DIY Dock Plans

[Rakkasan]

All, We're in the process for purching a lake property on the water and was wondering if any of you had any good dock ideas for me. I'm looking for something I can build myself and has a big enough slip for my LSV.
Not really looking for plans with 55gal drums but quality built to last ideas.

Thanks in advance.

[mikenehrkorn]

I used quality dock floats, big wheels on all sections for removing from lake and pressure treated lumber -- 10+ yrs old and still going strong....what type of ideas are you looking for? Layout, materials, types, etc?

[Rakkasan]

I used quality dock floats, big wheels on all sections for removing from lake and pressure treated lumber -- 10+ yrs old and still going strong....what type of ideas are you looking for? Layout, materials, types, etc?

All the above. It's going to be a floating dock as the level drops in the winter. Doesn't really need to be removable as were in deep water. Kinda Looking for what you have. Quality floats and pressure treated lumber. Just need the basic layout and how many floats I'll need. Are there any good "kits" I should look at. Or am I better off winging it and starting from scratch.

[mikenehrkorn]

Since you don't need it to be removable that will make it quite a bit easier. I found a couple of books that I used for ideas and I think they also helped with estimating how much floatation I needed as well -- I'll check when I get home and let u know the titles.

Just left the lake but will try to post some pics -- at least what you can see since its in the water -- next weekend.

I also found a few good sources online for the galv dock hardware (i.e. corner brackets, backing plates, etc.) and I'll try to find those for you as well.

[patrick232]

Check out one of my customers .
Boathoistusastore.com for ideaa and books to plan your dock

[Rakkasan]

Thanks guys really appreciate the help.

[mikenehrkorn]

Here's the book I used -- got most of the basics from it including calculating flotation needs.

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I got additional floatation info from the company I bought my floats from -- Dock Boxes Unlimited (www.dockboxes.com). If I recall correctly they had the best prices by far.

I also got the plans I used (I built the U-dock with a few modifications) from this site -- good stuff and it's FREE!!

http://www.tiedown.com/dockhardware.html

Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions.

[viking]

I've always dreamed of a rail system that pulls the boat up into the garage/boat house on land!
Looking for lake property as well and haven't even started looking at what a system like that would cost?

[Rakkasan]

Here's the book I used -- got most of the basics from it including calculating flotation needs.

22548225492255022551

I got additional floatation info from the company I bought my floats from -- Dock Boxes Unlimited (www.dockboxes.com). If I recall correctly they had the best prices by far.

I also got the plans I used (I built the U-dock with a few modifications) from this site -- good stuff and it's FREE!!

http://www.tiedown.com/dockhardware.html

Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks for the info, I looked and the websites and it looks like the info I needed to get started with my planing. The U-dock looks like what I was planning as well. I saw the book on Overton's. Is it worth getting?

[mikenehrkorn]

I thought it was a good resource and made me think about some things I probably wouldn't have otherwise.

[jelmhorst]

Not sure which lake you are looking at but if you need a good dock guy I stand behind Kelly at Casey Custom Docks on Allatoona. I bought my dock used from him last year and he's done a lot of work for me over the last two years including shoreline steps, bracing the gangway with the beating I take, and I'm on the list for pole anchors. I had to replace a 4x6 float a couple months ago and he charged 225 if I'm not mistaken for comparison sake for just the float.

Not sure if this is even what you are looking for but he's got used docks on his website too. http://www.caseycustomdocks.com/boatdocks/used.php. The owners will usually negotiate the price down [it would be scrapped and then get nothing for it] then it would be a matter of breaking it down and towing it to your lake. I had a 12x16 steel platform with 20' steel gangway that I sold on craigslist last summer and they took it apart and loaded it onto a car trailer at a local ramp.

[Rakkasan]

Thanks for the tips(and website). We're looking on West Point, we were talking with the neighbors to the property and they bought a used dock that was on Lanier and moved it themselves. I was really impressed as the dock was about 20X40 with a roof. Would like to go that route if possible but don't know about the logistics involved in moving a dock that size.

[jelmhorst]

Used will likely be the way to go. I only say that cause once you get into it you'll realize how ridiculous some of the prices are. A 40' aluminum gangway new is about 6500, I was told steel wasn't much better. Dock wheels can be up to a thousand. If you are chasing water like I am then wheels are a necessity. It may even make sense to just cannibalize a used dock for what you can get out of it; the pressure treated decking can easily be replaced. If that's the route you go, definitely offer a couple thousand less. People who are selling their docks are getting a new one regardless, so anything they can get for the old one is a win for them. I'll certainly help in any way I can.

Jeff

[Fastest1]

Not sure which lake you are looking at but if you need a good dock guy I stand behind Kelly at Casey Custom Docks on Allatoona. I bought my dock used from him last year and he's done a lot of work for me over the last two years including shoreline steps, bracing the gangway with the beating I take, and I'm on the list for pole anchors. I had to replace a 4x6 float a couple months ago and he charged 225 if I'm not mistaken for comparison sake for just the float.

Not sure if this is even what you are looking for but he's got used docks on his website too. http://www.caseycustomdocks.com/boatdocks/used.php. The owners will usually negotiate the price down [it would be scrapped and then get nothing for it] then it would be a matter of breaking it down and towing it to your lake. I had a 12x16 steel platform with 20' steel gangway that I sold on craigslist last summer and they took it apart and loaded it onto a car trailer at a local ramp.

I was just cruising the thread, this guys prices for a full and covered dock seem very reasonable. Really like the 1 with the deck on top!