Canal-Front Home & Dock Checklist — Ono Island and The Gulf Coast
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama & Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.
Explore Ono Island: https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/
Boating amenities guide: https://www.searchthegulf.com/boating-accommodations-on-the-gulf-coast/
“Approach depth at seasonal lows, turning radius at your dock, prevailing wind, and wake patterns. Small details at the dock make daily boating easier.” — Meredith Amon
PROPERTY SNAPSHOT
[ ] Street / Area: __________________________
[ ] Flood Zone noted: _______________________
[ ] Lot type: [ ] Canal-front [ ] Interior near canal access
[ ] Shoreline type: [ ] Bulkhead [ ] Riprap [ ] Natural edge
[ ] Orientation for sun/wind (AM/PM shade): __________________
WATERWAY ACCESS
[ ] Shortest route(s) to Bayou St. John / Old River / ICW mapped
[ ] No-wake zones along route identified
[ ] Bridge or clearance constraints confirmed (if any)
[ ] Typical transit time to preferred fishing/boating areas: ______
[ ] Nearby fuel/service docks noted
APPROACH DEPTH (SEASONAL LOWS)
[ ] Sounded depth along canal approach to slip at lower-water window
[ ] Draft requirements for current boat + safety buffer matched
Boat: __________ Length: ___ Beam: ___ Draft: ___
[ ] History of siltation/dredge scheduling discussed with owner/POA (if available)
TURNING RADIUS & MANEUVERING
[ ] Canal width, neighbors’ pilings, and vegetation measured
[ ] Bow-in vs stern-in strategy tested (wind-on, wind-off)
[ ] Spring-line tie-off points planned for tight turns
[ ] Obstructions identified (e.g., bends, shallow corners, parked PWC)
PREVAILING WIND & WAKE
[ ] Wind direction observed AM / PM / weekend patterns
[ ] Lee-side boarding planned (place controls and steps on calmer side)
[ ] Wake behavior mapped during peak traffic
[ ] Fender plan and chafe protection specified
DOCK & LIFT PLAN
[ ] Lift type (cradle/beam) chosen; capacity ≥ boat weight + margin
[ ] Bunk spacing set for hull; guide posts and stops positioned
[ ] Shore power present with GFCI and clear cord routing
[ ] Cleat placement matches spring lines and daily tie-offs
[ ] PWC lift location (if needed)
[ ] Fish-cleaning station water/drain/lighting planned
[ ] Hose bibs, washdown, and storage (dock box) positioned
[ ] Non-slip walking path from house → dock defined
BULKHEAD / SHORELINE CONDITION
[ ] Cap straightness, tiebacks, and weep holes inspected
[ ] Signs of bowing/settlement/voids noted
[ ] Yard drainage sends water away from wall
[ ] Adjacent neighbors’ walls align (no encroachment/eddies)
LIGHTING, SECURITY, SIGHTLINES
[ ] Down-cast fixtures for cleats, lift controls, steps
[ ] Dark-sky friendly bulbs and timers/photocells
[ ] Camera views cover dock, lift, and side access
[ ] Address/wayfinding visible from water (if applicable)
RULES, PERMITS, BOUNDARIES
[ ] Ono Island POA/ACC guidelines reviewed for docks/boathouses/lifts
[ ] Baldwin County permits and inspections requirements noted
[ ] Riparian lines and side setbacks verified by survey
[ ] Any recorded easements or utility lines checked
RESILIENCE & INSURANCE
[ ] Wind-rated features and impact protection for exterior openings
[ ] Lift storm-prep procedure documented (straps, battery, breaker)
[ ] Emergency lines, fenders, and chafe gear stored on site
[ ] Policy considerations discussed with insurer (dock/lift coverage)
OUTDOOR LIVING & FUNCTION
[ ] Waterside seating oriented for afternoon shade
[ ] Path from dock to outdoor shower / mud area planned
[ ] Pool/spa placement keeps service access clear to dock
[ ] Gear storage locations defined (tackle, snorkel, boards)
MEASUREMENTS TO CAPTURE (WRITE-IN)
Approach depths @ lower water: ____________________________________
Canal width at slip / opposite obstacles: ___________________________
Turning clearance at lift: _________________________________________
Bridge or clearance check (if any): _________________________________
Prevailing wind (AM/PM): ___________________________________________
Wake-heavy periods: _______________________________________________
WALK-THROUGH DAY PACKING LIST
[ ] Tape measure / rangefinder
[ ] Lead line or portable depth sounder
[ ] Notepad with draft/beam/LOA specs
[ ] Compass or phone wind app
[ ] Camera for bulkhead/piling details
DECISION CHECK
[ ] Access depth works year-round for boat type
[ ] Turning and docking are repeatable in wind
[ ] Lift and power are correctly sized and safe
[ ] Shoreline is sound or repair scope understood
[ ] Rules/permits path is clear
[ ] Outdoor use flows well from house ↔ dock
Need a second set of eyes on a specific property or dock layout on Ono Island? Email me at meredith@searchthegulf.com and I’ll walk the shoreline with you.
When it comes to finding the home of your dreams in a fast-paced market, knowing about new listings as soon as they are available is part of our competitive advantage.Sign up to see new listings in an area or specific community. Contact Meredith with any questions you may have.
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