Floating docks

[PILOON]

As an association we years ago banned power boats over 5 HP as we had no road.
All due to a couple of entitled types that spent all daylight hours going around in circles.
As we built our own road the ban extended to all powered boats.
Bodies of water in Canada are federal and we even took the ban to that level so we are completely legal.
Consequently a gas powered boat can be legally fined.
Electric is permitted since noise, safety and pollution was our concern.
Besides no electric boat can attain speeds that are of concern. (or noise)

 

[BoylermanCT]

I built a floating dock with 2x8 framing and 5/4 deck boards. I used two 35 gallon plastic barrels per 4x4 section. The dock rocks as you walk on it, but you won’t fall in unless you have had one too many. I secured my dock to the shore with 36” 3/4” rebar driven 30” into the shore. The dock end has 2 1” eye bolts that thread onto the rebar and allow the dock to move up and down but keeps it secure to the shore. Never had a problem in 5+ years. I also don’t remove my dock in winter. It freezes in place and then thaws without issue.

 

[BoylermanCT]

Here's our floating dock.

 

[MoKelly]

Here's our floating dock.

That is fantastic. Great job building that area. I bet you enjoy it a lot.

MoKelly

 

[EddieWalker]

I've gone back on forth on what to build for my pond. Floating sounds easier, which means faster. Driving posts into the ground looks like more work and a lot more effort in figuring out how to actually get the posts into the ground.

When I look at floating docks, I found Overton's to have a very nice selection and prices. I'm sure there is a website that is cheaper, but that's where I always go to when trying to figure out what to buy. Boat Docking Hardware Over 12 Categories | Overton's

For putting posts in the ground I looked at a bunch of youtube videos. The more I watch, the more it seems like it's something that I can do. If I was to build this year, I would first try to get posts into the ground. To me, that seems more stable, cost effective and easier to build.

 

[JethroB]

Isn’t there a method of driving or installing posts using a water jet beside the post?

 

[ruffdog]

If your dock floats, why do you need the posts pounded in? Let them slide through the hole in the dock and rest on the bottom.

 

[SylvainG]

If your floating dock is attached to the shore, you need to drive in posts at the shore. This is what I used to drive mine in

 

[cliokounte]

I see it's been a while since this topic was discussed, but I’m curious—has anyone here tried using composite decking material for their floating docks? I’ve been considering it instead of wood for better durability and less maintenance. Would love to hear thoughts or updates from anyone who’s experimented with newer materials since the original posts!

 

[Rockbadchild]

What ever you use don't use Styrofoam, critters go in and chew it away to nest in it. If you use plastic barrels seals the cap with a sealer like caulking if not the caps will leak. I would suggest if you can find a old pontoon boat they make great floating docks.