Things You Should Know About Your Florida Dock

September 26, 2016 by gibson Leave a Comment

Florida Docks Should Be Multi-Functional

The next best thing to having a Florida dock, is shopping for a new one. Even if you are updating an existing dock, today’s marine structures are designed to be multi-functional. They exist as more than simply a platform to moor a vessel.

Alternative Uses for Florida Boat Docks

The primary distinguishing factor about docks and decks in Florida is first of all, you are able to enjoy them for more months during the year. Other than that, defining the space with some affordable additions will give an existing dock new life:

Create Your Ideal Fishing Spot

From the comfort of your own backyard, outfit the dock with sturdy, waterproof cabinetry to accommodate tackle and gear. Add an outdoor frig and bolt chairs to the dock and you have a customized fishing getaway steps from your home.

Build a Waterfront Garden

There’s nothing like enjoying views from your lanai out to a beautiful sea of blooms and herbs as they take in the sunshine. Extend the gardening space you’ve designated on your deck out to your dock. Installing rectangular box planters offers the most flexibility to adapt the plantings with the changing seasons.

Relax on Your Florida Dock on Your Days Off

Love to read? Listen to a ballgame on the radio? While we do advise this particular dock improvement be made in association with a Florida marine construction specialist, you can have a section of dock planking removed to make way for the insertion of hammock netting. Secured to the dock, you can enjoy a refreshing dip while staying above water level!

Escape the Florida Heat

It can be the hottest part of the day or the onset of a passing shower, and you’ll not miss a beat enjoying your brunch and mimosas. Mounting a gazebo to your boat dock will transform it and your outdoor lifestyle. Set up a dining table, or place outdoor furniture to optimize this open-air setting while expanding your real estate’s living space.

And in more Florida dock news, we do suggest you think twice before attempting a Dock DIY Project.

Here at Gibson Marine, we recommend that homeowners take an active interest in learning the right techniques for keeping marine structures viable, but there is a distinction that must be made.

Florida Dock and Deck Safety

Once you live on the water, you are unlikely to ever wish to live anywhere that doesn’t boast those views.

For the safety of your children and your neighbors’ children, removable fence barriers may be affixed around a dock’s perimeter to provide an extra layer of security. In a variety of styles, many crafted of a commercial mesh and offer a transparent effect, the safety fence does not obstruct the water views.
Children should also be taught to respect the water and the potential dangers it poses. Swimming lessons are a must, but learning to observe rules and read signage posted about water conditions is the priority for life at the water’s edge.
As the homeowner, it is essential to remain compliant with local laws as they exist to protect the community’s citizens.

Experienced Florida Dock Builders

We are in the Florida marine construction business and employ professionals who have been constructing docks, decks, and seawalls for over thirty years.

Even though we know what we are doing, we never take a chance on any of our employees getting hurt or putting them in an untenable position. Safety is always our first step and defines everything we do. We suggest you too observe safety at all times, and enjoy life at the water’s edge. Contact Gibson Marine Construction for more information on building or repairing your Florida dock.

Floating Docks vs. Fixed Docks

August 4, 2016 by gibson Leave a Comment

Like any structure, its design should suit the environment and the need. As marine construction specialists, we delve into the way the property owner wishes to use the dock as well as the types of aqua vehicles that will be moored to it.

Buying any kind of structure that must sit on a surface as unpredictable as water is one that should be carefully engineered and customized, or at least determined to be the right fit for the need.

The Perfect Sidecar

A floating dock can easily be a standalone solution. Their innate “flexibility” makes them the perfect foundation to skim the surface of a tranquil lake, or sustain footing over fluctuating tides, and most can remain in the water.

You may also want to consider installing a floating dock as an extension of your fixed one. Sometimes a more cost-effective solution, floating docks can be installed alongside a fixed dock to provide additional square footage.

