bidding a pier

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southernboys

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I live in an area that was ravaged by huricane Ivan. there are hundreds if not 1000s of piers that need to be rebuilt and rewired. I would like to get some of these piers however I have no idea to bid a pier if anyone is willing to offer any sugestions they would be greatly appreciated
 
Re: bidding a pier

Pre-qualify the engineer, if the drawings are incomplete or bad then pass on the bid. If they look okay pay attention to Articles 553 & 555.
These are generally not fast labor jobs so hold your man hours. We did a few marinas and used more hours than expected. Bring a wet suit :D
 
Re: bidding a pier

what drawings the ones ive done so far for my boss have been customer tells us what they want ie fishlight securitylight floods receps boatlift and the such thanks 4 your quick reply hard
 
Re: bidding a pier

lol...seriously? Do they run off 120v or what? And just go in the water or what? I can't find any information on Google...other than what looks like portable ones...?
 
Re: bidding a pier

Midget! You're back!
wave.gif
 
Re: bidding a pier

Midget.
I thought you would like that one. :p

The fish lights we installed way back when was nothing but a wet location 150 watt par flood light aimed down into the water? I have seen Some use a 500 watt quartz fixture though.
 
Re: bidding a pier

Was only involved once in a marina type job,building docks.It can go very slow so be carefull on bid.On good days i and a helper ran maybe 100 feet of 2 inch pvc (pipe only not wires),this had to be done sitting or laying on a raft.The tide made a major factor along with boat traffic

[ April 05, 2005, 06:19 AM: Message edited by: jimwalker ]
 
Re: bidding a pier

Originally posted by southernboys:
what drawings the ones ive done so far for my boss have been customer tells us what they want
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With design build hold a solid price, you are the designer in these applications, don?t be cheep. Your time is worth money and this customer is counting on a correct application. Keep in mind this same customer, at some point if not already, will be telling someone else what they want as well.
What comes next in these situations is the customer thinks your price is too high. If they want a lower price always offer it by deducting work. In other words never lower your price without doing less work in you scope.
 
Re: bidding a pier

Originally posted by southernboys:
I live in an area that was ravaged by hurricane Ivan. there are hundreds if not 1000s of piers that need to be rebuilt and rewired. I would like to get some of these piers however I have no idea to bid a pier if anyone is willing to offer any sugestions they would be greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
southernboys,

You are in luck. All I have done for the past 2 years is wire docks (and install fuel systems in docks).

Planning is everything. You need to get the customer to tell you what he is trying to accomplish. Look at what power centers he is using. Are these floating docks, or fixed piers? Are the boards nailed or screwed? Will the boards be secured when you arrive or will you have to remove them and put them back? Can you get under the dock to work? Pay attention to tides, you may find you can only work 4-5 hours per day, and not always during normal business hours (if high tide is at 12-1). Where will the panel be located? READ 555!! Be careful with 555.13(4)(b) if you are dealing with floating docks. If you have an aluminum ramp, GROUND IT! Labor gets away from you, it takes 5-10 minutes to walk to the truck to get something you forgot, and you always forget something. On long runs, figure out how you are going to pull the wire (before you start working). Using type W cable cuts labor down considerably, but materials are higher, I usually prefer the type W method. Don't estimate your wire too close. Coming up short is costly, and things seem to move between planning and execution, and moving a couple/three feet with multiple runs can hurt. Don't let anyone talk you into a 120/208 distribution system. Boats are made for 120/240, and with the wire distances voltage drop is a concern. If you are wiring for bigger boats, you will not (economically) be able to keep voltage drop to less than 5%. Make sure to know what the wiring system can expect, and put it in your proposal. You should clarify the expected voltage (at the power center) at the expected amperage with the power company maintaining (specify) voltage. Remember you can't make connections below the decking.

Wow, there are so many idiosyncrasies that I forgot how much I've learned in the last two years.

Feel free to send me an email with questions.

HWS.
 
Re: bidding a pier

One more thing,

Check with the local authorities, I understand that in some parts of Florida they do not allow type W cable even though the code says you can use it.
 
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