are not liable
Proper licensing — we meet the legal requirements to perform waterfront construction and installation work in Michigan
Bonded — financial protection in place for the work we perform
Licensed & insured — and why that matters to you
We are fully licensed and insured for all dock installation, removal, and repair work in Michigan. We know that's easy to say, but here's what it actually means for you as a homeowner:
What our licensing & insurance covers
Unlicensed contractors working on your property can create liability issues for you as the homeowner
If an uninsured worker is injured on your dock, you could be held responsible
Insurance companies may deny claims for damage caused by or worsened by unlicensed work
Licensed work gives you legal recourse if something goes wrong
Many Michigan townships and HOAs require licensed contractors for dock installation — we meet those requirements
We're happy to provide proof of insurance and licensing upon request. If you're getting quotes from multiple contractors, we'd encourage you to ask all of them for the same — it's a completely reasonable thing to ask, and any reputable company will have it ready.
Why it matters when hiring anyone for waterfront work
On-site damage assessment with written documentation and photos
Detailed repair estimates formatted for insurance submission
Direct communication with your adjuster when needed
Guidance on what is and isn't typically covered under standard homeowner's policies
Supplement requests if the initial estimate doesn't cover the full scope of damage
All repair work completed and documented once the claim is approved
Insurance claims — we help start to finish
Storm damage, ice damage, and watercraft collisions are among the most common insurance claims for Michigan waterfront property owners. Navigating a claim on top of dealing with the damage itself is stressful — we take as much of that off your plate as possible.
We work with homeowners throughout the entire claims process, from the first phone call through the final repair. Our documentation is thorough and adjuster-ready, and we've been through this process enough times to know what insurance companies need.
How we support your claim
Storm and wind damage to dock structures
Damage caused by watercraft collision
Flood and wave damage in qualifying events
Vandalism and theft of dock components
What's typically covered
Ice damage to docks left in the water past the recommended removal date — this is the most common exclusion we see, and it's why fall removal matters
Normal wear and tear or gradual deterioration
Damage resulting from improper installation
Every policy is different. We'll help you understand what your coverage looks like and make sure your claim is documented as thoroughly as possible. If a claim gets denied for a reason that doesn't seem right, we can help you understand your options.