We appreciate these insights posted on Gulf Coast Fisherman, written by a floating dock manufacturer:

One option is a modular dock. It is sold in sections and assembled like building blocks, using connectors. Sections can be added as budget permits, or arranged into a new configuration to accommodate an owner’s growing inventory of watercraft.
Another thing to examine when choosing a floating dock is whether it is constructed of low- or no-maintenance material. This can offer tremendous time and labor savings, especially at the beginning of boating, fishing or swimming season. Docks made of plastic, such as polyethylene, do not need painting or staining and won’t rot or cause splinters like wooden docks. A safe, slip-resistant dock surface is another important feature.
Finally, the right dock should be environmentally friendly as well. Docks made of Styrofoam blocks can be eaten by hungry wildlife or deteriorate over time. Choosing a dock made of recyclable, air-filled polyethylene eliminates pollution from bits of Styrofoam breaking off into the water.

Installing a Floating Dock

Our words of caution include knowing what you are doing. DIY television programming has enabled homeowners to hone skills they never thought they possessed. It is both liberating and gratifying to create an improvement.

For those living at the water’s edge, some people enjoy the challenge installing their own floating dock provides. The only problem is that people trying to install something that sits on water may be pushing the boundaries of safety. Small children, pets, anyone is actually vulnerable to the unpredictability of the water and its tides.
In taking on such a DIY project, there also exists a tendency to be sparing on materials and fittings quality. Do not skimp.
The hardware you use should be stainless or galvanized, or at the very least, marine-environment rated. Zinc or copper grease can be swiped on the bolt threads too before tightening any nuts.

As a marine construction company, we design, manufacture, and install all kinds of custom fixed and floating docks. A limitless variety of configurations await your inspiration, and our expertise!

Custom Dock Building

July 14, 2016 by gibson Leave a Comment

Being in the marine construction industry for as many years as we have has allowed us to experience the transformation from dock extensions that look like the one next door, to truly customized ones. These specialized structures integrate into the unique nuances of shorelines and their landscapes. They frame and support all types of vessels harbored alongside.

While imagination, engineering, and genuine craftsmanship are the tent poles of custom docks in Florida, there are a few considerations requiring resolution first.

Cost considerations are primary, as everyone has a budget so we always want to allow for that baseline. While we’ll never skimp on the quality of the materials, it would be the design specifications that would instead require modification.

Zoning and Permitting

In addition to pulling the appropriate permits and closing them upon final inspection, identification of specs for structures in your subdivision and county will govern the design.

We will never proceed until we know exactly what you can and cannot erect. A look at your neighbors’ docks is often a good indication, but again, you never really know how elaborate the structure can be until we know the rules governing them.

What do you need the dock for? In other words, besides a sturdy structure to tether and park your boat:

Do you have jet skis?
Do you wish to use part of the space for outdoor dining so need a partial roof?
Do you want a bridge effect so the dock is either floating or fixed with a walkway connecting it to the land?
Would you prefer access to the dock from the second story of your home so the veranda connected to your master suite offers a staircase right down to your boat?
Is your home built into a mountainside or sloping gradient and requires a stepped access?
Would a full gazebo top add ambience to your great outdoors?
Or do we establish a full party deck on one level with steps down to the boat dock beneath?

Again, there are no limits when it comes to customizing this space. The surrounding terrain also deserves a facelift whether adding a rip rap seawall, landscape design, or pavers to outfit the access way.

Along with these touches, custom lighting design will highlight everything from the water itself to every post and pillar. Light strings outlining the dock’s silhouette are a classic, yet stunning way to showcase your new space.

Besides our ability to build such utilitarian footage that provides much more than just a place to park, we truly appreciate the chance to devise unique spaces that make living at the water’s edge even more of a treat.

In addition to enhancing a property, we pride ourselves on creating structures that are safe and sound. Only with keen engineering and knowledge of the body of water and the materials best suited, can anyone construct a dock that will perform as you envision it, with the peace of mind you demand of it.

Living on a Florida waterfront property is as good as it gets. A custom dock only makes it better.