Homemade Plastic Barrel Boat Dock

A floating dock stays constantly level with your boat.

When getting on or off a boat you need a sturdy dock to moor or secure it. You can make your own floating dock that will rise and fall with the water level thereby adjusting to your boat's level. This project requires moderate carpentry skills. The use of pressure treated wood will enhance your dock's ability to weather the elements and remain serviceable and dependable for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• 5 pressure-treated 2-by-8, 12-foot boards
• 8 pressure-treated 1-1/4-by-6, 12-foot decking boards
• Carpenter's square
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Power saw
• Eye protection
• 16d galvanized nails
• Carpenter's hammer
• 6 plastic 55-gallon drums
• Weatherproof rope or galvanized chain
• Large pegs

Instructions

Measuring and Cutting the Lumber

1. Measure and mark 3-foot intervals on one of the 2-by-8 boards. That is, at 3, 6 and 9 feet. Cut the board at the marks. This creates four equal lengths, each 3 feet long. These will be cross pieces of the dock frame.

2. Measure and mark 3-foot intervals on each of the eight 1-1/4-by-6 decking boards and cut. This creates at least 25 deck slats.

3. Measure and mark two more 2-by-8 boards at their 4-foot and 8-foot intervals. These will be the side pieces for the dock. Place these on their 2-inch sides facing parallel to each other, about three feet apart.

Assembling the Deck Frame

1. Place a 3-foot cross piece between the side pieces at each end, and also at the 4-foot and 8-foot marks.

2. Make sure the end pieces are butted flush and level with the inside faces of the side pieces. Make sure the middle cross pieces butt the side pieces at the 4-foot and 8-foot marks, and are squared, flush and level.

3. Fasten the side pieces to the four cross pieces with hammer and nails. Be sure all lumber is flush on top and bottom. Be sure to use at least three nails at each connection point. This is the deck frame and will somewhat resemble a ladder.

4. Place the carpenter's square on the inside corners of the deck frame to make sure it is square.

5. Place a 2-by-8 board on top of and parallel with the side piece, flat side down. This will cover the two top corners. Make sure the outside edge of the top board is flush with the outside edge of the side piece. Join the two boards using hammer and nails. Repeat the process on the other side of the deck frame.

Installing the Decking and Putting the Dock in the Water

1. Starting at one end, lay the deck slats on top of the deck frame perpendicular to the two top boards. The outside edge of the first deck slat should be flush with the frame end. The ends of the deck slats will be inset about 1-1/2 inches from the sides.

2. Make sure the deck slat at the other end is flush with the frame. Fasten the two end slats to the frame with hammer and nails.

3. Fasten the remaining deck slats to the frame. There may be some spacing between slats. This is okay. The spacing may increase slightly over time as the wood dries further.

4. Place one 55-gallon drum in the water and, with a helper, place one end of the dock over it. Slowly ease the dock into the water. After moving several feet into the water, place another drum next to the first. Repeat this process until you have all 6 drums under your dock and it is in the water. The frame will keep the drums from coming out from under the dock and floating away.

Tips & Warnings

• You can secure the dock to the land by means of weatherproof rope or galvanized chain attached to the dock frame and either wood pegs or concrete blocks on land. You can make a wider surface by building additional docks and joining them together with deck boards.

• Always use eye protection when using a power saw and hammer.

• Use caution when walking on the dock. It like a boat moves with the water and like a boat can be rocked.

• Use caution when walking on the dock when it is wet or at night.

References

• Floating Docks and Floating Barrel Technology
• Home Made Raft Plans and Design Building a Home Made Raft
• BUILDING A BARREL BARGE