Building a dock and boathouse....

[Stix Magill]

Please let me know what you learned when you built yours.
See my project at Yard, dock, and boathouse project. (http://www.ourguitars.homestead.com/yellowcreek.html)

I am learning volumes by the day on the job.
Please let me know what you learned on a similar project.

Thanks,
Scott Smith

[harbormaster]

Looks like alot of work! What a difference.

[Brad Lyon]

Scott,

Here is what I used when I built a new dock at my cottage. Please note there is no Donzi in the pictures. I used the " Tommy Dock (http://www.tommydocks.com) " support system because I need to take it out of the water for the winter and put it back in in the spring. This system is really great and very quick to assemble and disassemble. For the decking I used "Brock Dock" (http://www.royalcrownltd.com/products/index.htm) vinyl decking which is maintaince free, splinter free and it should last forever. I hope this helps you.

Brad


http://www.donzi.net/photos/blyon-dock.jpg

http://www.donzi.net/photos/blyon-dock3.jpg

[KAJUNGA]

Scott

Why not build a 'steel tube' floating dock. I built 2 myself, a 10' X 40' and a 10' X 20'.

Once you own this type, you will never own anything else.

If your interested, I can let you know how to build one.

I have pictures, but do not have a clue how to display them in this message.

Cheers

[Forrest]

Stix this may not apply to you since it looks like you are out in the boonies, but here are my words of advice for most people building a dock, boat lift, etc. Number 1. Make sure that you have all the required permits from the State, County, City, and Feds (Army Corps). Then when the neighbor who doesn't like it tries to make trouble for you, you are covered. Without the permits, you are a sitting duck if someone decides to "turn you in" or if an inspector decides to take a look. Since I have all my permits in place for installing my elevator boat lift, all that my ass-wad neighbor across the canal can do now is threaten to sue me for "damages" that my boat lift will be causing to his slip rental business located directly across from my dock . . . and it looks like he intends to do just that if I proceed. Ain't it fun?

Brad, nice looking dock! We just can't use anything with steel components in salt water. In salt water it 2.5CCA wood and stainless. You can get away with HD galvanized as opposed to stainless above the waterline to save (quite) a few bucks. Metal structures like boat lifts need to be constructed of T6 aluminum and stainless.

[DonziNUTS]

I agree with Forrest. I would definitly get your permits! Take it from me being in the engineering field....if you do not have permits and an official looks for them...they can make you project a living hell! Especially if Army Corps and DEP are involved!
Need any engineering advice please drop a line!
Can answer design questions also....Did some AutoCad design for Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, MD.

Mike

[KAJUNGA]

Stix either has permits or isnt worried about it. I would think the seawall work is more apt for permit problems than a dock. Furthermore, there are enviromental issues associated with the seawall.

Cheers

[Stix Magill]

Fellas,
Thanks for all the info. I do have all the permits required and have befriended the local Army Corp of Engineers inspectors. They are very resonable and helpful.

Scott, thanks for the comments!

Brad, your lot and dock look great! Very nice.

The floating docks are great for areas with seasonal level fluctuations or tides or extra deep water. Unfortunately I am in the shallows, but I am very happy to say that on Yellow Creek the level never fluctuates more than a foot up or down. Also I will have 2 boat lifts (one for the Minx and one for the fishing boat) so stationary posts are required. I have gone with treated wood.

Forrest, the neighbor issue can really be stressful. I hope it works out well for you and I believe it will. Stick to your guns. And load your guns!

Please see the updated webpage to see my meager progress. Slowly but surely....... (http://www.ourguitars.homestead.com/yellowcreek.html)

Have any of you guys driven large post (16 to18' long 8" posts) with a manual pile driver? That is how I am doing it and it is about to kill me. eek!

Are we having fun yet?!!?

[pmreed]

Here in our Florida lakes, we generally wash down pilings using a high volume water pump. A good crew of two can wash down 20 or so a day. Of course, we don't have rock to deal with, just sand, dirt and clay. Don't worry about getting them the same height. You just cut'em off to match at the end.

Phil

[Stix Magill]

Thanks for the tip on the posts. The water jet option has been kicked around on our water, but no one has tried it. We assumed that all the debris from the original flooding of the reservoir wold be problematic. Our rate has been 4 posts by 2 people in 3 hours.

Scott Smith

[pmreed]

Not bad for your first try Scott. Before you get to be an expert, you'll be done. :D Good luck.

Phil

[Stix Magill]

Phil,
You are right. And i will forget everything I've learned before I ever have to do it again!
Deck on walk is ready for Donzi parking for the 4th of July weekend.... biggrin. PICS (http://www.ourguitars.homestead.com/yellowcreek.html)

Scott