If boating is important to you, ask your real estate representative about how long it takes to reach an inlet. Many lakes and canals have boating restrictions. After a few feet of gradual decline from the water's edge, some lakes then have sharp drop-offs. Don't assume that an attractive water view means either boating or swimming activities are recommended. Seawalls Most homes directly on water needs a seawall, which acts as a retaining wall.
Seawalls come in two varieties.
The more modem and reliable is the T-pile wall, made of piled concrete and wall panels joined with hydraulic cement seals. Prospective home buyers should have a licensed marine contractor check property with existing seawalls for any depressions or pot holes in the lawn. Undermining occurs when the tide pulls the fill out from under your wall. When seepage and undermining cause large voids behind the seawall, it receives uneven pressure from the water that pushes upon it. Eventually, the seawall becomes unstable and can move or collapse.