Dock Builders in Boca Grande, FL

Boca Grande is a fishing town, and the boat behind the house is usually built for the pass. Dock builders on Gasparilla Island install a lot of boat lifts, because owners want a ready boat that stays clean and out of the water between trips. Boca Grande Pass, at the island's south tip, reaches depths near 80 feet and is the deepest natural pass in Florida, as well as the main outlet of Charlotte Harbor.

Sizing the lift

Fishing boats carry heavy engines, fuel, ice and gear. We size lifts to the real loaded weight with margin, match bunks or cradles to the hull, and choose motors and switches built for salt spray. Strong harbor currents also matter: the beams should line up so the boat settles straight onto the cradle.

Pilings under the lift

A lift is only as good as the piles carrying it. We check pile condition at the waterline and below before installing, and replace any that are thinning. New lifts often go on new piles.

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Which county?

Gasparilla Island is split between Charlotte and Lee counties, and the village of Boca Grande lies entirely in the Lee County part. We check with Lee County on what your dock or lift needs, along with state approvals.

Building in a preserve

Florida established the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves in 1975, covering salt marsh, mangroves, seagrass and oyster beds. Docks within aquatic preserves face tighter state design limits, so we plan lift and dock layouts to avoid grass beds.

Docks and repairs

Beyond lifts, we build and repair docks on the island: decking, rails, ladders and pilings. On older docks, we check the frame and connections for corrosion, which salt spray speeds up near the pass. Where seawalls back the dock, we check them too.

Floats for tenders and kayaks

A floating dock gives a low platform for tenders, kayaks and paddleboards. In the harbor, it has to sit away from seagrass and in water deep enough at low tide.

Scheduling

Many owners are seasonal. We inspect, send photos and a written scope, and work while you are away once you approve.

Lift maintenance on a salty island

Near the pass, salt spray reaches everything. A lift that is rinsed and checked a few times a year lasts much longer than one that is ignored. Watch for frayed cables, stiff sheaves, corroded switch boxes and bunks that have worn through their carpet. If you see any of those, call us before the next trip rather than after a cable lets go.

Weathering storms

Hurricane Charley hit Boca Grande hard on August 13, 2004, damaging many buildings and banyan trees. The 1958 Boca Grande Causeway, with its swing bridge over the Intracoastal at Placida Harbor, is the island's road link, so we plan deliveries around it. Call (941) 213-5801 to talk about your lift or dock.