Low-profile, lagoon-safe, built to the same standard as every other structure we put in the water.
Kayak ramp design, permitting, and installation along the Indian River Lagoon. FDEP Aquatic Preserve compliant. Seagrass clearance verified before design is finalized.
21
Years on the lagoon
100%
Self-performed
25-yr
Typical design life
8
Private communities
ArampfootlandingonactiveseagrasswillberejectedbyFDEPreviewers.IndianRiverLagoon'sAquaticPreservedesignationmeansseagrassclearanceisnotacourtesy—itisapermitcondition.
FDEP-permitted
Every project runs the full FDEP, USACE, and Indian River County permit pack — filed, tracked, and closed by us.
Engineered to ASCE 7
Stamped structural design against the lagoon's tide, surge, and salt — not a generic catalog spec.
Self-performed
One licensed Florida marine contractor (RG291103858), one accountable crew — no subcontractor hand-offs.
Selected work
Kayak Ramps on the Indian River Lagoon.
Why kayak ramp design in Indian River Lagoon requires more than a catalog selection.
A ramp foot landing on active seagrass will be rejected by FDEP reviewers. Indian River Lagoon's Aquatic Preserve designation means seagrass clearance is not a courtesy — it is a permit condition. Slotted or perforated ramp materials are specified for Aquatic Preserve locations to allow light penetration to seagrass underneath the ramp surface.
How we design and install kayak ramps.
Kayak ramp installation begins with a seagrass survey at the proposed ramp landing point. If seagrass is present, we adjust the ramp grade or landing point to maintain FDEP-required clearance before finalizing design. Material selection (HDPE, fiberglass, composite timber) follows FDEP Aquatic Preserve guidance for the site.
The Indian River Lagoon — what it changes about kayak ramp work.
Aquatic Preserve rules govern ramp material selection (slotted/perforated preferred) and ramp grade (seagrass clearance). Manatee idle-speed zones may require FWC clearance review before in-water installation during the manatee season (November 15 – March 31). The lagoon's shallow shelf areas require ramp grade design that avoids seagrass scour during launch and retrieval — the ramp landing footprint at the waterline is the critical design point.
4 phases, in order.
01Seagrass survey and design1–2 weeks | 02FDEP and county permit review30–45 days concurrent | 03Custom ramp fabrication lead time (if required)2–3 weeks | 04Installation3–7 crew days |
What we specify, and why.
Slotted HDPE ramp panels are the preferred FDEP specification for Aquatic Preserve locations — they allow light penetration for seagrass below the ramp surface and are highly durable in brackish conditions. Fiberglass ramp panels are specified for applications requiring higher load rating (motorized kayak cart access). Composite timber ramp systems are specified where the community aesthetic requires a more traditional appearance. Ramp grade is engineered to FDEP seagrass clearance requirements, not approximated in the field.
Kayak ramp installation in Vero Beach ranges from $8,000 (ramp-only on existing dock/seawall) to $28,000 (full kayak launch complex with ramp, platform, gangway, and lighting). A standard 12-foot HDPE ramp on an existing seawall runs $8,000–$14,000 installed. A ramp plus launch platform (6x12 foot rest deck) runs $14,000–$22,000. Permit fees add $800–$2,000 to total project cost.
[KEITH: confirm warranty terms for kayak ramp installation.]
Frequently asked questions.
Let's start with a walk of the property.
Site visits with Keith are by appointment — a one-hour walk of the waterfront, then a written estimate within ten business days.