Opinions on preliminary dock design wanted...I have put together a gangway style design that should get me out past my submerged structure and habitat out into the depths of the pond without consuming too much of my small pond and was hoping to get any feedback from the group regarding any pros and cons. My main concern is stability for a couple of fishermen or their wives just sitting and talking. I hope to avoid both scenarios at the same time. LOL. The PlayStar floats have a 500 pound capacity each and I have followed the manufacture's suggested designs fairly closely. Instead of three floats for 10 foot of gangway per PlayStar's advice, I have stretched it to three floats for 12 feet. That is 160 pounds of dock per float (no people involved) compared to the manufacture's recommended 145 pounds of dock per float. I am considering adding upright posts to sections of the dock to attach ropes to as hand rails to keep from accidentally falling in the water. This will add some weight, nut very little. The 3 foot wide sections of the first cross piece will be open (no ropes) for fishing and the three flat sides of the last cross piece will be open as well.
I'd love to hear any feedback. BTW the decking (not shown) will be 5/4 treated lumber and the framework shown is all treated 2x6's and will have steel brackets and such for added strength at the joints.
