I want to add a small dock to my pond to make loading my grandkids into the boat easier. The trouble is the sides drop off at a 45 degree angle all the way around the pond and the bottom, under the 6" of mud, is hard clay and shale.

I tried pumping down 4 feet and digging to set posts but the bottom is unrelenting and the angle doesn't favor a backhoe on the shore, at least not the backhoe I had access to.

Then I read about crib piers. Basically a sturdy box to hold the base of the piling and it is filled with rocks to hold it in place. I could build one to mirror the bottom slope and set it this winter using the ice to place it before I fill it with rocks and wait for it to sink. Once I get a pair of sturdy posts sticking out, the rest is easy.

Any suggestions, warnings or concerns?

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