Boat lift installation on Hilton Head Island

What we do on the island

Boat lifts are the main job we do on Hilton Head: new lifts on existing docks, bigger lifts for bigger boats, and repairs to lifts that have stopped. We also build docks and repair seawalls here. Each service has its own page, linked above, so this page sticks to what is different on the island.

Skull Creek, Broad Creek or a lagoon

Where your dock sits decides which rules apply. Skull Creek carries the Intracoastal Waterway, which is a federal channel. Docks and lifts beside a federal channel generally have to stay at least 80 feet from the channel edge, and the Army Corps wants to see the plans.

Broad Creek and the smaller tidal creeks follow the state's creek width rules, which limit dock size and how many boat lifts a dock may have.

A private lagoon is different again. The first job there is finding out who owns the bottom and whether your community has to give consent. We sort that out before we draw a lift.

Town permits on Hilton Head Island

The Town of Hilton Head Island takes the building application and may ask for a separate electrical permit for the lift motor. If your dock permit is still active, adding a lift usually means a state amendment. A larger lift or new pilings can mean a new permit.

Many island neighborhoods also have their own review. Bring any dock paperwork you have to the site visit and we will tell you what else is needed.