Gibson Marine Construction

How to Prepare Your Boat and Boat Lift for a Hurricane or Major Storm

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According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Ian was upgraded to a Category 3 storm early Tuesday morning, September 27, 2022. A category 3 storm is considered a major hurricane, meaning it has the potential to cause devastating or catastrophic wind damage and major loss of life. With hurricanes of this magnitude, it is of the utmost importance to fortify your property as best possible.

In order to protect your boat and boat lift for a hurricane or major storm, keep these tips in mind:

Preparing Your Boat for a Major Storm

If you have enough time to do so, the best way to protect your boat during a hurricane or major storm is to remove it from your boat lift and put it in a garage or boat storage facility. Outdoor storage farther inland and away from the potential storm surge can be an option. If you cannot remove your boat, raise the dock lift as high as you can to try to keep the boat above the storm surge. And don’t forget to secure your boat to the lift. Also, remove plugs from your boat so water can drain out and not overload your lift.

If you cannot remove your boat and your boat lift’s cradle doesn’t rise high enough to keep it above the potential storm surge, there are extra steps to take. It is still advisable to raise your boat as high as the boat lift goes, secure your boat to the lift, and use long ropes to secure your boat to anchor points. Even if the storm surge lifts your boat off the boat lift, the long anchor ropes will help to keep it near your property.

Preparing Your Boat Lift for a Potential Storm

For boat owners able to remove the boat from the boat lift, the best way to prepare a boat lift for a major storm is to lower the cradle on the lift all the way to the bottom. Leaving the cradle in the water prevents it from swaying the winds or being lashed harshly by waves in a storm surge, thus protecting the lift itself and the dock.

If your boat lift has a low-profile installation, it is possible the tide surge could bring corrosive saltwater right into your boat lift motors, switches, and covers. Remove these items from your lift and store in a safe, dry place. Those with a sealed direct-drive system should remove the gear unit as well. Before you do though, lower the cable down to its lowest point as the cable will free spool back down regardless. Last but not least, tighten all the nuts and bolts on the lift so you don’t lose any small parts during a potential storm.

For Waterfront Property Owners, It’s All About ‘Safety First’

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Owning a waterfront property in Florida, or other coastal towns throughout the U.S., can certainly feel like a privilege; but with great perks, comes great responsibility! Keeping your waterfront property, and all that comes with it, well-maintained can help keep your friends, family and visitors safe, allowing you to enjoy all that mother nature has to offer.

Keep Your Waterfront Property Safe

Having worked in the marine construction industry for over 30 years, we here at Gibson Marine have truly “seen it all.” From failing, or dilapidated seawalls, rotting or leaning docks and decks, rusted or broken boat lifts, and worse, we have seen what can happen when outdoor structures are ignored or neglected. Each of these conditions, mentioned above, not only create eye sores for your neighbors, but grave safety concerns for anyone attempting to use or walk on these structures. However, we’ve yet to come across a seawall, dock, deck or boat lift we couldn’t fix! Below, we’ve compiled some of the major concerns we face as waterfront property owners, and when you should leave the repairs to the experts!

Seawalls

A seawall acts as your first line of defense, and is an invaluable structure for homeowners on the water. While we recommend regular cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of your seawall, a major storm or invisible damage can result in a severely compromised seawall that needs professional attention ASAP. If you feel that your seawall might be damaged, it’s always better to call an expert to come out and take a look at it – better safe than sorry!

Common causes of damage to seawalls:

Example of a damaged seawall in need of repair

  • Natural wear and tear over time
  • Storm surge/hurricanes
  • Lack of maintenance
  • Changing water flow
  • Improper installation

 

 

Docks and/or Decks

While seawalls act as the first line of defense for your waterfront property, they oftentimes go unnoticed. However, your backyard deck, (and if you have one) dock are often where most the activity happens in your outdoor space, and is usually what guests and visitors see first. Docks and decks can rot or break after time and if they aren’t protected with pressure-treated lumber or built with quality materials, they immediately become a safety hazard to your family or visitors.

While there is a lot that a homeowner can do to protect their dock or deck against damage, if rot sets in, it’s time to call in the professionals. Some common signs that it might be time to call the professionals are:

Example of damaged deck in need of repair

  • Rotting or broken wood
  • Bowing or loose beams
  • Termites
  • Nails or screws won’t hold

 

 

 

Boat Lifts

Every good boatowner knows just how important it is to take care of your investment with regular maintenance, cleaning and long-term care. If you’re fortunate enough to live on the water as a boatowner, it’s imperative that you invest in a boat lift. Boat lifts are central to upkeep and is one of the best ways to proactively maintain the hull. A boat’s hull is obviously subjected to the most potential abuse; particularly if left in the water for extended periods of time. The eventual corrosive effects of elements like algae, moss, and salt water can wear away at the finish, something no boatowner wants to see.

