Replacing Barrels Under Your Boat Dock: A Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the barrels under a boat dock can be a challenging task, but with careful planning and execution, it is certainly achievable. The process involves several steps, from preparing the new barrel to ensuring the stability of the dock during the transition. One suggested method is to drill a hole at the waterline to allow the old barrel to sink for removal, and then use the outgoing tide to help slide the new barrel into place. Another approach is to fill the new barrel with water to achieve neutral buoyancy, making it easier to position under the dock before pumping out the water. When it comes to securing the barrels, eye hooks, ropes, bungee straps, and stainless steel cables are all popular choices. Some people also choose to fill the barrels with ballast for added stability. It is important to note that safety precautions and additional helpers are often required due to the weight and complexity of the task.

Prepare your barrels

Before you start building your floating dock, you'll need to prepare your barrels. Make sure you have the right number of barrels and that they are clean and dry. Check that the plugs are tightened and apply a layer of silicone caulking to prevent leakage. Some people also suggest filling the barrels with ballast to improve stability, but this is not necessary if your dock is already stable.

If you're using recycled barrels, make sure you know what they were previously used for. It's important to check that they didn't contain any toxic chemicals. You can usually find used barrels at local junkyards, farmers, or manufacturers, but be sure to clean them thoroughly before use.

When preparing your barrels, you'll also want to consider how you will attach them to your dock. Some common methods include using eye hooks and rope, bungee straps, or stainless steel cables. You can also use a combination of these methods for added security.

It's important to note that some materials, like bungee straps, may not hold up well underwater for long periods. Stainless steel cables or long rubber straps are often recommended for their durability.

Once your barrels are prepared and secured to your dock, you can move on to the next step of building your floating dock. Remember to conduct regular maintenance checks and watch out for any leaks or damage that could sink your dock.

Build the dock frame

Building a dock frame is the first step in constructing a floating dock with barrels. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, ensuring that your dock is sturdy and secure.

To begin, gather your materials. You will need 2x6 or 2x8 boards for the main frame, 2x4" beams for support, 4x4" posts for the corners, and chemically treated deck screws to hold everything together. It is recommended to use pressure-treated lumber to prevent rot and extend the life of your dock.

Once you have your materials, head to the body of water where you plan to place the dock. Get as close as possible, as the finished product will be heavy and difficult to move. Find a relatively flat area and lay out your 2x6 or 2x8 boards in a square, screwing them together to form the base of your frame. Keep two sides of the square on the inside to create an 8'x8'4" square. Use the 4x4" posts in the corners as a guide for a right angle, but do not screw them in yet in case adjustments are needed.

Now, it's time to prepare your barrels. Tighten the plugs and apply a layer of silicone caulking over them to ensure a good seal and prevent leaking. Some people also suggest filling the barrels with ballast for added stability, although this is not necessary.

The next step is to add support to your frame. Measure and mark the middle of the square, and place a 2x4" beam there for support. The remaining bottom layer of beams will play a dual role: supporting the frame and holding the barrels in place. Place two of these beams as shown in the diagram, and lay a barrel on top. Adjust the beams until the barrel sits nicely between them without touching the ground, following the curve of the barrel. Screw the beams in place, then repeat this process for the other side.

Now, add the top layer of support beams, which run perpendicular to the bottom beams. These beams provide additional support and prevent the barrels from moving back and forth. Place your barrels on the bottom beams and measure where they end, then screw in the top beams.

Finally, solidify the structure by screwing in the 4x4" posts at the corners and adding L-braces at each of the support intersections. This will ensure that everything stays tight and secure.

With the frame built, you are now ready to add the barrels and complete your floating dock.

Support the frame

Now that you have the basic shape, you will need to add some supporting beams. Measure and screw 2x4" beams at regular intervals. These supporting beams are important for two reasons: they support the frame and they prevent the barrels from pushing up against the original frame. Space the boards so that the barrels won't touch the ground but fit nicely into the curves.

You should also install a top layer of beams that run perpendicularly across the supporting 2x4" beams. These beams provide additional support and prevent the barrels from moving back and forth. You can use L braces and 4x4" post pieces to solidify the corners and joints. After screwing the beams solidly, you can add the barrels.

Start by adding eye hooks to the bottom supporting beams. Each beam should have two hooks for both sides of each barrel. Lay the barrel into position and tie them. Start from one hook, run the rope first straight across the barrel, diagonally to the third eye hook, and directly across to the fourth hook before knotting. You can flip the frame after hooking all barrels.

Add the barrels

Now, place eye hooks in the bottom layer of supports where your barrels lay. Two on each side of 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 this for all the barrels, you are ready to flip the frame.

I did everything up to this point on my own. Now, recruit some friends to help you move the frame. With only three people in total, we easily got it up on its side and slid it into the lake. I'd say we might have been able to do it with just two of us, but three worked nicely. Flip it into the water and tie it down to something. You don't want it floating away while you go inside to get your tools or supplies.

Now that you have a friend or two, this part is a breeze. Lay out the 1x4" boards and make sure everything fits nicely. Leave a little spacing between each board. Hammer or screw them into the supporting beams.

Once you get a few boards in place, you can jump on top and finish from there. It feels nice and stable, doesn't it?

One thing that is nice about a floating dock is that you can untie it and float out into the middle of a lake or pond. It makes for a nice swimming platform or just a great place to hang out.

Install eye bolts

To install eye bolts on your floating dock, you will need eye hooks, concrete anchors, and some rope or bungee straps.

First, attach eye hooks to the underside of the main support beams. You will need four eye hooks per barrel, two on each side. Next, lay the barrel into position and tie them to the eye hooks using rope or bungee straps. Run the rope or straps first straight across the barrel, then diagonally to the third eye hook, and directly across to the fourth hook before knotting.

You can also use eye bolts with stainless steel cable and cable tensioners or lead cable clamps to secure the barrels.

Frequently asked questions