Building Your Own Boat Dock On The Gold Coast

If you're looking to build your own boat dock on the Gold Coast, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, consider the benefits of a dry docking solution, which can save you time and money on maintenance and fuel consumption, while also increasing the resale value of your boat. Additionally, some dry docking options are more environmentally friendly, reducing the amount of toxic antifoul in the water. When choosing a dry docking solution, it's important to factor in the size of your boat, the type of hull, and whether you have a jet ski or other watercraft that also needs to be accommodated. You'll also need to consider the water conditions and seabed terrain of your location, as this will impact the type of pontoon dock you can install. Piled pontoons, for example, are great for rough waters but may not be suitable for rocky seabeds. Be sure to also look into the approval process for your water frontage and whether a tidal works permit is required.

Pontoon docks are a profitable investment for your waterfront home

If you own a waterfront property, installing a pontoon dock is a great way to maximise your enjoyment of the water and can be a profitable investment. Pontoon docks offer a range of benefits, from providing safe access to the water to increasing the value of your home.

For boat owners, a pontoon dock is a convenient and efficient way to access the water. With a pontoon, you can easily launch your boat, jet ski or PWC without the hassle of dealing with public docks. You can also dry berth small boats, jet skis and PWCs on the pontoon's deck, making maintenance more accessible. This can save you time and money on transport and off-site storage, as well as improve the resale value of your boat by keeping it dry and reducing the need for antifouling.

Pontoon docks can also enhance your outdoor living experience. They provide a space for entertainment and relaxation, offering stunning waterfront views any time of the day. Whether you're enjoying a quiet cup of coffee in the morning or hosting cocktails at sunset, a pontoon dock extends your living space and allows you to make the most of your waterfront location.

In addition to the lifestyle benefits, pontoon docks can add significant financial value to your home. Real estate agents suggest that a pontoon can increase a waterfront home's value by up to 10%. For example, on the Gold Coast, the average waterfront home costs $900,000. Adding a pontoon dock for around $25,000 can potentially increase the value of your property by $90,000, resulting in a $50,000 profit.

When considering a pontoon dock for your waterfront home, it's important to factor in the approval process and the type of pontoon that suits your location. On the Gold Coast, the Gold Coast Waterway Authority (GCWA) manages the waterways and is involved in the planning process for tidal work applications. The width of your water frontage and quay line will determine if your proposed pontoon falls within the approved boundaries.

There are several types of pontoon docks available, including piled pontoons, cable pontoons and strut pontoons. The suitability of each type depends on the seabed terrain and water conditions. Piled pontoons, for instance, are ideal for rough and windy water conditions but may not be suitable for rocky seabeds. On the other hand, cable and strut pontoons are better options for calm waterways and rocky seabeds.

In summary, pontoon docks are a profitable investment for your waterfront home. They offer convenience, enhance your outdoor lifestyle and significantly increase your property's value. With the right type of pontoon dock and the necessary approvals in place, you can maximise the potential of your waterfront location and enjoy a solid return on your investment.

Custom dry docks for boats of all sizes

Custom dry docks are available for boats of all sizes, from small personal boats to large superyachts. These dry docks are designed to fit the size of your boat perfectly, with options to accommodate a tender, tinnie, jet ski, or even another large boat. With no moving parts or power required, custom dry docks are maintenance-free and can be easily transported if needed.

Benefits of a Custom Dry Dock

• Maintenance: Keeping your boat dry in a custom dry dock prevents growth from building up on the hull and running gear, improving fuel efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
• Resale Value: A dry-docked boat will have better resale value when it's time to sell.
• Environmental Impact: Dry docking reduces the amount of toxic antifoul and bottom paints in the water, contributing to the preservation of the marine environment.
• Convenience: With a custom dry dock, you can launch quickly and spend less time on maintenance, allowing you more time on the water.
• Cost Savings: The reduced maintenance and fuel efficiency improvements can lead to significant cost savings over time.

Custom Dry Dock Options

Custom dry docks can be designed to suit your specific needs and boat size. They can also be customised to include special reinforced pockets around drives, rudders, keels, and intakes. Additionally, custom dry docks can be extended to accommodate multiple vessels or larger boats.

Gold Coast Options

The Gold Coast offers a range of custom dry dock options, including:

• DockPro: Offering dry docking solutions for vessels of various sizes, with awards from the Gold Coast Business Awards and the Miami Boat Show Innovation Award.
• FAB Dock: Specialising in custom dry docks for boats between 16 and 100 feet long, with a unique design that makes docking easier and a focus on environmental friendliness.
• Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM): Australia's most comprehensive and awarded marine facility, providing refit, repair, and berthing solutions for jet skis to superyachts.
• Custom Dry Docks: Australian-made modular dry dock systems that can accommodate boats of all sizes, with a nationwide delivery and installation service.

