Building A Floating Boat Dock: A Diy Project

Building a floating boat dock is a great way to enhance your boating experience. Whether you own a small fishing boat or a luxurious yacht, a reliable and sturdy dock provides a convenient space to board and disembark from your vessel, as well as a secure mooring point during stormy weather. Floating docks are designed to rest on the water's surface, adapting easily to changing water levels with the help of a system of pontoons or drums. This makes them a versatile choice for areas with fluctuating water depths or limited access to permanent anchoring options.

In this guide, we will explore the benefits of building a DIY floating boat dock, outline the materials and tools you'll need, and provide a step-by-step process for construction and installation. By the end, you'll be well on your way to creating a safe and functional floating dock that meets your unique boating needs.

Planning and research

Understand the Types of Docks:

• Floating docks: These docks are designed to rest on the water's surface and can adapt to fluctuating water levels. They use pontoons or drums for flotation and are ideal for areas with changing water depths or no access to permanent anchors.
• Permanent docks: Also known as stationary docks, these are fixed structures built on pilings driven into the lake or riverbed. They offer a sturdy platform and are suitable for areas with consistent water levels.
• Hybrid docks: Hybrid docks combine the benefits of floating and permanent docks. They are partially submerged, resting on supporting poles or pilings, and are ideal for areas with fluctuating water levels and moderate wave action.

Consider Water Depth and Conditions:

• Water depth is crucial when choosing the type of dock to build. Shallow waters may require a fixed dock, while deeper waters may need a floating dock.
• Consider water fluctuations and choose a dock type that can adapt to changing water levels. Floating docks are an excellent option for flexibility.
• Assess the stability and composition of the lake or riverbed. Soft sediment or muddy areas may need additional support, such as pilings filled with concrete.

Choose the Right Materials:

• Select materials that are resistant to corrosion and weathering. Pressure-treated wood, composite decking, and galvanized steel hardware are durable options.
• Consider the advantages and disadvantages of different decking materials like wood, composite, aluminum, steel, and PVC. For example, wood is affordable and widely available but requires maintenance to prevent issues like splintering and rotting.
• For corrosion resistance, opt for galvanized steel hardware in waterfront environments.

Determine Your Budget:

• Set a realistic budget by considering factors such as material costs, dock size, additional accessories (e.g., lighting, boat lifts), and labour expenses.
• Plan and prioritize the features you want within your budget constraints. Research the cost of materials and labour to get accurate estimates.

Comply with Local Regulations:

• Research local building codes and permits required for constructing your boat dock. Check with your local town or municipality for specific regulations and ordinances.
• Even if a permit is not necessary, consider filing your plans to ensure compliance and avoid surprises that may delay your project.

Design Your Dock:

• Think about how you will use the dock. Consider incorporating features like furniture, fishing or sunbathing areas, and railings for safety.
• Take into account sunlight exposure and choose decking materials accordingly. For example, use light-coloured decking in full sunlight to prevent hot surfaces.
• Plan the height and layout of your dock, ensuring easy access to your boat and recreational activities. Position the bottom beams above the highest potential waterline, taking into account fluctuations due to rainfall or seasonal changes.

Thorough planning and research will ensure a successful floating boat dock project. By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions about your dock's design, materials, and construction process, ultimately resulting in a safe and functional structure that enhances your boating experience.

Dock height and layout

The height of your floating boat dock, also known as the freeboard height, is the distance between the main deck of the dock and the waterline. This height can vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. For example, if you plan to use the dock for rowing, a lower height is preferable for easier and safer entrances and exits from the boat. AccuDock offers customizable floating docks that can be as low as 5 inches or as high as you need, although for stability, it is recommended to have the dock as close to water level as possible.

When determining the height of your dock, consider the water conditions and how you intend to use the dock. For instance, if you have a pontoon boat, opt for a bigger float size. Websites like multinautic can help you estimate the number of floats required for your project.

The layout of your floating boat dock will depend on the size and shape of your waterfront area, as well as your personal preferences. You can choose from various layout options, including a straight platform, a T-shaped design, or a unique configuration. If you have a calm pond with minimal water level fluctuations, you might opt for a design similar to this: a 12'x8' floating section, a 4'x12' semi-floating section, and a 4'x6' fixed platform.

If you are unsure about the layout and design, it is recommended to consult with experts or professionals who can guide you through the process and ensure your vision is realised. They will take into account factors such as water depth, shoreline slope, soil composition, safety considerations, and environmental regulations to create a dock that is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.

Remember, the dock will feel smaller once it's on the water, so it is generally recommended to size up if you are deciding between two sizes.

Building the foundation

The foundation of your floating boat dock is crucial for its stability and longevity. Here are the steps to build a strong and durable foundation:

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Before you begin construction, carefully select the location for your dock. Consider the water depth, fluctuations in water levels, and local weather conditions. Ensure you comply with any local regulations regarding waterfront structures.

