December 16, 2024
As coastal communities across the U.S. (like Wilmington, NC) continue to grow at breakneck speeds, more and more Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are investing in private marinas. Not only do HOA marinas provide value to current residents, but they help elevate the HOA community and attract quality buyers.
But what exactly is involved in the marina construction and maintenance process?
In this article, we outline everything you need to know about building and maintaining marinas in HOA communities.
The first step? You will need to get a marine construction expert out to the property to determine its suitability for a marina. Factors like water depth, current and wave action, soil and sediment makeup, and other environmental considerations can make marina construction more challenging in certain areas.
After deciding whether to move forward with the marina project, HOA leaders and your marine construction team must work together to establish detailed design plans, taking into consideration a long list of factors, including:
At this time, you’ll also want to think about how you will handle slip assignments and draw up usage policies.
While in this initial marina design phase, your contractor should help you ensure your plans comply with all the relevant regulations and requirements.
This often includes:
To take on a marina project, HOA communities often rely on traditional loans or investor financing. You’ll also need to consider all the types of insurance you’ll need to get to protect your investment (including property insurance, liability insurance, marine insurance, etc.).
It’s a good idea to consult with legal and financial experts early on to help you navigate this process with ease.
These regular inspections are essential, allowing you to address small problems before they start impacting HOA members.
Some things you should check for on every month include:
Marina safety equipment (like access ladders, life buoys, flotation devices, fire extinguishers, lighting, and security cameras) should be checked for damage every week. However, it’s best practice to test safety equipment at least once per month to ensure the safety of all members of the HOA community.
The frequency and cleaning methods you use ultimately depend on the type of materials you choose for your marina. While synthetic materials (like plastic, composite, aluminum, and concrete) are relatively low maintenance, standard wood docks and piers typically need a little more time, love, and attention (powerwashing, staining, sealing, etc.).
Schedule an inspection with a dedicated marine construction specialist once a year to take a deeper look at the structural integrity of your marina. Over time, the constant exposure to saltwater and environmental conditions inevitably wear down your foundation.
Left unaddressed, structural damage can become a safety hazard for HOA members and may indicate the need for a full replacement.
Want to get a FREE quote on an HOA marina project? Contact our North Carolina marine construction experts today to get started!
Looking for a quote on a custom project? Contact F&S Marine Construction today and let our team bring your waterfront vision to life.
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