A Dock That Lasts Starts with Doing It Right
A well-built dock is more than just a place to tie up your boat — it’s a centerpiece of your waterfront property and an investment that should last for decades.
But along Florida’s Treasure Coast, harsh sun, fluctuating tides, and saltwater exposure quickly expose weak construction or poor design.
At Harbor Bay Marine Industries, we’ve spent more than 25 years building and repairing docks across Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, and the surrounding areas, and we’ve seen it all — from warped boards and unstable pilings to docks that didn’t last a single storm season.
This guide covers the most common dock construction mistakes and how to avoid them, ensuring your next project is built to withstand Florida’s environment.
📞 Call (772) 335-7080 today for a free on-site dock consultation.
Why Proper Dock Construction Matters on the Treasure Coast
Every shoreline is unique. Depth, current, and bottom composition vary greatly between the Indian River Lagoon, St. Lucie River, and Intracoastal Waterway.
A “one-size-fits-all” dock design rarely works here.
When a dock isn’t engineered for local conditions, problems can arise within months:
- Pilings shift or sink unevenly
- Decking warps or loosens
- Hardware corrodes prematurely
- The entire structure becomes unstable during storms
That’s why hiring a local marine construction specialist — one who understands the region’s permitting, soil types, and weather — is essential.
Mistake #1: Skipping the Permitting Process
This is one of the most common and costly mistakes homeowners make.
Building a dock in Florida requires compliance with local, state, and environmental regulations.
Without the right permits, you could face stop-work orders, fines, or be forced to remove your dock entirely.
Why It Happens
Many out-of-area builders or DIYers underestimate the complexity of coastal permits.
How Harbor Bay Prevents It
We handle the complete permitting process — from engineering drawings to county and DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) coordination.
Our experience ensures your dock meets all state and federal requirements, saving you time, stress, and potential legal trouble.
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Materials for Coastal Conditions
Florida’s waterfront climate is unforgiving. Salt air, intense UV rays, and constant humidity corrode and weaken materials faster than most realize.
Common Material Errors
- Standard steel hardware instead of marine-grade stainless
- Untreated lumber or low-grade pressure-treated boards
- Unsealed fasteners that lead to rust stains and wood decay
- Inferior composite decking that warps or delaminates
Harbor Bay’s Approach
We build every dock using marine-grade stainless steel bolts, aluminum framing, and premium decking options like composite or tropical hardwood.
Our materials are carefully selected to handle salt exposure and daily temperature swings — ensuring your dock remains strong and attractive for years.
Mistake #3: Poor Piling Installation and Alignment
Pilings are the foundation of every dock. If they’re not driven deep enough or aligned properly, the entire structure is compromised.
Signs of a Bad Install
- Uneven or tilted pilings
- Loose movement when walking on the dock
- Decking gaps that shift over time
Harbor Bay’s Standard
Our crews use vibratory and jet-driven installation methods to set pilings deep into stable soil, accounting for wave action and soil density.
Every piling is checked for alignment and load capacity — a step that cheaper contractors often skip.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Tides, Water Depth, and Wind Exposure
A dock that performs well in calm canals might fail along open waterways or wind-exposed shorelines.
What Goes Wrong
- Dock decks are built too low, flooding during high tide
- Inadequate spacing for tidal movement
- Poorly designed anchoring that loosens in high winds
The Harbor Bay Advantage
Before we design a dock, we analyze:
- Local tide charts and average seasonal fluctuations
- Wind direction and wave exposure
- Soil composition beneath your property
This ensures your dock’s height, orientation, and anchoring system are customized for your exact location — not copied from a catalog.
Mistake #5: Overlooking Drainage and Runoff Control
Water trapped on or under a dock can lead to rot, corrosion, and erosion.
Poor drainage also increases pressure on seawalls and shoreline stability.
Harbor Bay’s Solution
We integrate drainage channels and open-slat decking that allow water to flow naturally, preventing ponding and reducing stress on structural components.
Mistake #6: Hiring Unlicensed or Out-of-Town Contractors
The lure of a low bid often hides major risks. Unlicensed or out-of-area contractors may not understand Florida’s marine codes — or they simply disappear when problems arise.
The Risk
- No warranty or insurance coverage
- Substandard workmanship
- Unsafe electrical installation
- Poor customer service or follow-up
The Local Difference
Harbor Bay Marine Industries is fully licensed, insured, and based right here in Port St. Lucie.
We’ve built a reputation for reliability, transparency, and craftsmanship across the Treasure Coast.
When we build your dock, you can be confident it’s done right — and backed by a company that’s here to stay.
Mistake #7: Forgetting About Long-Term Maintenance
Even the best-built docks need routine care to withstand Florida’s environment.
Maintenance Essentials
- Rinse with freshwater regularly
- Check fasteners for corrosion
- Apply protective sealants every few years
- Inspect pilings annually for marine borer damage
Harbor Bay’s Maintenance Program
We offer ongoing maintenance and repair services, from replacing damaged boards to tightening connections and inspecting pilings.
Routine upkeep keeps your dock beautiful and functional year after year.
Why Harbor Bay Marine Industries Is the Right Choice
When you hire Harbor Bay Marine Industries, you’re choosing a family-owned, locally trusted team with decades of experience in marine construction.
Led by Scott Szafranski, our company stands for honesty, quality, and craftsmanship.
What Makes Us Different
- 25+ years of local experience
- Hands-on owner involvement on every job
- Custom designs built for each property
- Complete project management: design, permitting, construction, and final inspection
- Personalized service: we meet clients on-site to understand their vision and budget
We build docks we’d be proud to have in our own backyards — because we live here, too.
Get It Done Right the First Time
A strong, long-lasting dock begins with solid construction and local expertise.
Whether you’re repairing an old dock or starting from scratch, Harbor Bay Marine Industries delivers the craftsmanship and attention to detail your property deserves.
📞 Call (772) 335-7080 today or Request a Free Quote Online
Serving Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Sewall’s Point, Palm City, and the entire Treasure Coast.