What should I check about a marina’s docks and pilings before buying?
Ask for an independent inspection by a qualified marine contractor or engineer, along with the repair history and any plans for replacement. Docks and pilings sit in water and wear in ways that are hard to judge from shore, so rely on specialists for the condition and ask who owns each structure.
Begin with what the seller has. Ask for past inspection reports, repair invoices, photos and any notes on storm damage or ice. A marina that keeps careful records tends to look after its structures. Missing records do not prove neglect, but they mean you need your own inspection. Hire a specialist before you commit. A qualified marine inspector can examine pilings, floats, decking, hardware and connections, including the parts below the waterline. Ask for a written report that ranks urgent items against those that can wait, and for estimated costs.
Then ask who owns what. The docks may belong to the business, while the water or the land beneath may be held by someone else under a lease or other arrangement. Your lawyer should review those documents, and any approvals or conditions tied to them. Think about the future. Ask what repairs are planned and what happens in a rough season. Your accountant can help you work these costs into your plan, and an insurer can tell you what coverage is available for such structures.
Ask the marina’s current staff which sections they worry about most. Their daily experience often points to the areas that need attention first.
Key takeaways
- Hire a qualified marine inspector and ask for a written report with priorities.
- Review repair records and storm history before you visit.
- Have your lawyer confirm who owns the structures and what rights apply to the water and land.
Related reading
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Due diligence
Selling
Sources
This answer is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentHow to conduct due diligence when buying a business
- 02Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentWhat are the steps to buying a business?
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