All waterfront is not created equal!

Beachfront, Canal-front, Fixed-Bridge, No Bridge, No Wake Zone, Sea Walled, Rip-Rapped, Gulf Access, Fresh Water, Lake Access, Sail-Boat Water, Deep-Water Dockage... While attempting to bring distinction, many of these can be confusing, and in some cases, misleading. The term “waterfront” is sometimes rather loosely applied, in order to get greater exposure in MLS listings. Below is an aerial photo of a listing that was called “waterfront” and “Gulf Access”. Though the wording is true, it is not realistic. Being Boaters ourselves, we understand why there are so many different terms for describing waterfront property, subsequently we will attempt to bring some clarity to this issue.

Beach-Front, Canal-Front, Gulf Access, Lake Access, and Deep Water-Dockage, all are self-explanatory. The terms “Fixed Bridge” and “No Bridge” refer to the bridges that are between you and the Gulf or ICW (Intercostal Waterway). [“Sail Boat Water” is essentially the same as “No-Bridge”]. Really the only good Bridge is a Very High one or a Draw Bridge, but such as it is, most bridges are fixed, and can sometimes offer very little clearance. If you need High tide to get out of your dock and Low tide to clear the bridge, you’re in trouble! A Sea-Walled property generally is more desired, but Rip-Rap edging the water can be very functional, as long as it isn’t overgrown with Mangroves, hindering access to your dock and your view. The term “No Wake Zone” is fairly self-explanitory, except to say, the property may have a ‘maze’ of canal before you reach ‘open’ water; or it could mean that the property is fronting a main water channel, and the section the property is in, is protected by a “No Wake” zone.

Deeded Access, Bay-front Access, Gulf-front Access, Community Boat Ramp: These all need to be carefully investigated. Deeded access has written proof of its veracity, but you need to see the ‘access’ to confirm if it will be suitable for your situation. A claim of “Gulf-front” or “Bay-front” access, could conceivably mean the waterfront property is near a Public Beach or Boat Ramp. A Community Boat Ramp sometimes is the only claim an “inland” property might have as “waterfront”. If that still meets your criteria, a visual inspection of that ramp should be made to verify its suitability.

Does that float your Boat? ” Tide can play an extremely important role in the suitability of your waterfront. Summer tides and winter tides vary considerably. Waterfront property shown during the high tides of summer, will look considerably different in the winter. If you have plans on boating from your dock, make sure the low winter tide won't prevent you from doing so!

A Dock Permit can take as long as 18 - 24 months to acquire. Canal dock permits are easier to come by than an equal sized dock permit along a ‘natural waterway’, such as a creek or river. If your waterfront is predominately Mangroves along a natural shoreline or Rip-Rapped bank, don’t think you can change that to a dock with a sea wall. Regulations prohibit the removal or cutting of Mangroves. The old saying, “What you see is What you get”, definitely applies here!

Davits, Elevator Lift, Wet Slip; Davits generally allow for setting the boat in the lowest of water levels, but is limited to smaller vessels with no swim platform. Elevator lifts can accompany the most variety of boat designs, but need more water underneath the hull. A wet slip/dock has to be situated in deepest of waterfront properties in order to accommodate the vessels access.