Floating dock using 55 gal.drums for floats

Jeff Gieseke · 05-21-2010, 10:25 AM

Does anyone have any ideas on where I can go to get some plans for building a couple sections of dock of sections (3) at 6 foot by 8 foot. We have a 24 ft. pontoon and would like to leave it in the water sometimes.The only problem we have we live just down river(Ohio) from a decent size creek on the WV side and a lot of trash washes down the creek and gets stuck on our dock and I mean alot of junk and wood we have to be able to bring it out if poossible when this happens. Thanks for your help

joed · 05-21-2010, 11:12 AM

http://www.instructables.com/id/Floa...-with-Barrels/

Thurman · 05-21-2010, 01:10 PM

"Jeff" you mention that you live "down river" and near a creek. I would check with local authorities and the Army Corps of Engineers (because this is running water) as to whether it is legal to use this type flotation for a dock. I do know that it is now illegal in the State of Georgia to use this method if the floating dock is on "running water". These used to be very popular around here but they seemed to develop rust holes within three (3) years. Styrofoam is now a NO-NO here also, unless the styrofoam is encapsulated to prevent those small pieces from breaking loose and floating away. Just a though, David

joed · 05-21-2010, 02:34 PM

55 gallon drums come in plastic now. That is what I would use not the steel ones.

Wildie · 05-21-2010, 08:40 PM

I built a dock using plastic drums. I bought two steel truss's from a recycle outlet. These I welded together to form a frame.
Then, I made a swing-up landing gear from the rear wheel axle assembly of a car. The wheels raised and lowered using a winch and cable.
I was able to attach a tongue and hitch and could move it out of the water in the same manner as is done with a boat.
Just remember, the barrels must form two 'pontoons' to be stable.
One fellow that I know, placed the barrels cross-wise and it wouldn't float level.