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.
Orientation: Light, Breeze, and View — Living with the Elements on Ono Island
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