Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Marine Contractors in Charleston, SC
Established in 1990, American Dock & Marine has built a reputation as a trusted marine contractor serving residential and commercial clients in the Lowcountry. Our family-owned business combines decades of hands-on experience with innovative techniques to deliver durable, eco-friendly maritime infrastructure. Specializing in dock construction, erosion control, and permitting, we prioritize client collaboration and environmental stewardship in every project. With an in-house permitting process and partnerships like our exclusive representation of HI-TIDE Boatlifts since 1992, we streamline complex projects from design to completion. Our team's cumulative 100+ years of local expertise ensures structures withstand both time and tides while meeting regulatory standards.We maintain South Carolina licensing, bonding, and full insurance coverage to guarantee client peace of mind. From small crabbing docks to large commercial installations, our turnkey approach addresses every phase including design, construction, and maintenance. Leadership continuity across three generationsfrom founder Michael Murray to current President Erich Murrayensures consistent commitment to quality. Our field team, including seasoned professionals like Head Foreman Craig Halter, executes projects with precision honed through decades of Lowcountry waterway experience. This operational depth enables us to shape Charleston's waterfront while maintaining the highest safety and sustainability standards.
Services
Dock Construction
Erosion Control
Boat Lifts
Permitting Services
Maintenance
Bulkheads
Floating Docks
Wood Pile Driving
Ramps & Gangways
Accessories Installation
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of Lowcountry-specific marine construction expertise
- Our in-house permitting specialists streamline regulatory approvals
- Exclusive Charleston representative for HI-TIDE Boatlifts since 1992
- Family-owned business with generational leadership continuity
- Field team collectively possesses over 100 years of local experience
Services
Dock Construction
We design and build custom docks for residential and commercial properties using marine-grade materials. Our construction incorporates safety features like protective roofs and handrails while maintaining environmental compliance. Projects range from small crabbing docks to large commercial structures with lifting capacities up to 180,000 lbs.
Permitting Services
Our in-house specialists handle permitting processes with local, state, and federal agencies including SCDES, USACE, and Charleston Permit Center. We coordinate marine surveys, develop compliant designs, and ensure adherence to creek width restrictions and USACE setbacks for timely project approvals.
Boat Lifts
As Charleston's exclusive HI-TIDE Boatlifts representative since 1992, we install mechanical and drive-on lifts for personal watercraft to commercial vessels. Our solutions include davits with capacities up to 180,000 lbs, ensuring proper vessel maintenance and protection in various water conditions.
Erosion Control
We implement bulkheads, sea walls, and rip rap systems to prevent coastal erosion while maintaining aquatic ecosystems. Our methods protect high ground areas and comply with environmental regulations through proper material selection and structural engineering.
Maintenance Services
We provide comprehensive maintenance for existing marine structures including wood pile driving, gangway adjustments, and accessory installations. Our services extend structure longevity through regular inspections and repairs using treated timber and stainless steel components.
People
Erich Murray
President
With nearly three decades of waterfront experience, Erich Murray leads as Owner/President. A licensed commercial and marine contractor, he oversees operations while maintaining hands-on involvement in project execution across Charleston's waterways.
Michael Murray
Consultant
Founder of American Dock & Marine in 1990, Michael Murray established the company's legacy through his background in commercial diving and family maritime history dating to the 1960s. He continues to provide strategic guidance.
Judy Murray
Office and Permitting Manager
Since joining in 2021, Judy Murray manages administrative operations and permitting processes. A South Carolina notary public, she coordinates with regulatory agencies and enhances business practices through her nonprofit management background.
Amy Stone
Office Coordinator
Bringing 20+ years of hospitality management experience, Amy Stone oversees daily administrative tasks since 2017. Her customer service expertise ensures smooth client communication and operational efficiency as the company's primary contact point.
Craig Halter
Head Foreman
With over two decades of service, Craig Halter leads field operations as Head Foreman. His extensive marine construction knowledge ensures quality execution of complex projects while mentoring team members in Lowcountry-specific techniques.
Questions
What marine services do you offer?
We provide dock construction, erosion control, boat lifts, permitting assistance, maintenance, bulkheads, floating docks, wood pile driving, and custom accessories for residential and commercial clients.
How does your permitting process work?
Our in-house specialists handle permits with SCDES, USACE, and local authorities. We coordinate surveys, develop compliant designs, and manage approvals start-to-finish for Charleston-area projects.
How long have you served Charleston?
Since 1990, we've provided marine contracting services to Charleston residents and businesses, maintaining continuous family ownership across three generations.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily Charleston, SC and the surrounding Lowcountry region, including both residential waterfront properties and commercial maritime facilities.
Do you handle emergency repairs?
We focus on scheduled projects but prioritize urgent maintenance needs during regular business hours. Emergency services aren't available after hours or weekends.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and checks for our marine construction services. Payment terms are discussed during the project estimation process.
Reviews (4)
Chris Gonzalez
Jun 20, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality
American Dock and Marine installed a floating dock, new pier head, and completed repairs on our sea wall. Mike Murray and his team can in at estimated cost and completed the repairs on time. Outstanding team to work with.
American Dock and Marine installed a floating dock, new pier head, and completed repairs on our sea wall. Mike Murray and his team can in at estimated cost and completed the repairs on time. Outstanding team to work with.
Ross Pollack
Oct 13, 2019
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Calles on a Monday am for an estimate on repairing or replacing retention wall in my backyard that backs up to City Stormwater ditch. That afternoon Mike and Erich came and checked the wall and felt that it could be repaired. Wednesday am got an estimare for repair that was much better than other companies I checked. I was told work would start Thursday or Friday. And to my surprise when I was coming home Wednesday pm I saw their truck parked at my house. Three very polite and hard working crew members did great job and finished everything on Wednesday afternoon despite awful heat and humidity
Ron Roe
Jan 25, 2019
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American dock built my dock, pier head(20x20)
and float
Having been a marine engineer I can tell you they were outstanding in every way. Very professional and efficient. I strongly recommend them!
and float
Having been a marine engineer I can tell you they were outstanding in every way. Very professional and efficient. I strongly recommend them!
Jeff Deal
Jun 04, 2016
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American Dock and Marine Construction have been maintaining our dock and boatlift for years! Excellent work in a timely fashion. We would not consider using anyone else!
