Virginia Marina Replaces Fixed Docks with Floating

A severe storm last April destroyed Boathouse Marina’s two main workshops, a large covered boat shed and did extensive damage to two of its docks. When it came time to replace the damaged docks, the marina decided it was time for an upgrade.

Boathouse Marina is located in Monroe Bay, off the Potomac River in Colonial Beach, Virginia. Water levels in this area can vary considerably between high and low tides, making it more difficult to access boats from a fixed dock. So the marina chose American Muscle Docks & Fabrications to build a new floating dock.

American Muscle Docks constructed the new wood dock frames with heavy-duty, galvanized steel components, sizing the berths to accommodate differing boat sizes. The company also built the aluminum gangway that provides access to the docks from the land.

The marina is very pleased with its replacement dock. “The floating docks are very convenient, and much easier on the boats,” said Cyndi Gleason, office manager, Boathouse Marina. The marina does plan to eventually cover some of the new slips.

Originally known as the Standford Marine Railway, the marina was purchased in 2013 by Bill Bowman, a retired businessman. It has 65 wet slips, including six for transient boaters, 35 to 40 dry slips, a repair and maintenance facility and a ship’s store. The marina’s amenities include 30-amp and 50-amp electric service, WiFi, and a captain’s lounge with two full bathrooms.
After storm repairs to its two buildings are complete, Boathouse Marina hopes to replace its remaining fixed dock with another floating dock.