Building a floating Dock.

[BrandonA]

OK going to start working on a 16X16 ft Floating dock for the ranch. Will be using 2x10x16 for the sides I think. Question how many of the 55 gallon blue barrels should I use. I am thinking 9 total.

[gander]

Each one will float 500 pounds

[BrianL]

I would suggest looking at dock floats. They do cost more, but being square and flat they are much more stable. You would only need 4.

When I was looking at barrels, most said to double what you need then partially fill with water to stabilize. 475 # of floatation is with barrel completely submerged and all air.

[BrandonA]

I would suggest looking at dock floats. They do cost more, but being square and flat they are much more stable. You would only need 4.

When I was looking at barrels, most said to double what you need then partially fill with water to stabilize. 475 # of floatation is with barrel completely submerged and all air.

Brian would you post a link to a web site of the floats you are recommending.

Thanks

[Patton]

Brian would you post a link to a web site of the floats you are recommending.

Thanks

http://www.homedepot.com/p/PermaFloat-24-in-x-36-in-x-12-in-Dock-System-Float-Drum-2312/203583972

We were about to use four of these to build a floating dock until our dam blew out.

[BrianL]

https://www.dockbuilders.com/dock-floats.htm

[BrianL]

There is probably someone around you that sells them. I know there are several around Lake Texoma that sell them, but can't remember their name.

[johnpaul]

I would think barrels around the outside of a 16x16 structure and maybe a couple in the middle would be plenty stable. Not too mention they are probably 1/10 of the cost of the square dock floats.

9 barrels (2 on each side and one in the middle) seems like it would work fine to me.

[pyrobow]

With barrels you do have to add water for some counter balance. With out counter balance when you get close to the edge it will tip a lot and the back side barrels will come out of the water. I have built 2 and have learned from experience.

[parkchief100]

With barrels you do have to add water for some counter balance. With out counter balance when you get close to the edge it will tip a lot and the back side barrels will come out of the water. I have built 2 and have learned from experience.

Good info for the Op! Thanks

[eradicator]

Im assuming stryofoam is out these days? Why plastic barrels? Im asking because it's time we build a new one and I haven't asked. Is this an environmental or price issue(or both)?

[bklem]

Brandon from what I have seen, y'all's lake is a top notch, first class deal. I really suggest you go with any number of the pre-made floating docks. I think in the long run you will be much happier.

[BrandonA]

Brandon from what I have seen, y'all's lake is a top notch, first class deal. I really suggest you go with any number of the pre-made floating docks. I think in the long run you will be much happier.

Eventually we will have one built. We already have the steel pipe set. This will be more temporary and eventually a swimming platform. Just don't want to spend a lot of money with the other projects going on

[bklem]

Eventually we will have one built. We already have the steel pipe set. This will be more temporary and eventually a swimming platform. Just don't want to spend a lot of money with the other projects going on

I hear ya! Are you going to make it where it slides up and down the steel pipes to adjust for water level? If so that also adds stability.

[BrandonA]

I hear ya! Are you going to make it where it slides up and down the steel pipes to adjust for water level? If so that also adds stability.

I think so. If not I was planning on dropping 5 gallon buckets or maybe some larger filled with concreted off each corner. But should be able to drive some post.