elbafish,

I also offer my condolences on your father's death.

Rebuilding a pier is not so hard if the posts are still intact. In fact, after it is done, you may get a lot of satisfaction from having done it yourself.

I suggest you trim the left over posts off to as level as you can and inspect them for being solid and still sturdy. If possible, I would then treat the fresh cut wood with some tar.

Next, if you can afford it, I would purchase the new fiberglass type lumber from Lowes or Home Depot. It is designed for outside decking and is water proof and a bit heavier than regular lumber. I would then lay down a good level runner on each side of the existing posts to build a base. The size and number of pieces you will need to use will depend on how far apart the posts are. Use lag bolts, pre drill the holes in the runners and pre drill a starter hole for the posts. Use a battery operated drill. Use a wrench to tighten the bolts and do not strip them.

After the base runners are set, you will need to put in cross runners. Their size will also depend on the distance of the span. Use deck screws and/or small lag bolts.

After the floor is built, just build the deck and space the pieces 3/8 in. Use deck screws.

For more details, purchase a deck builers hand book from the lumber store. The books have some great ideals for railing, sizing of underdeck support, etc.

A more expensive alternative is to purchase a preformed floating dock sold in sections. See this site's product support or use the internet to call up floating docks.

Good luck..

Dennis