Brief

Following the purchase of a waterfront property in the Scottish Highlands, the client approached us seeking a reliable solution for launching and recovering a boat in an area with a significant tidal range. After initial discussions over the phone, followed by a site visit, we designed a bespoke boat launch rail system tailored to the shoreline conditions, access limitations and surrounding environment. Our proposed solution used durable Greenheart timber piles and rails, finished with a low-friction nylatron rubbing strip to allow smooth boat movement while maintaining a natural appearance within the landscape.

Solution

We designed, manufactured and installed 35 metres of bespoke boat launch rails using sustainably sourced Greenheart timber, stainless steel fixings and a heavy-duty nylatron rubbing strip. The system was built directly on site to suit the shoreline profile and tidal conditions, creating a durable and low-maintenance launch solution for the client. Greenheart timber was selected for its exceptional strength and long lifespan in marine environments, making it ideal for coastal applications where resilience and reliability are essential.

Challenges

This project presented several logistical and environmental challenges, with the site located over 560 miles from our base — approximately 12 hours travel each way. Due to the remote location, careful planning and preparation were essential to ensure the installation was completed efficiently. Ground conditions were initially unknown, particularly when installing the timber piles, but the works progressed successfully and were completed within our allowed one-week timescale, including travel time. The project also required marine consent permissions with specific working dates, meaning installation had to be carefully coordinated around both permit restrictions and tidal conditions.