How to Dredge Around a Dock

Dredging means excavation of the water around your dock to allow your boat to safely and conveniently park. Dock owners must be careful to do a good job dredging or risk exposing the boat to possible damage. Dredging is also regulated closely by local governments to protect the environment. There are a number of steps that must be completed to properly dredge around a dock.

Things You'll Need

  • Dredge boat
  • Dump truck
  • Suction hose
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Instructions

    • 1

      Complete a drawing of your dock and the area where you plan to dredge. Use a local map or satellite image for improved accuracy.

    • 2

      Rent a gasoline-powered dredge boat from a local equipment rental facility. Depending on the size of your dock, you will need a nimble, maneuverable boat. It can usually be transported by truck to your dock.

    • 3

      Rent a dump truck for the silt, sand and mud that you will remove from the water. Place the truck as close to the water or dock as possible. Only take this step if you plan to completely remove the deposits from your property area.

    • 4

      Release the dredge boat into the water around your dock. Drive it over the area around your dock you wish to dredge and drop the suction hose below. Connect the hose to the dump truck.

    • 5

      Turn on the pump in the dredging boat and continue until the floor of the lake, river or ocean is sufficiently dredged for your boat.