Multi-hull dry docks for catamarans and tri-marans

If you're looking for a dry dock system for your multihull boat, FAB Dock offers a range of options suitable for catamarans and tri-marans. FAB Dock's Multi-Hull solutions are designed for boats between 17ft and 100ft long, providing a secure flotation system that keeps your vessel completely dry. The system is constructed with tubes that match the shape of each hull, minimising the time required to drain water from the dock. Each hull has its own FAB Dock pumping system, controlled by a patented water-sensing module that monitors for any signs of water.

The benefits of the FAB Dock system include ease of use, with no bulky or hazardous control boxes and pipes, and no metal parts to corrode. The low-profile design ensures your boat remains at water level, preventing it from rolling over. Additionally, the system is self-contained and can be powered by solar energy if you have solar panels charging your boat's batteries.

FAB Dock also offers a range of accessories, including mooring line adapters and annual dock servicing solutions, to maintain your dry docking solution.

With its custom build option, FAB Dock can accommodate larger boats or those with specific features like shaft drives, IPS drives, or larger jet drives. Their solutions are crafted using entirely recyclable materials, contributing to environmental preservation by reducing toxic antifoul and bottom paints in the water.

The FAB Dock Multi-Hull solution can help you save money on maintenance by keeping your boat dry, preventing growth on the hull, and improving fuel efficiency. This can enhance the resale value of your boat, and the system may even pay for itself within a few years.

For peace of mind, FAB Dock provides a 3-year standard warranty on general materials and workmanship, as well as a 12-month warranty on electrical components.

If you're considering a dry dock system for your catamaran or trimaran, FAB Dock's Multi-Hull range offers a comprehensive solution that is tailored to your boat's size and specifications.

Dry docking solutions to save on maintenance costs

Boat owners know that maintenance costs can quickly add up, but one way to save on these expenses is by investing in a dry docking solution. Dry docking your boat can help you avoid the hassles and costs of unscheduled maintenance, giving you more time to enjoy your boat and improving its resale value.

One option for Gold Coast boat owners is the DOCKPRO dry dock, which eliminates the need for boat ramp frustrations and ongoing maintenance issues like antifouling. With a DOCKPRO dry dock, you can launch more quickly and spend less time on maintenance, resulting in better performance out on the water. Their interactive quiz helps you find the perfect dry docking solution for your vessel, tailored to your specific needs.

Another option for dry docking on the Gold Coast is Custom Dry Docks, which offers Australian-made modular dry dock systems that can accommodate boats of all sizes. With no moving parts or power required, Custom Dry Docks are maintenance-free and can be easily transported if you move. They also offer a bracing system designed for larger boats to prevent twisting or bending under their weight, making their solution more cost-effective for bigger vessels.

For those with multi-hull boats, FAB Dock offers floating dry docks suitable for catamarans and trimarans between 20 and 80 feet long. FAB Dock's unique design makes docking easier and keeps your boat clean and dry, reducing maintenance costs. Their system is also environmentally friendly, crafted from entirely recyclable materials and reducing the amount of toxic antifoul and bottom paints in the water.

If you're looking for a custom solution, Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) provides award-winning refit, repair, and berthing solutions for vessels from jet skis to superyachts. They offer undercover dry storage for boats up to 36 feet and have a wide range of leading marine businesses onsite, ensuring you receive competitive quotes and creative solutions.

By investing in a dry docking solution, Gold Coast boat owners can save on maintenance costs, enjoy improved boat performance, and benefit from increased resale value. These options ensure you can spend less time and money on maintenance and more time on the water.

Gold Coast marina and shipyard services

The Gold Coast offers a range of marina and shipyard services to cater to all your boating needs. From custom dry docks to award-winning refit and repair solutions, Gold Coast businesses have you covered.

Dry Docking

Dry docking is a popular option for boat owners on the Gold Coast, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to store and maintain their vessels. Dry docking eliminates the hassle of boat ramp frustrations and ongoing maintenance issues, allowing boat owners to spend more time on the water.

Businesses such as DockPro and FAB Dock offer innovative dry docking solutions that are environmentally friendly and improve the resale value of your boat. FAB Dock, for example, is crafted from recyclable materials and reduces the need for toxic antifoul, thus preserving the marine environment.

Custom Dry Docks

Custom dry docks are also available from businesses like Custom Dry Docks and Micks Marine Maintenance. These docks are built to suit the size of your boat, with options to accommodate larger vessels or additional watercraft like jet skis and tenders. Custom dry docks are maintenance-free and can be easily transported if you move.

Marina and Shipyard Services

For those seeking a more comprehensive marina and shipyard experience, the Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) provides award-winning refit, repair, and berthing solutions. With over 90 leading marine businesses onsite, GCCM offers a one-stop shop for all your boating needs, ensuring competitive quotes and timely service delivery.

GCCM allows boat owners to choose from a range of service options, including DIY repairs, coordinating with individual contractors, or opting for full end-to-end project management. Their undercover dry storage facility can accommodate boats up to 36 feet in length, providing a secure and convenient option for boat owners.

The Gold Coast's marina and shipyard services cater to a wide range of vessels, from jet skis to superyachts like the 131-foot Motor Yacht Mangusta, ensuring that your boating needs are always met.

Frequently asked questions