Pond Boss Magazine
https://www.pondboss.com/images/userfiles/image/20130301193901_6_150by50orangewhyshouldsubscribejpeg.jpg
Advertisment
Newest Members
Shotgun01, Dan H, Stipker, LunkerHunt23, Jeanjules
18,451 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums36
Topics40,900
Posts557,095
Members18,452
Most Online3,612
Jan 10th, 2023
Top Posters
esshup 28,415
ewest 21,475
Cecil Baird1 20,043
Bill Cody 15,110
Who's Online Now
15 members (Sunil, jpsdad, azteca, esshup, BillyE, H20fwler, FishinRod, Augie, PRCS, LeighAnn, bstone261, LANGSTER, dg84s, ewest, Fishingadventure), 694 guests, and 280 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
#543087 01/17/22 09:31 AM
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
D
OP Offline
D
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
I need to build a new dock on my family's 4 acre pond.
My other family members insists the dock must be stationary, supported by piers, to allow safe access by wheelchair.
Even if a floating dock could be stable enough, they still wouldn't feel comfortable with it. So, floating is out of the question.

I wasn't able to build this summer but I am thinking building it in winter might be easier.
This is mid-michigan. The temps have been consistently around 20 and our pond is well frozen over.
The ice is plenty thick enough to walk on and seems level enough to build directly off from.
Is there any reason (besides being a bit cold for some) that winter isn't the best time to build a stationary dock??

I have been a professional designer and builder my whole life. I am very confident with the structural aspects of my construction plan;
My plan is to build a stationary dock using 0.60 treated 6x6's set into the mucky/gravel bottom.
The dock will be almost 30 ft long and will require 16 ft posts for the depth at the farthest distance.
I figure I can simply layout the dock on the ice, drill holes and sledgehammer the posts down till they won't move.
I realize crossbracing will be required so I plan to pre-install a single bolted 2x4 to each post before sinking it down then chainsaw a slot in the ice to pivot the braces across. Next, I can set the headers directly on the ice (which should be rather level, right? I can always check and shim) then bolt them to the posts. Finally I can drop on the joists and finish the framing/decking.....all while just standing on the ice!

It seems so obvious that I am surprised it's not common practice.
In facts, it seems almost too obvious and that it gives me pause.
I did a lot of web surfing and I did find one professional dock building company in Ontario who say they build docks on the ice all the time.
But other than that I am not finding anything.
I have personally built several houses and countless decks in winter but never a dock yet.
Am I overlooking something specific to winter dock building?

Last edited by DreamcatcherDB; 01/17/22 09:31 AM.
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 584
F
Lunker
Online Content
Lunker
F
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 584
Every step sounds pretty good in winter - except using a sledgehammer to drive 6x6s into a mucky/gravel bottom.

I do not know of any builder that would construct a house deck using support posts set in loose fill. I think those would be set in an oversize hole that is backfilled with cement, or attached to anchors on poured concrete post bases. I would definitely apply the same construction rules to a pond dock, minus the concerns about frost-heaving of the support posts.

Further, if you are only working above the ice surface, then your dock and posts will be subject to "racking" failure if you do not have any crossbeams set down low on your posts. If your bolted 2x4s are going to be sufficient to stop the racking, then I think you will have a very difficult time driving your posts. The connected post and crossbeam are going to resist downward movement of the post you are attempting to drive.

I am pretty sure that you are a much better builder than I am, but those would be my concerns about your dock design.

Good luck on your project!

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,939
Likes: 268
Moderator
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Lunker
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,939
Likes: 268
Originally Posted by FishinRod
Every step sounds pretty good in winter - except using a sledgehammer to drive 6x6s into a mucky/gravel bottom.
I also don't think one can sledgehammer 6"x6"s into ground solid enough to support a structure. And putting them into soft muck or mud won't let them hold a dock.

I can use the post driver on the back of my tractor to drive 6" circular posts 4' deep into dry soil. I couldn't sledgehammer them in 2" deep.


"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever."
-S. M. Stirling
[Linked Image from i.pinimg.com]
1 member likes this: FishinRod
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,415
Likes: 793
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Online Content
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,415
Likes: 793
Dad and I installed 2 docks during the winter. We used galvanized 2" dia pipe for the verticals. He had scrounged some cross piece brackets that bolted to the vertical pipe and allowed a 2" pipe to be placed horizontally and we drilled a hole through the bracket/pipe and dropped a 16 penny nail in it to stop the horizontal pipe from walking out.

We first used a sledge hammer then got smarter and hooked up a water pump. Screwed a fitting on top of the pipe, connected up the pump and washed the sand/gravel out of the way from the pipe. We found out that we had to stop 2'-3' from finished height and pound it down the rest of the way or else it'd sink on it's own.

The pipes held up for way longer than expected, 40+ years.

Then just lay the joists on the horizontal pipes and start building the deck. You can put a joist that is 2" taller on the outside of the pier to overlap the horizontal pipe if you don't want to see it.

We also used the same system to install a permanent boat lift. We used 2" vertical pipe that was at least 12, if not 15 feet long. Washed it in, pounded the last few feet. Slipped larger pipe over that and used pipe fittings on that to make the horizontal connections. That is still in the water, and it was installed in the late 1970's.

