Safe Docking Starts with Strong Support
Professional rail and bunk installations built for waterfront properties in Merritt Island, Florida.
When you pull your boat into the dock after a day on the water near Merritt Island, you expect the rails and bunks to hold firm without shifting or sagging. If your current setup feels loose, shows rot along the wood, or leaves your hull scraping against exposed metal, it may be time to replace the components that keep your vessel secure and protected. Precision Docks & Seawalls installs custom rails and bunks designed to fit your boat and dock layout while standing up to constant exposure to saltwater and sun in Merritt Island.
Rail installations provide a handhold and barrier along the edges of your dock, making it safer to walk and easier to tie off. Bunks are the padded supports that cradle your boat when it sits on a lift or against the dock, distributing weight evenly and preventing damage to the hull. We use weather-resistant materials including marine-grade aluminum and treated lumber, and we account for local tidal ranges and wave action when positioning each component. The rails are fastened directly into the dock structure, and bunks are adjusted to match your boat's beam and keel shape.
If you are ready to upgrade your dock with rails and bunks that fit correctly and last longer, reach out to Precision Docks & Seawalls in Merritt Island to schedule an evaluation.
What Changes After Installation
After rails and bunks are installed at your Merritt Island dock, you will notice that boarding and securing your boat feels more stable and predictable. The rails give you something solid to grip when stepping from the dock to the boat, and the bunks hold your vessel in place without letting it rock or settle unevenly. We measure your boat before fabrication so the bunks align with the hull properly, and we install the rails at a height that works for adults and children who use the dock regularly.
Once the work is finished, your boat sits level on the bunks without tilting or sliding, and the rails remain firm when you lean or pull against them. Professional rail installations provide secure support and long-lasting protection for your dock. You may also see less wear on your boat's gel coat and fewer scratches along the sides because the bunks cushion contact points instead of leaving bare wood or metal exposed.
We use stainless steel fasteners and marine-grade materials that resist corrosion in saltwater environments, and we orient the bunks so rainwater drains away from the padding. The rails are spaced according to dock width and local building standards, and we do not install rails or bunks on docks with structural damage that has not been repaired. This service focuses on adding or replacing support components, not rebuilding the underlying framework.
Questions You May Have Before We Begin
Homeowners who schedule rail and bunk installations often want to know how the components are sized, what materials hold up best in saltwater, and how long the work takes to complete.
What measurements do you need before building the bunks?
We measure your boat's beam, keel shape, and the points where it makes contact with the lift or dock. These measurements let us cut and position the bunks so they support the hull evenly without causing pressure points.
How long do rails and bunks typically last?
Rails made from marine-grade aluminum and stainless steel hardware can last fifteen to twenty years with minimal maintenance. Bunks using treated lumber and marine carpet usually need replacement or re-padding every eight to twelve years depending on use and exposure.
When should I replace existing rails or bunks?
You should replace them when you notice wood rot, loose fasteners, torn padding on the bunks, or rust forming on metal components. If your boat no longer sits level or the rails feel wobbly when you grip them, replacement is overdue.
What type of padding is used on the bunks?
We use marine carpet that is designed to drain water and resist mildew. The carpet is stapled over treated lumber or composite boards that are cut to match the width of your hull.
How do you account for tidal changes in Merritt Island?
We position the bunks and rails based on the average high tide mark and the height of your boat lift if you have one. This ensures your boat rests on the bunks properly at both high and low tide without bottoming out or floating too far above them.
Precision Docks & Seawalls installs rails and bunks for boat owners across Merritt Island who need custom support systems built to handle local water conditions and daily use. Contact us to review your dock layout and discuss materials, dimensions, and scheduling.