How to Build a Boat Dock Using Drums

A U-shaped dock

You have a boat, you have a piece of shoreline. Now you need a dock so you can tie up your boat in front of your place. The only problem is that traditional, commercial dock-building parts and supplies are very expensive. You might consider a lower priced alternative and build a boat dock that floats on closed head 55-gallon drums.

Things You'll Need

• Two (2) 55-gallon closed head drums with bungs
• 2x12 lumber
• 2x6 lumber
• Brass screws
• Tools: saw, screwdriver, tape measure
• 1/4 inch steel cable

Instructions

1. Design your dock layout, taking into consideration the many uses you and your family may find for this dock. The boat may have its own slip, while the kids use another part of the dock for jumping and swimming. A straight dock will be the easiest and most cost-effective to build. Other common shapes for a boat dock include L-shapes, T-shapes and U-shapes.

2. Decide what material you want to use for sub-structure and decking. You need a sub-structure surrounding the drums to hold them together and decking to walk on. Wood floats, which makes it a good choice for both sub-structure and decking.

3. Use your design to purchase materials. Begin building one 8-foot section of dock and add to it as needed to fit your boat and your needs. Use two 55-gallon closed head drums for one 8-foot section.

4. Use 2x12 lumber to build your sub-structure, basically, a box that will fit your barrels. Your barrels will measure just over 34 inches tall and 23 inches wide; you’ll be laying them on their sides, so build a sub-structure that is 8 feet in length with a 36-inch inside measurement.

5. At each end of your sub-struction, attach a cross piece approximately 26 inches from the end to box in your barrel.

6. Screw 2x6 planks to the top of your substructure for decking. Leave a small space between each piece to allow for movement.

7. Turn the box over so the decking is flat on the ground. Lay your barrels in the space you built for them. Run a piece of 1/4 inch cable from one end of the box to the other over the top of the barrels, attaching it on the inside of both ends. This will help hold your barrels in place.

8. Finish the wood with a good wood sealer. Add hardware, including cleats to tie your boat. Build additional pieces of dock as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Your dock will be more durable if you hold it together with brass screws.

• Make certain your barrels are properly sealed with bungs.