So, you bought a boat. Congratulations! You’re now part of the elite club of people who spend a small fortune just to float.
But before you pop the champagne, there’s one crucial question left: Where the heck are you going to park this thing?
Because let’s be real—a boat without a dock is like a dog without a leash. It might stay put… or it might drift off into the great beyond, forcing you into an unplanned episode of Baywatch as you swim after it.
At Kenyon Designs LLC, an expert commercial dock construction service provider, we don’t just build docks—we craft sanctuaries for your seafaring beauty. And to make sure you don’t end up with a dock that’s too short, too narrow, or too “uh-oh,” we’ve put together 11 foolproof, slightly ridiculous, and completely essential tips to help you get it right.
1. Measure Your Boat (Like, Actually Measure It. No Guesstimating.)
Some people guess their boat size like they guess their weight on their driver’s license. Don’t be that person.
Get out a measuring tape and write down the actual:
- Length (from tip to tail—no cheating)
- Width (because boats are sneaky and wider than they look)
- Draft (aka how deep it sits in the water—super important unless you enjoy watching your boat get stuck in the mud like a sad beached whale)
- Got a 25-foot boat? Your dock should be at least 30 feet long to avoid parking nightmares.
- Have a deep-draft boat? Double-check that water depth or prepare for a very expensive game of “Guess When High Tide Is.”
Quick Fact:
- The average recreational boat in the U.S. is 21 feet long. But docks should be 30% longer to avoid awkward docking maneuvers (aka “Oh no, I hit the dock again”).
2. Give It Some Personal Space (Because Boats Don’t Like Feeling Claustrophobic)
Boats don’t sit still. They sway. They shimmy. Sometimes they do a little dance just to make your life difficult.
That’s why your dock needs breathing room. At least 2-3 feet of clearance on each side. More if your boat has commitment issues and likes to drift.
Think of it like parking a car—but the car is on roller skates and a strong wind is always nearby, waiting to mess up your day.
3. Check the Local Dock Laws (Because Surprise Fines Are No Fun)
Ah, rules and regulations—the real anchors of life.
Before you start hammering planks together, check the local laws on dock size, materials, and placement. Some areas have limits on dock length. Others have environmental rules. And some just love paperwork.
Pro Tip:
- In Northeast Florida, any dock over 500 square feet probably needs a permit. Unless you enjoy unexpected visits from officials who frown a lot, check first.
4. Think Ahead (Because One Boat Is Never Enough)
Right now, you may swear on your anchor that one boat is all you’ll ever need. Fast forward a few years, and suddenly there’s a jet ski. A kayak. A second boat. Maybe a paddleboard because you decided to “get fit.”
If there’s even a tiny chance your fleet will expand, build a bigger dock now. Expanding later is costly, annoying, and usually involves calling us in a panic.
5. Consider the Tides (Unless You Enjoy Watching Your Boat Get Stranded)
Some waters are calm and predictable. Others? Not so much.
A dock that’s perfect at high tide might leave your boat looking like a sad, abandoned artifact at low tide. And unless you enjoy wading through knee-deep mud just to hop in, measure the water depth at both high and low tide. If you’re considering repairing or customizing your dock, Googling “Deck Building Near Me” can help you meet professionals who are well aware of these challenges and can build a customized structure that adapts to shifting tides.
Quick Stat:
- In Northeast Florida, tides can fluctuate by 4-6 feet. If you don’t plan for that, you might end up with a boat that’s going nowhere fast.
6. Pick a Dock Shape That Won’t Drive You Crazy
Docks come in more shapes than a box of assorted donuts. Pick the wrong one, and docking your boat will become an extreme sport.
- Straight docks – Simple. Effective. Perfect if you enjoy basic and functional.
- L-shaped docks – Extra mooring space without looking obnoxious.
- T-shaped docks – Great for multiple boats or impressing your neighbors.
- Floating docks – Best for unstable water levels or if you just enjoy a little bounce in your step.
Choose wisely. Your future self will thank you.
7. Leave Room for the Fun Stuff (Because Docks Are for More Than Just Parking)
If your dock is just big enough for your boat, congratulations—you’ve built a parking space, not a hangout spot.
Give yourself space for seating, fishing, sunbathing, or just standing there, pretending you’re a sea captain.
And don’t forget the essentials:
- A ladder (because eventually, someone will fall in)
- Bumpers (so your boat and dock don’t start fighting)
- A built-in cooler (because walking inside for drinks is too much effort)
8. Prepare for Florida Weather (Because Mother Nature Is Moody)
Florida weather has two moods: sunshine bliss or hurricane fury. Your dock needs to survive both.
Dock piling wraps extend the pilings’ lifespan and keep your dock sturdy by protecting them from rot, marine borers, and weather damage. If your area gets high winds and rough waves, reinforce it with extra pilings and hurricane-rated materials. Otherwise, the first big storm might send your dock on an unexpected solo adventure.
Quick Stat:
- Hurricane Irma wrecked over 3,000 docks in Florida. Cheap, flimsy construction? Not worth the risk.
9. Choose a Dock Material That Matches Your Patience Level
Want to spend your weekends boating or repairing your dock? Your material choice determines that.
- Pressure-treated wood – Classic but needy. Stain it, seal it, or it’ll rot faster than an abandoned sandwich.
- Composite decking – Durable and low-maintenance, but your wallet will feel it.
- Aluminum – Rust-resistant, but not the best choice for big, heavy docks.
Pick wisely. If you hate chores, composite decking is your best friend.
10. Make Sure You Can Walk on It Without Fear
If your dock is so narrow that walking on it feels like a tightrope challenge, you did it wrong.
A good dock has at least 3 feet of walking space. More if you like moving freely instead of walking sideways like a crab.
11. Ask the Pros (Because Guessing = Expensive Regrets)
Yes, you could wing it and hope for the best. But considering how much docks cost, is that really the best idea?
At Kenyon Designs LLC, the most reliable Dock Repair Service in Northeast Florida, we build docks that last, look amazing, and don’t collapse under pressure. Whether you need a simple setup or a waterfront masterpiece, we’ve got you covered.
Final Thoughts: Get It Right, Enjoy It for Years
A properly sized dock = stress-free docking, room for fun, and zero regrets.
Need expert advice? Call us. We’ll build you a dock that makes your boat feel like royalty.
Happy docking!