Protecting and maintaining your boat lift is one in the same with protecting and maintaining your boat. Here are some of the common causes of damage to your boat lift:

  • Excessive chafe on the cables
  • Over-extending the life of your cables
  • Improper maintenance/care of lift beams
  • Cracked bunks
  • Improperly greased gears, drive units, pulleys, etc.

If any of these warning signs sound familiar to you, it might be time to give us a call. Safety is something that should be on the forefront of every waterfront property owner’s mind, and maintaining your seawalls, docks and decks, and boat lifts is a big part of staying safe!

 

 

Give Your Dock a Lift

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At Gibson Marine, we specialize in complete marine solutions: seawalls, docks, and boat lifts.

A boat lift is the best means of keeping your craft accessible and away from the damaging effects of water storage – from delamination to storm damage. The best way to protect this pricey possession is to lift it out of the water when not in use.

Our boat lifts range from standard to full systems designed to resist weather and corrosion, including:

  • Aluminum Boat Lifts
  • Galvanized Boat Lifts
  • Davits
  • PWC Lifts
  • Swinger Style Lifts

The same principle applies with boat lift installation as it does to DIY Docks – don’t get in over your head. There are those who like to believe they are saving themselves money by installing a boat lift on a brilliantly sunny Saturday. The reality is you will quickly regret the decision to take on this challenge:

  • You can compromise the structural integrity of your boat dock
  • You can damage your boat
  • You can create an unsafe area where you invite all manner of injury
  • All of the above

Although it may seem ironic that a marine vessel should not be stored in the water, it is the fact. Many types of boats have been designed and manufactured with the intention that they be dry docked, regardless of the protective sealants applied.

The caveat that a brand new automobile begins its descent into depreciation once you drive it off the dealership’s lot? So it goes with your boat. Actually, storing it in the water contributes to a decrease in its performance and accelerates the loss of value rather significantly.

It is also true that personal watercraft (like jet-skis) and any others whose purpose relies on speed and performance benefit tremendously from being taken out of the water when not in use.

What Type of Boat Lift Do you Need?

We will consult with you on the variety of features and options. Fortunately ours is an industry which has incorporated aesthetics into functionality, so there is depth of choice.

The best place to start is with the material as that speaks directly to the waters upon which you live. Here on Florida’s Gulf Coast, stainless steel and galvanized steel are the recommended materials for boat lifts to combat the corrosive effects of saltwater.

The size of the boat lift is a function of the right width and length to support your boat of course, but we do recommend considering future boat purposes. Will you be upgrading your vessel to a larger one and therefore would you potentially “outgrow” your current lift sooner than later?

And finally, you can get a lot of boat lift bells and whistles like powered winches and remotes to control them, etc. We will make certain that those inclusions are made easy by confirming your dock’s accessibility to a sufficient power source and to keep your new boat lift in line with your budget.

Once you become acquainted with the costs of water-worthy vessels, you will understand the importance of having a professionally installed boat lift.

 

 

How to Buy a Boat Lift

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All lovers of the water know their docks and sea-worthy vessels require a strict preventative maintenance program. Daily and seasonally, boat owners toil to keep their boats and the equipment that support them in shape for both safety and aesthetics.

Boat lifts specifically are central to upkeep. They can function in two different ways:

  • To transfer a vessel from one elevation to another
  • To lift a boat out of the water

The latter purpose for a boat lift is one of the best ways to proactively maintain the hull. A boat’s hull is obviously subjected to the most potential abuse; particularly if left in the water for extended periods of time.

The eventual corrosive effects of elements like algae, moss, and salt water wear away at the finish. Anyone who has ever scraped and re-painted a hull understands the sweat equity it entails.

Additionally, when your boat is aloft, it is not able to constantly knock against the dock from the wakes created by other boats and due to inclement weather. It is more protected.

Like any marine purchase, you need to consider the installation’s environment and the equipment with which it is interfacing; in this case your boat. Some questions to consider when purchasing a boat lift:

  • Is it a new lift or a replacement?
  • If replacement, what don’t you like about the operation of the existing?
  • Is there a particular lift feature in which you are interested?
  • Do you plan on making any modifications to your property or dock?
  • Where do you envision the lift being installed? Dockside or at the seawall?
  • If seawall, has it been maintained well/does it require inspection?
  • Do you require or have a permit?
  • What model of watercraft is being lifted?
  • What is the boat’s length, width, and wet weight?
  • What electricity is available to support the lift? Is it 110V or 220V?

