Imagine stepping out from your condo, walking a few minutes to your dock, and idling onto the Intracoastal for a sunset cruise. If you love boating, Highland Beach offers that easy rhythm many owners want: condo convenience paired with quick water access. The trick is matching your boat and lifestyle to the right building and slip terms. In this guide, you’ll learn how condo dockage works here, where to fuel and service nearby, and the key due diligence steps that protect your investment. Let’s dive in.
Why Highland Beach works for boaters
Highland Beach sits on the barrier island with the Intracoastal right behind A1A. That location creates a boat-friendly feel, since many condo communities back onto the ICW. You can cruise north or south in protected water, then use nearby inlets for offshore runs.
For daily navigation, you’ll rely on the ICW and local drawbridges. The City of Boca Raton publishes bridge opening schedules and ramp info you can check before you go. Review the city’s guidance on marine information and bridge operations to time your passages, especially during weekday rush hours.
Highland Beach also enforces seasonal manatee speed zones on its ICW section. That may slow your planing runs during certain months. Check current dates and rules with the town’s Marine Patrol Unit before you head out.
Condo dock options explained
“Dockage” in a listing can mean different things. Always verify the exact status with the HOA and recorded documents.
- Deeded slips: The slip conveys with the unit and is listed in the deed (less common but valuable). Confirm the deed language and recorded documents. Communities like Seagate of Highland reference resident dockage; always verify transfer details and sizes with the association.
- Assigned or leased slips: The HOA assigns usage and may charge an annual fee. Rules often require boat registration, insurance, and compliance with marina policies. See the example HOA dock rules from Boca Highland to understand typical provisions.
- Guest or transient dockage: Some buildings keep limited guest slips or allow transient tie-ups by agreement. Ask if owners get priority and how reservations work.
- Off-site dry stack or marina storage: If you prefer quick rack-launch service or your boat exceeds on-site limits, nearby dry stacks are efficient. Gateway Marina in Hypoluxo is a close option for secure storage and rapid launch.
Bottom line: treat “boat slip included” as a starting point, not a promise. Confirm deeded vs. assigned, slip location, size, and any waitlist or use restrictions in writing.
Daily boating routes and rules
You’ll likely use the ICW for most outings and hit nearby marinas for fuel and pump-outs. Timing matters, especially if your flybridge or sail rig needs bridge openings. Boca Raton’s marine information page outlines local drawbridges (Palmetto Park Road, Spanish River Boulevard, Camino Real, and the Boca Raton inlet bridge) and public ramps.
During manatee season, speed limits apply along Highland Beach’s ICW segment. The town’s Marine Patrol Unit shares current enforcement and safety info. Plan your routes with those seasonal rules in mind.
Where to fuel, service, and haul
Highland Beach owners often use nearby full-service marinas for everyday needs and bigger jobs.
- Marina Delray: A full-service facility for wet slips, transient dockage, fuel, pump-outs, and repairs. Call ahead for availability and rates. Check their Waterway Guide listing for an overview of services.
- Boynton Harbor Marina: Publicly owned with fuel, ship store, pump-out, and waterfront dining. It’s a convenient stop for maintenance and quick service runs. See Boynton Harbor Marina info for details.
- Gateway Marina (Hypoluxo): A practical dry-stack option if you prefer off-site storage and rapid launch. Explore Gateway Marina’s services.
Trailer owners can also use Boca Raton’s public ramps. Review ramp locations and permit rules on the city’s marine information page.
Before you commit to a marina, confirm:
- Fuel type and hours (gas vs. diesel)
- Pump-out availability and cost
- Haul-out capacity (max LOA and beam)
- Transient slip policies and reservations
- On-site mechanics and rigging support
Due diligence checklist for condo buyers
Waterfront condos add a few extra layers to your review. This checklist will help you ask the right questions early.
Title and HOA documents
- Deeded vs. assigned: Is the slip part of the deed or assigned by the HOA? Request the recorded deed language, the HOA slip ledger, and current assignment list.
- If assigned or rented: Ask for the slip lease or license agreement, fee schedule, renewal terms, transfer rules, and any waitlist policy. Review example provisions like those in Boca Highland’s marina rules.