Step 2: Prepare the Materials

For the foundation, you will need PVC pipes, concrete, a post-hole digger, and treated lumber posts. The PVC pipes should be either 12-inch or 18-inch in diameter, and the treated lumber posts should be 8 to 10 feet long.

Step 3: Install the Footers

Use the post-hole digger to create holes in the lake or riverbed. The holes should be deep enough so that the PVC pipes can be sunk at least three feet into the bed. Place the PVC pipes into the holes, ensuring they extend several inches above the water level. This will prevent any exposed wood from submerging.

Step 4: Secure with Concrete

Once the PVC pipes are in place, pour concrete around each post inside its respective PVC sleeve. Allow ample time for the concrete to cure and harden.

Step 5: Trim and Finalise

After the concrete has cured, trim any excess height from the treated lumber posts so that they are level with the desired height of the dock. Now you have a strong and stable foundation for your floating boat dock!

Step 6: Prepare for Frame Construction

With the foundation in place, you are now ready to move on to constructing the frame. This process will be similar to building a deck, and it is advisable to wait until this stage before installing any shoreline support posts for more accurate measurements.

By following these steps, you will have a solid and durable foundation for your DIY floating boat dock.

Constructing the frame

First, gather your materials and choose a suitable location. Get as close as you can to the body of water where you plan to place your dock, as the final product will be heavy and difficult to move. Find a relatively flat area near the waterbody and lay out your materials. For an 8'x8'4" square frame, you will need four 2x8" boards. Place them in a square, keeping two sides of the square on the inside, and screw them together. You can use 4x4" posts in the corners as a right angle to guide you.

Next, add supports to the frame. Measure and mark the middle of the square, and place a 2x4" support there. The remaining bottom layer pieces will support the frame and hold the floats (such as barrels or drums) in place, preventing them from pushing up against the decking. Place two of these boards as shown in the image, and then lay a float on top. Adjust the boards until the float sits nicely between them without touching the ground. Screw the boards into place, and then repeat this process for the other side.

Now, you will add the top layer of supports, which provide cross-support and prevent the floats from moving back and forth. Place your floats on the bottom supports and measure where they end. Place and screw in your top layer supports here.

At this point, you can add L-braces at each of the support intersections to increase stability. Place eye hooks in the bottom layer of supports where your floats lay—two on each side of each float. Lay your floats in their slots and tie them securely with rope. Criss-cross the rope for added security.

Finally, you are ready to flip your frame. This step will require some extra hands, as the frame will be heavy. With a few people, you should be able to get the frame on its side and slide it into the water. Tie it securely to something on the shore to prevent it from floating away.

Now, lay out your decking boards. Leave a little spacing between each board and hammer them into place along each support. Once you have a few boards in place, you can jump on top and continue hammering from there.

And there you have it—your floating boat dock frame is now complete! This process is similar to building a deck, but with some adjustments to accommodate the floats that will keep your dock afloat. Remember to take your time, work carefully, and always prioritize safety when building your DIY floating boat dock.

Anchoring

Consider the Environment:

The anchoring method depends on the body of water. For example, a dock on the ocean will face larger waves and more drastic water fluctuations than a small lake. If your dock is in an area prone to hurricanes, consider adding hurricane holes to the docking system.

Understand Anchoring Methods:

There are several anchoring methods available, each with its advantages and suitability:

• Stiff arm anchors are ideal for near-shore docks holding heavy loads with minimal water level changes. They use a winch and reinforced arms to connect the dock to the shoreline.
• Cable anchors are suitable for deep waters as they can adapt to changing weather and water depths. They connect to weights or the shore.
• Pole and Sleeve Anchoring are best for windy areas with high waves. They use vertical galvanized steel sleeves to attach the dock and anchors to the seabed.
• Pile anchors are perfect for docks facing changing water levels and can be driven into the seabed for maximum stability.
• Deadweight anchors rely on the mass of bulky objects like concrete blocks to keep the dock in place.

Gather Necessary Materials:

• Concrete blocks will serve as anchors to keep the dock secure.
• Galvanized chains connect the concrete anchors to the dock, providing support to the entire system.
• Quick Links and Eyebolts: Quick links connect the chain to the rebar or eyebolts, which support the entire dock system.

Determine the Required Weight:

The weight needed depends on the size and number of boats mooring at the dock. Most floating docks should have a minimum of 600 lbs. at the furthest corners of the pier. Docks near the shore may need less weight, while volatile environments may require more.

Choose an Anchor Layout:

Crossing the chains can add durability to your dock. This works well with chains and anchors on both sides of the pier. Avoid cutting the chains too short, as this will cause tension and stress. Leaving extra chain length allows the dock to rise and fall with changing water levels.

Install the Anchoring System:

Place a wood slab under the anchors to protect the decking material. Connect the chains to the eyebolts or rebar of the anchors. Gently lower the anchors to the seabed using the wood plank. Attach the chains to the floating dock, and then secure and cut the chains, ensuring they are not too short.

Frequently asked questions