The marine industry is no exception from any other with its full range of styles to suit needs and limitations of space. Additionally, before potentially replacing your boat’s lift, consider having us perform an assessment of the problem. You may be surprised by how cost effective a repair can be if there is still plenty of life left in the lift. A brand new boat lift may not always be the solution.

As always, boating responsibly is key. Safety first. A boat should never be raised by a boat lift unless that lift is specifically designed/rated to support a boat of specific dimensions. You could otherwise cause extensive damage to the boat and/or put someone in harm’s way.

We install a variety of lifts from many manufacturers that are:

• Aluminum
• Galvanized
• Davits
• PWC Lifts
• Swinger Style Lifts

Boating may be considered a notoriously expensive hobby, but a sound maintenance/inspection program will assure the life of your boat lift, its components, and your vessel.

If you have any questions or would like a professional evaluation or any suggestions to get the most out of the beautiful Florida sunshine, give us a call at 727-942-3111.

5 Top Tips for Choosing the Right Contractor

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At Gibson Marine, completing every job on time and on budget is simply the protocol, but not all contractors are created equal. An unscrupulous contractor can wreak havoc on the lives of the homeowners, developers, or builders involved in a project. Over the last 30 years, we’ve rectified nightmare contractor situations for many clients. Most recently, we took over a project in Tierra Verde started by another contractor who did not fulfill their agreement. After a year of trying to coax the original contractor to return and finish the job, the client contacted Gibson Marine. We’re happy to report that once the contract was executed, we were able to complete the project for this client within just 10 days.

When it comes to hiring a contractor, knowledge is power. The more information you have, the better equipped you are to make an educated decision. We’ve compiled this list of “5 Top Tips for Contractor Bliss” to help get you started.

 

1. Do Your HW. Search the Web for information about local contractors and check reviews and ratings. Be sure to ask friends, coworkers, and other people in your community for referrals; when it comes to vetting capable contractors, word-of-mouth recommendations are often the most dependable sources. Make the most of the exchange by asking specific questions, such as:

· How would they describe the quality of the work?

· Were there disparities between the original and final construction budget?

· Was the project completed by the agreed upon deadline?

· Did the contractor maintain a clean and organized job site throughout the construction?

· Would you work with this contractor again? Why or why not?

2. The Proof is in the Paperwork. Make sure that the contractor is licensed and insured. A professional will most likely volunteer the documentation. For example, Gibson Marine’s Florida Certified General Contractor license number can be found right on our website: http://gibson-marine.com/about/. If any subcontractors will be assisting with the project, verify that they are also properly licensed and insured before moving forward with any work. Confirm that the company’s insurance covers workers’ comp, property damage, and personal liability.

3. Write it (All) Down. A thorough written contact is your best defense against future distress or dissatisfaction. Be as detailed as possible – outline the scope of work, specify what materials will be used, define the start of the project and the agreed upon deadline. Any verbal promises or agreements should be added to the written contract. Carefully read the entire contract and confirm that you understand everything outlined. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something.

4. Compare Bids. Obtain a minimum of three to four bids for the project in question. These bids should all be put in writing so you can refer to them later. All bids should provide a comprehensive plan detailing every juncture of the project. Don’t make a decision solely based on price; in some cases, a low ball bid may be indicative of quality.

5. See Red. When you’re hiring a contractor, be on the lookout for anything that doesn’t add up or just doesn’t feel right. As with any business deal, the potential for scammers is always present. Be wary if a contractor exhibits any of the following red flags:

 · Provides references that can’t be verified.

· Wants all costs paid up front or accepts only cash.

· Avoids putting bid in writing or providing a written contract.

· Bid is exceptionally low – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

· Asks you to obtain building permits.

· Uses high pressure sales tactics, such as special pricing contingent upon signing a contract that day.

 

Gibson Marine Construction is a full-service professionally certified marine contractor with over 30 years of experience building seawalls, docks and installing boat lifts. For more information, visit www.gibson-marine.com or call (727) 942-3111.


Gibson Marine Construction © 2021
2131 Range Rd.
Clearwater, FL 33765
727-942-3111 | gibson-marine.com Florida Certified General Contractor: CGC1514396