Here's the small dock I built...thanks to some examples I found here. I used four 55-gallon drums, 2x10s for the perimeter, 2x4s for joists (secured in metal hangers).
And with 5/4 decking installed...
For the gangway, I started with a 12-foot storage rack upright (like the ones in Lowes). I bolted 2x6s to the sides and ends, then bolted a 2x4 in the middle. To make everything even, I built it upside down...until time to put on the decking.
Then I cut hinges out of 3/8 plate and affixed them to both ends.
Then I used the tractor and loader boom pole to move it out to the pond where the dock awaited.
I made the dockside hinges out of 3x3x1/4" angle and bolted them up with lag screws.
I added one barrel to the dock end of the gangway to support the weight.
Then the two were connected with some homemade 1/2" pins and the whole thing was floated out.
