Dock Construction, Repairs & Boat Lifts in Fort Myers
A dock on the Caloosahatchee River is not planned the same way as a dock on an interior canal.
Water depth, current, vessel wake, shoreline conditions, access, dock length, piling placement and the boat being accommodated all affect the project. The existing seawall can matter as well, particularly when a new dock is being connected to an older shoreline structure.
WB Williamson Bros. builds and repairs custom docks and installs boat lifts throughout Fort Myers and Southwest Florida. We work with property owners on new construction, redecking, repairs, lift installation, electrical and lighting, and other dock improvements.
Your Fort Myers Dock Starts With the Water in Front of It
The first question is not simply how large the dock should be. It is what the dock needs to do.
A property along the Caloosahatchee may have current, vessel wake and greater exposure than a protected residential canal. Water depth can affect where a boat can be positioned and how long the dock needs to extend. Available space on shore can influence the walkway, stair configuration and connection to the home or seawall.
The vessel matters just as much. A personal watercraft, center console, pontoon boat and larger vessel have different requirements for clearance, lift capacity, boarding and storage.
We look at those factors together before the dock layout is finalized.
How We Approach Dock Construction in Fort Myers
Property Consultation
We review the property, existing structures, boat, available water, access, dock needs and desired features.
Site Plans
After the site review, we develop a custom plan for the property and review the proposed layout and estimate with you.
Proposal & Final Selections
Permitting
Fort Myers marine permitting depends first on the property’s actual jurisdiction. Within the City of Fort Myers, docks require permitting and city approval, with applicable state or federal approvals potentially required as well. The city’s development code also addresses dock dimensions, setbacks and other construction requirements. Properties with a Fort Myers mailing address can fall outside city limits, so the jurisdiction should be established before the project enters the permitting process.
Construction
Final Inspection
Boat Lift Installation for Fort Myers Vessels
The boat lift and dock should be treated as one system.
A lift needs to support the actual vessel being stored, while also fitting the available water, dock configuration and property layout. The lift location affects where the boat sits in relation to the dock and how easily it can be loaded, unloaded and accessed.
WB Williamson Bros. partners with IMM Quality Boat Lifts, a Southwest Florida manufacturer whose current product line includes personal watercraft lifts, boat elevators and larger systems such as the Alumavator, Platinum, Superlift and Titan.
Personal Watercraft
Smaller lift systems can be planned for personal watercraft where space and access allow.
Boat Elevators
Larger Vessel Systems
Fort Myers Dock & Boat Lift FAQs
Is building a dock along the Caloosahatchee different from building on a canal?
It can be. Current, vessel wake, water depth, exposure, shoreline conditions and access can all affect the layout and construction approach.
How do you determine how long my dock needs to be?
Dock length depends on the shoreline, water depth, intended boat, desired slip location, access, and the conditions at the property. The site needs to be evaluated before determining the final layout.
Can an older Fort Myers dock be repaired instead of replaced?
Sometimes. The condition of the pilings, framing, decking, connections and other structural components determines whether repair, redecking, partial replacement or complete reconstruction makes sense.
Can I add a boat lift to my existing dock?
Potentially. The existing dock, vessel specifications, available water, lift location and structural requirements all need to be evaluated.
Can you include lighting or electrical work in the dock project?
Depending on the project, electrical service, lighting, fish lights and other dock features can be included.
Can the existing seawall affect a new dock?
Yes. The seawall can affect dock attachment, piling placement, access and construction sequencing.
Request a Quote
We’re eager to learn about your marine construction needs and how we can bring your vision to life. Fill out the form below, and a representative will contact you to discuss solutions tailored to your project. Let’s work together to build something extraordinary.