What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Need advice on a new pond dock (1 Viewer)

Buzzbait

Buzzbait

Footballguy
I have a pond in my backyard with a dock that has seen better days. I'd like to tear it down and build a new one but have no experience (we inherited this dock when we bought the house).

Some considerations:
Pond can freeze in the winter (Southern Ohio)
Dock will be used for fishing and swimming
Floating vs Fixed
Cost of DIY vs Professional
If DIY how to get the footers in (i.e. footers straight into pond bed or PVC pipe with concrete)?

I'd be very interested in comments and suggestions from others regarding this task.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Does the water freeze or no?  Do you intend, foolishly in my estimation, to leave it in through a freeze (will require substantial concrete pour which is illegal in many states in lakes)?  Do you intend to use it as a swimming platform?  Will you be mooring boats to it?  What will you be using it for?

 
Ditkaless Wonders said:
Does the water freeze or no?  Do you intend, foolishly in my estimation, to leave it in through a freeze (will require substantial concrete pour which is illegal in many states in lakes)?  Do you intend to use it as a swimming platform?  Will you be mooring boats to it?  What will you be using it for?
Click to expand...
Great questions I should have included in the OP.

The pond will freeze in the winter. Obviously if it's a fixed structure it's staying in but if it's floating it could be (should be) removed as the ice would damage the flotation pieces. The pond is treated and stocked with fish so using the dock for swimming and fishing are both in play. One small boat will be moored to the platform.

 
Buzzbait said:
Great questions I should have included in the OP.

The pond will freeze in the winter. Obviously if it's a fixed structure it's staying in but if it's floating it could be (should be) removed as the ice would damage the flotation pieces. The pond is treated and stocked with fish so using the dock for swimming and fishing are both in play. One small boat will be moored to the platform.
Click to expand...
Fixed docks can also be damaged by ice.  Have a professional come out and at least give you an estimate.  Also depending your area there can be some rather strict laws regarding any marine construction.

 
How long of a dock would you like? How deep is the water in the area of the dock? what is the bottom composition Sandy? Mucky? 

A floating dock is great for areas where the water level fluctuates frequently. Based on the dimensions you gave for the pond I am guessing that isn't the case here. I would go for a stationary dock. If the pond freezes but the ice doesn't shift when frozen your dock is going to be fine. I have seen docks left in all winter in Northern Minnesota and aren't damaged come spring because the ice doesn't move where they are at. If the bottom area is mucky you aren't going to need much for weight to keep the dock in place. If it is sandy or a hard packed bottom you may need some cinder block on the bases to hold it in place. Get posts with wide bases and they will sink in to the muck (or wide enough to place the cement blocks on). This will keep the dock sturdy and in place. There are plenty of options for styles and materials you can use. IMO if you don't want to mess around with taking the dock in and out every spring/fall then build a dock using steel posts with wide bases attached with pipe sleeves to wood sections. 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/PlayStar-Commercial-Grade-Pipe-Sleeve-PS-1080/203294614?cm_mmc=Shopping|THD|G|0|G-BASE-PLA-D22-BuildingMaterials|&gclid=CIazyduQt84CFQMFaQodhKwEvg&gclsrc=aw.ds

If you feel you need to take the dock in and out every year get one with wheels. Hook it up to a truck, ATV, or winch and yank it out. 

http://www.marinedocklift.com/Redeck/Cropped New 1.jpg

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)
Back
Top