Floating Dock with Barrels (UPDATED)

Step 3 Add the Barrels

After screwing in the 4x4" post pieces in the corner to solidify the structure you can make things a little more stable with L Braces places at each of the support intersections. This will make sure that everything stays where it is and really tightens up the frame.

Now, place eye hooks in the bottom layer of supports where your barrels lay. Two on each side the barrel. Lay your barrels in their slots and tie them up! I started on one eye hook with a knot and ran rope across the barrel, then diagonally, then across again and tied it off on the last eye hook. After you do all 4 barrels you are ready to flip.

Comments

[arcticman]

I just built a larger model, 16' x 8', using 15, 30 gallon plastic barrells. Five rows of three barrells. Tied them in with three continuous lengths of braided poly-rope, running through eye screws and over the middle of the barrels.
Did a rough weight-displacement calculation and 15 barells should do nicely.
Other than the 16' foot length and more-smaller barrels, I employed your design so THANKS for the that !
With the 30 gallon barrels and the 2, 16' 2x4 stiffiners, I had about an inch to spare for each barrel. If you can't be smart, be lucky! (I did actually measure beforehand and knew it would be close but thought it should work).
It is now sitting on the ice of the frozen lake in front of our cabin. When the ice goes out, we'll see how she looks.
Thanks again!
JB

[rbhirsch1]

Hello JB,
I have read your comment regarding the floating boat dock. Your ideas sound great. Please tell me how you figure weight displacement of the dock and boat and 1-2 people on the dock?
What is the formula?

Thanks,
richard
[e-mail]

[jon.bender]

save money on eye screws and just drill holes in the framing to lace you rope through

[Philthy.Sohoza]

would it be possible to replace the ropes with heavy duty bungees? you would still have to replace them every other year or so but i think they may last longer(in fresh water at least) just a thought.

[koppes]

I have pontoons that are 24" in diameter, 96" long made of 1/4" polyethelene.
Price $250.00 each.

[Deek D]

What kind of rope did you use? Immersed in water you think it might slip/shrink, etc....although the frame of the dock would hold the barrels in place to a good degree.....

-Deek
http://www.relaxshacks.com
My BOOK is NOW OUT "Humble Homes, Simple Shacks, Cozy Cottages, Ramshackle Retreats, Funky Forts (And Whatever The Heck Else We Could Squeeze In Here!)"

[johnny3h]

For projects similar to this I've always used cheap polypropylene rope. The only drawback to any of the "plastic" ropes is that they are subject to "rotting" caused by exposure to ultraviolet light in the sunshine, but in this case, the rope will be protected by the dock and being underwater. And additonally, with the screw eylet method, it is not difficult to replace these ropes periodically if they deteriorate.