Top 5 Things When Buying a Waterfront Home ............. 28

boat? Is the motor of the boat lift working properly? Is the lift traveling up and down the tracks smoothly or does any marine growth need to be removed from the tracks of the lift. Does the boat lift have a remote control, and are all the remote controls present at closing? Keeping your boat out of the water on a boat lift can be a fantastic feature so keep your boat “high and dry” and you will enjoy your boat for many years to come! IS THE DEPTH OF THE WATER APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR BOAT? CAN I DREDGE THE CANAL IF I NEED TO?

One major issue that people don’t always pay attention to is the depth of the water off their dock. In many cases in South Florida the water depth can be very shallow at low tide. This is often times the case if a boat has not been docked there for many years and sediment has accrued over time. If this is the case one might say, “I will just dredge, no big deal.” But sometimes it is not always that simple. To dredge in a canal, you must get a permit. The first question to ask would be: Is there any seagrass growing on the bottom of the canal. Seagrass is a part of the natural ecosystem in South Florida, and it is protected food source for manatees. Many times, it cannot be removed. Consult a professional prior purchasing the home to determine the depth of the canal and confirm that you can obtain a permit to dredge if necessary. No boat likes to sit on the bottom of the canal. Make sure the water is an ample depth to accommodate your boat any you and your boat will be ready to enjoy boating from your home!

When living in South Florida, being on or around the water is one of the simple pleasures in life. Create a safe and functional environment for boating at your property and then you can enjoy waterfront living for years to come.

Les Waites