DIY Dock Box

This dock box is made from metal.

Dock boxes are very useful for sailboat or other watercraft owners. These boxes are usually placed on the dock near the boat and are perfect for storing items used frequently for trips out on a lake or ocean.



It is best to build your dock box from treated lumber, which will protect its contents from the weather, humidity and salty air. In addition, applying water sealer at regular intervals will maintain the integrity of the box and lengthen its life.

Things You'll Need

• 10 pieces of 2x6x81-inch pretreated lumber
• 10 pieces of 2x6x22-inch pretreated lumber
• 12 pieces of 2x4-x23¼-inch pretreated lumber
• Variable speed drill
• Philips head screw tip
• 2½-inch deck screws
• 3-inch deck screws
• 1 piece of 81x19x¾-inch marine-grade plywood
• 2-inch deck screws
• 1 piece of 22x84x¾-inch marine-grade plywood
• Hinges

Instructions

1. Place the 2x6-inch wood pieces on a worktable. Group them in sets of five so the long edges of each set are touching and the ends are even. This results in four sets of five; two are 81 inches long, and two are 22 inches long.

2. Align four of the 2x4x23¼-inch pieces on the ends and one long edge of the 81-inch pieces. Secure them with 2½-inch deck screws. Secure two more to each of the 81-inch sets, spaced out evenly between the ends.

3. Measure in from the ends of the 22-inch pieces and make marks at 3 inches. Secure two of the 23¼-inch pieces to these 2x6s on the lines and even with one long edge with 2½-inch deck screws.

4. Build a rectangle from the 2x4x81-inch lumber and the 2x4x16-inch lumber. Place the 16-inch lumber between the 81-inch pieces on the ends and secure them with 3-inch deck screws. Next, put the 81x19x ¾-inch marine-grade plywood on the rectangle and secure it with 2-inch deck screws. This is the floor of the dock box.

5. Lay one of the long edges of the floor on one of the 2x6x81-inch assemblies. Secure it with 2½-inch deck screws. Secure the 22-inch assemblies to either end of the floor in the same manner, followed by the remaining 81-inch assembly.

6. Stand the box upright. Set the 22x84x¾-inch marine-grade plywood on top of the box. Install the hinges on the top and the box, according the hinge manufacturer's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• If desired, protect the corners of the dock box with metal corners. You can also attach a hasp and ring to the lid and front side of the dock box for a lock.

• Do not leave power tools within reach of children.

• Always wear protective eye goggles when working with tools, and wear gloves when working with pretreated material.

References

• Practical-Sailor.com: Design for a Dock Box

Resources

• Bob Vila.com: How to Build a Deck Storage Box