Floating Docks

[gunflint]

I have to build 3 floating docks this spring. The treated lumber alone is very expensive. Then when you look at the supply catalogs at floatation material it's almost cheaper to buy 4 pontoon boats and tie them together. Does anyone know of a less expensive way to float a dock? (Barrels are out.)

[shorefisher]

The people next door to me ues a type of PVC 12 ince drain pipe capped at both ends. Seems to work very well. I am not sure where he get it but I am sure calling around you will be able to find it. Lo ks like about 12" and he cuts them to how long he needs. I would think this is not as much as 4 pontoon boats. If you would like you can e-mail me and I could walk over and ask him if he would want to make them for you. Not sure he wants to do that type of thing but it can't hurt to ask. My e-mail is cederwaxwing(at)aol

[Phred52]

Gunflint, Why are the barrels out? I built 3-12' dock sections using 2 barrels at each joint. It's a "T" type dock to add stability. All I did was make a saddle out of 2"x4"s, cut up a barrel into 3" rings and used the rings to hold the barrels into the 2"x4" framework. I'm over 44'(yes, FEET) of water, the dock is 11 or 12 years old and all it needs this year is a paint job. I pull it in about every other year and give it a good "look over", otherwise I leave it out. The black barrels melt the ice around them so they're free to float above the ice that would otherwise crush them. The barrels also support a good amount of weight, I'm 240#, my dad is about 205# and we can stand, side by side at ANY point on that dock. To test it, we both wore life vests, went for a walk next to each other and hardly made the dock dip. Now, I'm in the process of lengthening the dock by 2- 4'X 16'lengths so we can tie up our pontoon and the boats to the dock. I wouldn't rule out the barrels, IMHO,they're every bit as good as (or better) the "store bought" floats. Phred

[gunflint]

I will check into barrels. The reason that I ruled them out is that the lake I will be putting them on is in the Superior National Forest and I assumed the F.S. wouldn't allow it. One end of the lake is actually in the bwca. The other reason is that we have 13 other docks that we would like to match these 3 with.

From what I understand, the new treated lumber requires special fasteners that are also more expensive than standard screws. I'll call theUSFS today and see what they say about barrels. Thanks

[Gadgetman]

Gunflint, try Marine Dock and Lift in Center City 800-314-3625 They have the EZ Dock system that is molded plastic that can be joined together in many different configurations and also have boat lifts built in to them. I have one that I leave in all year around and it is the best thing I have seen. A lot of other people on our lake have bought them since I put mine in and they all seem to be doing well. I went the drum route and got tired of leaky drums sinking drums. This is the best thing since sliced bread AND canned beer, not cheap, but very nice. Dwight is a stand up guy and will take care of you. I think that they also have a location in Grand Rapids. Nice people to deal with

[gunflint]

Thanks gadgetman,I'll call them this week.