dock construction

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dock construction #84238 03/19/07 09:46 AM
Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 1 E euby OP Junior Member
OP euby Junior Member E Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 1	I have access to metal cones (pontoons) that once floated a barge. They were sealed and filled with styrofoam when used under the barge. I am wondering about using them with no foam as I feel that would add weight and wouldn't be necessary. I know that plastic drums are used successfully, but I have these metal ones available to me free. They are ready to weld to a dock frame. If I completely seal them with nothing more than just the trapped air in them, will they float and be able to hold up a dock? I could sure use some help with this.

Re: dock construction #84239 03/19/07 10:07 AM
Joined: May 2004 Posts: 13,997 Likes: 285 Central Ohio Theo Gallus Moderator Lunker
Theo Gallus Moderator Lunker Joined: May 2004 Posts: 13,997 Likes: 285 Central Ohio	They would float the dock if sealed with nothing but air inside. However, the foam would ensure the dock continued to float if/when the pontoons get holes (rust/ice damage/drive a nail through from the top/etc.). We had a discussion of foam-filling containers used to float docks and the biggest drawback seemed to be the cost of the foam - if it was already in place I'd leave it there and count myself ahead. And not worry about my welds being hermetically perfect. "Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever." -S. M. Stirling

Re: dock construction #84240 03/19/07 10:49 AM
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 16,068 Likes: 280 Hurst & Bowie, Texas D Dave Davidson1 Moderator Lunker
Dave Davidson1 Moderator Lunker D Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 16,068 Likes: 280 Hurst & Bowie, Texas	Agree with Theo. It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color. Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done. Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP