Dock-to-Deck
Does the boat fit the property?
An advisory review that brings the home, dock, lift, canal and route together — so you can make a more informed decision before purchasing the property or the vessel.
Quick Answer
What a Dock-to-Deck Review actually is
A Dock-to-Deck Review is an advisory look at whether a specific boat and a specific waterfront property work together — dock face, lift capacity, low-tide depth, canal width, bridge clearance, and the route to open water. It is not a marine survey, structural inspection, or certification. When something needs to be verified by a marine surveyor, engineer, or insurer, we tell you.
Last updated July 27, 2026
Frequently asked
- Is this a marine survey or a home inspection?
- No. It's an advisory review of the information available on the property and the boat. Structural, engineering, insurance, and vessel-condition decisions still require the appropriate licensed professionals.
- Do you certify lift capacity or dock condition?
- We do not certify either. We review published specs, seller/agent disclosures, permits when available, and the boat's fully-loaded weight — and flag anything that should be verified by a marine contractor or engineer.
- Do I need to already own the property or the boat?
- No. You can send a listing you're considering, a boat you're considering, or one of each — that's the whole point of the review.
- How long does the review take?
- Michael typically follows up within one business day. A full review depends on how quickly dock, lift, and depth information can be gathered from the listing agent, seller, or marina.
What we review
Eight questions that help determine whether the boat and property work together.
A waterfront home may look perfect until the boat, dock, lift, canal or route is considered. Our Dock-to-Deck review brings those details together so you can make a more informed decision before purchasing the property or the vessel.
Start here
What are you trying to match?
Select the situation that best matches yours and we'll carry it into the request form below.
- 1
The Boat and the Dock
The boat must physically sit at the dock with enough room to maneuver, secure and access it safely.
- Length, beam and dock clearance
- Boarding, fenders and service access
See full checklist▾
- Boat length and beam
- Dock face and side clearance
- Fender and piling placement
- Boarding and service access
- 2
The Lift and Water Depth
Dry weight alone does not determine lift suitability. The fully loaded vessel, bunks, pilings and water depth must be considered together.
- Loaded weight vs. lift capacity
- Draft and low-tide depth at the slip
See full checklist▾
- Published boat weight
- Fuel, water, equipment and gear
- Lift capacity and cradle configuration
- Draft and low-tide depth
- 3
The Route to Open Water
A boat may fit the property but still be unable to clear the route between the dock and open water.
- Canal width, turning room and bridges
- Air draft, no-wake time and shallow areas
See full checklist▾
- Canal and basin width
- Turning room
- Fixed and opening bridges
- Air draft, radar and antennas
- No-wake travel time
- Shallow areas and tides
- 4
Ownership and Property Readiness
The property and surrounding resources must support how the boat will be stored, protected and used.
- Dock, seawall and shore power condition
- Storm plan, insurance and HOA rules
See full checklist▾
- Dock and seawall condition
- Shore power and water
- Storm and hurricane plan
- Marina or haul-out alternatives
- Insurance considerations
- HOA or community restrictions
Before you buy the home or the boat, make sure they work together.
Send us the property address or listing and the boat you own or are considering. Michael will lead the vessel and access review, while Peggy remains involved when property guidance may be needed.
Request your review
Tell us about the property — and the boat.
Share the property address or listing and the boat you own or are considering. We'll review the available information and explain the next steps.
Michael leads the vessel and access review. Peggy is included when real-estate guidance may be needed.
Advisory scope. The Dock-to-Deck review is an advisory review of available information. Final dock, lift, depth, bridge, structural, insurance and vessel compatibility decisions may require verification by qualified marine, engineering, inspection, insurance or local authorities.