DOCK INSPECTIONS

Just saw a video on Cape Ann Towing in Lauderdale on the Tim B at Sea channel. They looked like they knew what they were doing moving mega yachts around. Suspect for a few pieces of silver they can chug out there and take a look see. Or any other (legal) local charter outfit will take him for a spin and show him the depth sounder. A building inspector in that area should know how to evaluate the dock, give or take. And, that can always be fixed. The depth etc not so much.

Your friend must be new to listing waterfront property. Go to city’s building department to get the current city/county codes for docks/boats are for the area. If the codes are like most places in Florida, any change/improvements will have to comply to current codes. Contact a good dock builder and have them evaluate the condition of the dock and get a rough estimate for a completely new dock, Also, your friend should look to see what size docks and boats are at the surrounding properties. Simply good information for your friend to have.

+1 dewald. A dock builder is the best one to inspect a dock. They can also give the depth near the dock. If there's an issue of depth near the dock someone like Cape Ann could bring their boat in to blow it out with their props, but if dredging is needed good luck.

I have a good working relationship with a company that I think can help you. I have asked Marina Depot to reach out to this thread to add comments.

Judy

I'm so bored, You want an under water survey? I'll come down and map it for you.
Or, Tap on Norse for a charter with a long stick (much cheaper) and sound it your self.

....and even then it's usually something simple along the lines of "a one hundred foot dock on deep water access". You certainly do not want to warrant such information regarding depth. Or, google earth the property and look at the neighbors. See any large boats?

It's always better to have answers at hand. When I had my boat in Lauderdale I had several people who were looking at houses hire up to bring them by the waterside. Several got big, bad, expensive surprises when they checked out the docks and sea walls but they got them before putting their money down. Given the cost of docks and seawalls and the hassles involved in getting dredging permits I'd say that's a smart broker.

Again, your buddy needs to be careful with his creation and advertisement of details. If the Seller wants to provide that information, terrific. But a real boat owner who might be interested in the home is going to do his own homework as well. What your buddy does not want is for the wealthy Buyer with lots of attorneys on speed dial to make a purchase based upon details the agent has prepared and provided. Hence, "deep water access" followed by a contract with water depth contingencies as part of the due diligence.

On most listing for boats and homes I've seen they include a disclaimer such as "Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed." and with real estate nothing matters that's not in writing. So they can advertise "Deep water dockage" (opinion) and say you should be able to bring in a 7' draft boat or we measured it a 8' deep, but I'd be very surprised to see that guaranteed in a contract.

Thx, but too far away, it is a 6 hour round trip from my home base in Fort Lauderdale. Otherwise a good idea, got a stern mounted transducer calibrated to within a inch, easy to sound a dock, but that long boat ride would cut into my beer time.
For a similar project closer to home, see www.odincharters.com

That's exactly how a realtor would advertise it, but he must do his due diligence or else "puffing" could turn into a lie. He has to advertise "deep water access" if he wants the price that commands, but if there's only 3' of water at the dock that becomes a lie. If the seawall or dock is crumbling and will have to be immediately replaced that must be disclosed, same as if there was a 3' hole in the roof. I'm sure that's all he's trying to do, get the best price possible without telling a lie. Due diligence. Some would prefer to stay ignorant for their own protection, but then they must give up the premium price deep water access and a dock bring.

Underwater conditions change over time for various reasons. I'd pay a Scuba diver to go down and look around and report back on actual depth, obstructions, suitability for anchoring, etc.

That's what the buyer should do.