Choosing your marine contractor can be more important than any other contractor you may need. Why? Because the marine construction industry is largely unregulated. No building codes for marine contractors, No true building permits. Nobody to check the work of the contractor during or after construction to make sure it meets quality standards.
Some see that as an opportunity to take advantage of customers. We see it as an opportunity to educate them.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right marine contractor:
Take your time.

• Q) Should I get References?
  We highly recommend that you see the work of any marine contractor you consider for your project, and "ask around" about their reputation.
  Call the Better Business Bureau. Ask to visit the contractor's office, if they have one. Then, learn the rules. Is an Army Corps of Engineers and/or Department of Environmental Protection permit required? Visit their websites to find out, or let us handle your permitting needs.
• Q) Is All Treated Wood The Same?
  All wood is not the same. Pressure treated (PT) wood is treated to different levels.The chemical treatment used in pressure treated wood is call Copper Chromated Arsenate, or CCA. Most hardware and home improvement stores carry pressure treated lumber which has 1/4 pound (.25 lb) of chemical per cubic foot of wood. Marine treated lumber is more heavily treated, and the following are guidelines for choosing the proper treatment levels. For ground contact or salt water splash, use a minimum of .40 PT lumber, which has 60% more CCA than .25 lumber. For fresh water immersion (such as fresh water bulkheads), use a minimum of .80 PT lumber. For brackish water immersion, use 1.0 PT lumber. For saltwater immersion, use 2.5 PT lumber. This lumber, at 2.5 pounds of chemical per cubic foot of wood, has 10 times the chemical treatment of .25 boards.
• Q) What Board Dimensions Should I Use?
  Board dimensions are very important. 2" x 8" boards are much stronger than 2" x 6" boards when used for stringers.
  Make sure you know the dimensions and treatment levels for the boards to be used on your project. Grades of wood - boards come in different grades. #1 grade boards are stronger and have fewer knots. #2 grade boards are less expensive, and are well suited for dock substructures and for bulkheads. Make sure you know which grade will be used for any decking so you get a fair comparison among bids.
• Q) What Size Pilings Should I Use?
  Pilings come in different sizes. They should be well seated in the ground as piles that are not long enough may lead to problems. Inadequate pile length may allow your bulkhead to bow out or your dock to sink. Find out the diameter, treatment level, and the length of the piles to be used in your project.
• Q)What Type Of Hardware Should I Use?
  Boards that attach to supporting posts such as piles, and are a part of the substructure of docks, should be attached with large bolts - 3/4" diameter. This type of construction is significantly stronger and will last much longer than using nails alone. Galvanized nails will eventually rust and weaken in a saltwater environment, so they should not be the only support for the stringers and decking. Has your contractor specified these materials in his/her proposal?
  Call (609)693-7887 for More Details or Send Us An Email
• Q) What is creosote?
  Creosote is the name used for a variety of products: wood creosote, coal tar creosote, coal tar, coal tar pitch, and coal tar pitch volatiles. These products are mixtures of many chemicals created by burning of beech and other woods, coal, or from the resin of the creosote bush.
• Q) Do I Need A Permit?
  Since many townships and jurisdictions have different rules and regulations concerning marine construction The only way to be for sure is to contact the Army Corps of Engineers and/or Department of Environmental Protection.