About BluTide Marine Construction
A Charleston marine contractor with more than two decades on the water — known for craftsmanship, schedule discipline and work that lasts.
First-class waterfront construction
Our purpose is clear: to provide first-class waterfront construction that showcases expert workmanship and longevity, with safety and reliability in everything we do.
BluTide is led by owner Karl Rakes and based on Johns Island, SC. Our crews build docks, piers, seawalls, bulkheads, bridges, boardwalks and marina structures for public agencies, developers, communities and homeowners — and we drive our own piles.
Our reputation for experience, quality workmanship and customer satisfaction is what keeps the phone ringing — from repeat municipal clients to neighbors of the homeowners we’ve built for.
What we stand for
Safety first
Every crew, every day — on the barge, on the dock and on the jobsite.
Craftsmanship
Structures that look as good from the water as they perform in a storm.
Reliability
Schedules and budgets that hold, and people who answer the phone.
Longevity
Coastal-grade materials and driven piles chosen to last decades, not seasons.
Owners, municipalities and agencies we have built for
What owners and project managers say
I have used BluTide Marine for two projects in the last year and have been very pleased with both outcomes. BluTide’s ability to produce, manage and maintain schedule, cost, quality, attention to detail as well as communication and problem solve are some of their strengths.
I have worked with BluTide on several competitively-bid projects, and they have all been completed to our satisfaction. Their staff are personable and knowledgeable, and able to adapt to unforeseen conditions in a reasonable and timely manner.
They have built three piers, a massive seawall, and a beautiful boat house for us. Their work is on budget and executed to the highest standards. And they are always available after the fact for enhancements or maintenance.
Have a project out for bid?
Send the plans. We’ll price it, schedule it and build it — crews, barges and pile-driving equipment included.