ONO ISLAND CANAL LIVING: WATER DEPTHS, BOAT SIZE, AND DOCK PLACEMENT EXPLAINED
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."
Not all waterfront is created equal. Let’s talk about what type of boat fits your dock—and your dreams.
As a homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island, one of the most common questions I hear from waterfront buyers is: Can my boat fit here? Whether you’re navigating a 35’ center console, a bay boat, or a shallow-draft skiff, understanding Ono Island’s canal system is key to protecting your investment—and ensuring stress-free boating days.
Let’s break down the essentials when it comes to water depths, dock placement, boat size, and canal requirements on Ono Island.
How Deep Are the Canals on Ono Island?
Most of the canals on Ono Island are man-made and have been engineered for shallow to moderate draft vessels. Depths vary with tide, sedimentation, and location, but in general, canal depths range from 3 to 5 feet at mean low water, making them ideal for:
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Bay boats
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Pontoon boats
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Skiffs
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Shallow-draft center consoles
However, some deeper stretches of the canal—especially near the Intracoastal Waterway or wider intersecting canals—may accommodate boats with drafts up to 2.5 to 3 feet, particularly at high tide.
“My neighbor keeps a 28’ offshore boat on a lift in our canal, and it works perfectly—he just times his outings around the tide,” shared one long-time resident on River Road.
What Size Boat Can I Keep on a Canal Lot?
A 35’ boat may be feasible depending on the canal width, your property’s exact location, and the lift orientation. That said, larger boats can be limited by:
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Depth at low tide
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Turning radius near your dock
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Dock setback and placement requirements
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Required 30-foot navigational clearance down the center of the canal
If you’re considering a vessel over 30 feet, we’ll want to assess your lot’s depth, shape, and adjacent properties. Many canal homes accommodate boats in the 22–30 foot range comfortably, especially when lifts are installed parallel to the seawall.
What Are the Dock Placement Rules?
The Ono Island Architectural Control Committee (ACC) enforces strict guidelines to preserve canal navigability and aesthetics. Here’s what to know:
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Setbacks: The mouth of your boat slip must be 15 feet from side property lines (extended into the canal)
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Dock width: Piers/walkways over the water are limited to 4 feet wide beyond the setback zone
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Navigational clearance: A 30-foot-wide center channel must remain open for boat traffic at all times
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Prohibited structures: Floating docks and fish cleaning stations are not allowed
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Underwater grass: Your dock must be at least 12 inches away from the marsh grass fringe. If disturbed, you must restore it with a $2,000 bond held by the POA
"The ACC prioritizes navigational safety and shoreline preservation. We work with homeowners to ensure structures don’t interfere with others,” notes the committee in their guidelines.
Tips for Choosing the Right Canal Lot
If you’re buying with boating in mind, here are a few things I always recommend:
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Know Your Draft: Before you fall in love with a lot, know your boat’s minimum draft and clearance height.
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Consider Boat Orientation: Can you install a lift parallel to the seawall or perpendicular? Space matters.
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Ask About Dredging History: Some lots benefit from historically deeper water or periodic maintenance.
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Review the Canal Width: Wider canals offer more maneuverability for larger boats.
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Partner with a Local Expert: I personally help clients measure, assess, and plan their dock layout for ACC and Corps compliance.
Final Thoughts
Living on a canal in Ono Island offers a private, serene way to enjoy the water—but not all lots are created equal for every boat. Whether you're a weekend cruiser, angler, or just love the look of a classic dock and lift, knowing the regulations and realities is the first step in building your ideal waterfront lifestyle.
If you’d like to explore canal lots that match your boating goals—or evaluate your current home’s suitability for a new lift or dock—I’d be happy to help.
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