Hi, all. I've done some searches but haven't found just what I'm looking for. I'd like to build and expandable dock/platform using 55 gallon (or 30) drums I have access to. My main concern is that since this is a one man operation I was thinking about making several 4x8 section for ease of handling up and over the 12' berm and hooking them together some way. I think I could start wiht either 2 4x8 secions or one 8x8 and maybe find some help moving it.

So, what's the best way to frame this and attach barrels?

Thanks in advance.

Here is an old tread about this subject. It is very easy to do.
http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=122321&fpart=1

The trick for a one man installation is to build it the size you want (frame only) next to pond. Float it onto the water and then deck it. Piece of cake.

Man, that looks great. Thanks for the quick reply. I guess no one uses plywood for the top? I'm glad I asked. I would have tried 2x4s (knowing me) or 2x6s at the most and marine grade plywood. I think I can do this. But I have to ask, what is the conduit for? I didn't see that in the plan.

I drove the galvanized 1 1/2 in the bottom of the pond on the 2 front corners and then straped them to the edge of the dock with 2 inch conduit straps. This will keep the dock in place and allow it float up and down with the water level. Also makes nice CC rod holders. I generally fish from my lasy boy in the living room. I can fish and watch nascar at the same time.

Oh, ok, I get it. I was going to let it move a little (no choice really, we are only inches above a slab the size of Rhode Island) and put a feeder on it also. Thanks again. This is EXACTLY what I was looking for.

Ok, another question. I've been trying to figure this out on my own and having no luck. In the thread it says you used 9 barrels right? Well, can you tell me how you did your spacing? The barrels I measured were only 24 inches in diameter. I figured you did 3x3x3 but how was the spacing done in the frame? Were there voids? By that I mean did you use a barrel and then have an empty channel and barrel, empty and so on? Was the frame 10x10'? or was the frame smaller with an overhang of the decking?

I think I will be planning either an 8x12 or 2-8x8s and attach them together when I get the second one done.

Thanks again.

Yes there were voids or spaces and 3 rows of 3 barrels. Basically floor joist on 2ft centers. Except as noted the joist were spaced so that the barrels would wedge between and not quite touch the decking. So the spacing were the row of barrels are is narrower and the 2 remaining open rows that are slightly wider. I would not make a square deck again because the 16 ft walk out that is hinged to the deck causes it to tip up in the front until you walk out on it. I recommend making the deck rectangular so that it will over come the weight of the walk out.

ah, ok. good. I can still do math. I was a little worried.

And that's exactly the reason I'm going to make it at least 12 long, because of your expereience.

Thanks so much for the quick answers.

I took another quick look at it. Actually if your barrels are 24 in dia and you use 2x10 joist they can all be spaced on 24 inch centers. This will place the barrels in between and just short of touching the deck.

Perfect. Yeah, a 10x16 may be easier than 8 wide.