Physical and operational details
- Dimensions: Confirm slip length, beam, and depth at mean low water. If draft is tight for your vessel, request a recent sounding or a written confirmation.
- Lifts: If a lift is present, ask for the safe working load, last service date, and who is responsible for maintenance.
- Utilities: Clarify shore power and water. Is power metered to you or billed by the association? Where is the closest pump-out?
Rules and insurance
- Usage: Verify live-aboard, overnight, chartering, and commercial-use policies. Many association marinas restrict live-aboard and for-hire activities.
- Insurance: Obtain the written minimum liability coverage required by the HOA or marina and confirm your policy meets it. Review examples in the Boca Highland marina rules.
Seawall, structure, and reserves
- Seawall: Request recent dock and seawall inspection reports, repair invoices, and permit history for any work. For permitting context, see Florida’s waterfront environmental permitting overview.
- Milestone and reserves: Florida’s SB 4-D requires milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies for certain buildings. Ask for the latest reports, funding schedules, and any Phase II items or expected special assessments. Review the SB 4-D bill text for scope and timing.
Hurricane readiness
- Plan: Confirm the HOA or marina hurricane plan, including haul-out arrangements, chafe gear requirements, and communication procedures. For best practices, see BoatUS hurricane guidance.
- Capacity: Ask where your boat will be hauled or relocated. During storm season, yard slots fill fast. Call your target yard or Marina Delray well ahead of time.
Costs, insurance, and rules to expect
Budget for more than just the condo fee. Slip costs and marine infrastructure can drive expenses.
- Slip fees: If the slip is assigned or rented, expect a fee plus possible assessments for dock or seawall work. Deeded slips can still carry maintenance costs via the association.
- Utilities: Some marinas meter shore power to owners, while others bill through the HOA. Clarify this upfront.
- Insurance: Many associations require minimum liability coverage and proof before slip assignment. Rules may also restrict fuel storage and open flames. Review a sample framework in the Boca Highland marina rules.
Hurricane planning for your boat
A written plan protects your vessel and reduces claims stress. Start early each season.
- Choose your strategy: Haul-out, secure in-slip, or move to a safer basin. Follow BoatUS hurricane guidance for checklists.
- Reserve resources: If you plan to haul, line up a yard in advance and confirm lift capacity for your LOA and beam. If staying in-water, assemble lines, chafe gear, and fenders, and confirm marina policies.
- Update documents: Keep your insurance binder, inventory photos, and HOA or marina contacts handy. Know who coordinates claims if there is damage.
How we help boaters buy smarter
Choosing the right Highland Beach condo as a boater is about fit: slip status, vessel size, bridge timing, and reliable service access. Our team brings building-level experience, vendor coordination, and white-glove guidance to make that decision clear. We verify slip terms and dimensions, review HOA rules, and align your boating routine with each building’s realities. If you need off-site storage or service, we connect you with nearby marinas so your daily runs stay simple.
Ready to find a condo that truly works for your boat and your lifestyle? Connect with Hall Luxury Homes Group for a Concierge Consultation.
FAQs
What does “dockage included” mean in a Highland Beach condo listing?
- It can indicate a deeded slip, an HOA-assigned slip with fees, or access to community/transient docks, so always verify the exact status and documents.
How do I confirm a slip fits my boat’s length, beam, and draft?
- Ask for the slip’s rated LOA/beam, request depth at mean low water, and get a recent sounding or written confirmation if your draft is close.
Are there manatee speed zones in Highland Beach’s ICW?
- Yes, seasonal speed reductions apply on the town’s ICW segment, so check the current rules with the Marine Patrol Unit.
Where can I fuel and get service near Highland Beach?
What inspections and reserves should I ask for when buying a waterfront condo?
- Request the milestone inspection, structural integrity reserve study, reserve balances, and recent dock/seawall reports, referencing SB 4-D.
Do Highland Beach condo marinas allow live-aboard or charter use?
- Policies vary by association, but many prohibit live-aboard and for-hire operations, so review written marina rules like Boca Highland’s.
What permits are needed to replace a boatlift or dock at a condo?
How do Boca Raton drawbridges affect my travel time from Highland Beach?
