Pond Boss Forums Thread Like Summary - Turning a pontoon into a dock

Earlier this summer I took a road trip to pickup a pontoon to make into a floating dock. Almost lost one wheel when lug bolts worked loose, but things worked out. Look at the size of the pontoons on it, they are huge, like the better part of three foot across. Aluminum parts are fine but everything else is trash, thinking about putting Trex on it for decking. When new it was very deluxe with power folding canopy, solar panels to charge batteries, microwave, small fridge, and fresh water system with some type of privy setup. This will probably end up a indoor winter project for use next year.


Last week we got everything stripped down to the toons and cross channels. That was about 16 hours on stinking nasty work. Everything was rotten and rusty, trusty air hammer cut most of the fasteners and now we got a huge pile of detritus to dispose of. Did come up with almost $200 from selling aluminum scrap though. That might just pay the beer bill on the demolition.





Next round is filling in few gaps for support of the Trex and smoothing up some of the cross members that we cut welds on. Hopefully, the worst is behind us on this project. After the Holidays we will start putting down decking.
Feels like you're pulling an aircraft carrier behind the truck now, sure seems big for my puddle.

Being an excellent carpenter is difficult (just like being an excellent anything else).

However, building a small, square garage/shed does NOT require you to be an excellent carpenter and is well within your capabilities IMO.

Further, you can do it in small steps - which should match your schedule.

You can dig and set your four 4x4s that will make up your corner posts in one afternoon. They can sit exposed for a few weeks until you can do your framing and roof.

A gravel floor should be sufficient for your purposes (or even just an elevated dirt floor). The big box hardware stores carry inexpensive roll up doors that are smaller than a garage door and easy to hang.

I suspect you could find some pretty good plans on the internet, and then determine from that if a DIY build would match your time, budget, and skill restraints.

(I have seen lumber prices are going down, but I have not done any large projects lately with pencil to paper to truly see if the prices are now reasonable.)

Good luck developing your "island paradise"!