building a dock

[redoak1]

Hi, I would like to build a dock about 12'x12' and wondered if any of you had any success using empty 55 gallon plastic drums to float the treated lumber.
Thanks,
redoak1

 

[PBMAX]

Funny, I was just talking about this with a bud at the office... My father-in-laws old boat house was on those along with the big foam blocks. He donated it to the local police and built a pier style boathouse. I plan on building a 12x12 floating pier on the pond. I can, I've been told get the barrels from the local cola plant... for $8+\- . I still need to figure out how many to buy to support the wait of the dock(wet) and a few bodies.... was thinkin I'd start with 8 or 10 ... one at each corner and the others dispursed as even as possible.

The biggeast problem I see is if one pops and having to drag the thing out to replace or add a barrel if I guessed wrong on the count....

The methode used to be fairly popular around here a few years ago but now every one has seemed to have gone to foam blocks....

 

[daedong]

Here in on the Murray river in South OZ many people build floating decks, They use the heavy blue plastic drums 55 Gal i guess 205 litres. Each drum will float at 50% carrying about 220bl, two hold the drums in place make two ladder type frames using say 2x8 timbers and strap each drum in place using stainless steel say 1x1/8. If u want more help let me now and i will do a rough drawing for you. one thing it will pay you to put sherodder (not spelt right) type valves in each drum and blow them up to about 2psi. If you don't do this and the ambient temp is higher than the water when it fist goes in the pond they suck right up.

 

[DocHeb]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( sherodder (not spelt right) type valves )</font>

Pretty close - most good "old-time" hardware/plumbing stores, and some automotive suppliers will have Schrader Valves. They are the same as valve stems in automotive and bike tires. McMaster Carr carries them for sure.