How to Make a Floating Boat Dock
A floating boat dock is something that the average carpenter can build with the right materials and plans. Putting the idea in motion is fairly simple. All you will need are some tools, a good flat surface near the waters edge, and some lumber, hardware, nails and screws.
Supplies
- Pick up assorted lumber depending on how big you intend your floating dock to be. An average dock may be 10 to 12 feet in width and length, so with that in mind you will want (4 )2x8x12 boards for your frame, (4) 2x8x12 boards for your cross supports and (4) 4x4 8inch lengths for the corner supports. Approximately (20) 1x6 boards for the platform. Use pressure treated lumber to ensure longevity.
- 15-20 L brackets
- Galvanized screws and nails
- (4) 55 gallon plastis drums to use as floatation devices.
- Hammer
- Screwgun
- Saw
- Rope
- I-bolts
Assembly
- Lay down your lumber and supplies on a flat surface as close to the water as possible. This is important, as the finished product could be heavy and difficult to move.
- Connect the 2x8 boards together with screws and L- brackets.
- Place the 4x4 pieces in each corner and screw into 2x8.
- Spacing each approximately three feet apart, nail cross supports in place using L brackets and then add screws for extra strength.
- Attach 1x6 surface boards spaced 1/4 inch apart for swelling.
- Connect I-bolts to 4x4 corner supports
- Fill plastic drums with any ballast
- Attach the drums to the I-bolts with rope and secure with a knot.