How to Build a Dock Box
A dock box can provide storage for the extras you'll need or want available on your dock. It might even serve as storage for items you want to have available, but don't want to keep on your boat. If the dock box is large enough, it can even provide ready storage for bigger items, such as a folding table and chairs. This could allow you to expand your dock's usefulness to include a party location or a place to entertain boating friends who drop by.
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Marine plywood
- Circular saw
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Finishing nails
- Marine silicone caulk
- Marine epoxy paint
Instructions
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1
Measure the space where you want your dock box and decide how high it will be.
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2
Transfer the measurements for the length and width to the marine plywood to form the bottom of the box. Cut this piece out of the plywood with a circular saw. Add 1 inch to the length and width when measuring to make the top. Mark that dimension onto the plywood and cut that piece.
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3
Cut two pieces of plywood, each 2 inches wide and as long as the width of the top, to serve as the front and back sides of the lid. Cut two more pieces of plywood, 2 inches wide and 1 inch longer than the top, to serve as the ends of the box top. Attach these strips to the outside edge of the box top with finishing nails. This will create a lip around the outside of the top that will fit down over the box and help seal it. Countersink the nails to ensure they can be covered with caulk easily. Caulk all the seams and the nail heads with marine silicone caulk.
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4
Cut two pieces of plywood, measuring the length of the bottom of the box and the height of the box, to form the front and rear panels. Cut two more pieces of plywood, measuring the height of the box and 1 inch less than the width of the box to form the end panels.
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5
Nail the front and rear panels to the front and rear edge of the bottom of the box, then nail the side panels to the front, rear and bottom. Countersink the nails. Seal all seams and nail heads with marine silicone caulk.
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6
Paint the box and the top inside and out with marine epoxy paint. Allow both to dry thoroughly before setting the box onto the dock.
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Tips & Warnings
When you paint the marine plywood, pay particular attention to the edges. That's where water will have the greatest chance of causing damage.
The lid of the dock box is fully removable. If you plan to use the box as secure storage, offset hasps are available at most marine hardware suppliers and can be screwed on to the front and rear sides, with one part on the top and one part on the body of the box. Then the box can be secured with padlocks.
Building you own dock box might be an attractive option to purchasing one, but some communities have banned them. Your local marina staff can advise you about any regulations in your area.
Don't store paint or flammable substances in a wooden dock box.