Last edited by esshup; 01/17/22 06:03 PM. Reason: added boat hoist info.

www.hoosierpondpros.com


http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4
3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 15,110
Likes: 478
B
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
B
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 15,110
Likes: 478
I also used the pipe vertical method for new docks on my pond. It worked good for me. Pipe will pound in easier compared to 6X6s. I years ago made a dock on the ice with 4X4s. The strong arm guy pounding them in for me hit them with a 20 lb sludge hammer hard enough to split the tops.


aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine -
America's Journal of Pond Management
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 584
F
Lunker
Online Content
Lunker
F
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 584
esshup,

Washing down and driving hollow steel pipe is a whole different ballgame - and it sounds like a huge improvement for his situation.

How did you tie the wood dock elements to your steel support structure?

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,415
Likes: 793
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Online Content
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,415
Likes: 793
Originally Posted by FishinRod
esshup,

Washing down and driving hollow steel pipe is a whole different ballgame - and it sounds like a huge improvement for his situation.

How did you tie the wood dock elements to your steel support structure?


The wood hasn't been tied to the steel pipe at all. It sits on top of the horizontal pieces. Been sitting there without moving forever. 4' wide dock, three 2x8 stringers running the length of the dock, cross bracing of more 2x8's between the stringers (or joists). Dock is "L" shaped, roughly 60 feet long. I can't remember, but I think the pipes were installed at either 8' or 10' intervals. Decking was 2x6's, and when that deteriorated, it was changed to extruded plastic, which we found out is EXTREMELY slippery when there is snow/ice and somewhat slippery with water on it. But it is only slippery in the direction that the boards are running, which is 90° to how you usually walk on the pier.


www.hoosierpondpros.com


http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4
3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).
1 member likes this: FishinRod
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
D
OP Offline
D
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
I thought I had attached a sketch of the dock I am planning but I do not see it under my original posting now. I will attempt to attach that sketch again.

As for washing down, I assume you mean water jetting? My standard design and construction practice is to start simple then get increasingly more complex as the need arises (K.I.S.S.) and to me it seems that pile driving should accomplish the task. If after driving the post to maximum penetration the posts still seem too wiggly, I have already purchased a semi-trash pump that I can modify for jetting use. However, you can imagine my hesitation to jet if the water depth is of great depth. That, combined with dealing with a pump and inevitably getting wet in the cold temperatures makes jetting seem a lot less appealing. As of now, it is my observation that driving down to firm gravel will be more than sufficient considering the cross sectional area of the posts I am using. But, I can see how pipe, with a much smaller cross section would require more extreme methods; As one commenter posted: "Pipe will pound in easier compared to 6x6s". I suppose then the question would be, what is the minimum penetration depth required?[Linked Image]

Attached Images
ODAWA POND DOCK PROJECT.jpg
Last edited by DreamcatcherDB; 03/01/22 10:06 AM.
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 60
Likes: 3
S
Offline
S
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 60
Likes: 3
I don't think you believe them that the 6x6 will be too hard to drive. Let me use numbers to help you understand ... If you look at the area of the pipe you are driving approximately 1.62 square inches of area compared to 36 sq in... That is 22.2 times more difficult to drive in.. If you drive the pipe with a post driver you apply around 100 lbs per hit, to drive the 6x6 post you will have to apply 2220 lbs per hit to drive it... I doubt you're that strong, so the 6x6 will sit on the mud and provide no support...

I really like the idea of building on the ice, I wish i would have done that... Instead I tried to do it from a boat and my posts ended up crooked. I just drover mine with a post driver rather than washing them and it worked okay except for not being vertical... I think if you combine the two ideas you can build a great structure and it will last a long time... I haven't had much luck with treated lumber lasting when submerged lately, unless you get the creosote treatment in ties... Another reason I'd go with the steel well casings at least they last 40 or more years... Good luck... Later J

1 member likes this: DreamcatcherDB
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 231
Likes: 10
N
Offline
N
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 231
Likes: 10
If you have ice you will need to deal with up lift also. Ice will move or damage your dock if posts are not deep enough.


61 acre water shed lake. bass, channel cat, black crappie, wiper, walleye, redear sunfish, blue catfish and bluegill. To many bullhead and common carp
http://www.pondboss.com/news/videos/why-subscribe-to-pond-boss
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,415
Likes: 793
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Online Content
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,415
Likes: 793
We really didn't get wet jetting in the pipes once we figured out how to do it. We just had a well pump that we used for the underground sprinkler system, and adapted the outlet to garden hose thread. Ditto for the top of the pipe (we had a manual pipe threader too). At first we tried tape and rags, or just holding the hose in the pipe with rags and that didn't work.

We installed a 75' seawall there too. We used the interlocking "W" shaped steel, either 5/16 or 3/8" thick. We washed/jetted that down too, using a piece of 1/2" or 3/4" pipe on the end of a hose. We used 8' lengths of the seawall steel, going 4'-5' down into the lake bottom because it was holding back soil. We capped it with a piece of 4"x4"x1/4" steel angle. That was installed around 1980. Still holding strong.

Now they have rubber reduction collars that are held in place with hose clamps, that might work without having to thread the pipe.

I doubt that you will be able to get enough force on the 6x6's manually to get them far enough into the bottom of the pond. To prove that to yourself, try digging a hole at the edge of the pond in a few inches of water, then try to pound a 6x6 down into the soil.

We went by the rule of thumb to have at least 1/3 of the length of pipe that stuck up out of the bottom of the pond into the bottom of the lake, going up to at least 1/2 the length (or more) when installing in shallow water.

We also found out that by installing a martin house on a pole that was attached to one of the pipes that was holding up one corner of the boat hoist was a bad idea. In one year, due to either the birds landing/taking off or the wind blowing on the martin house, combined with the down pressure of the boat that post sunk 3" over the course of a year. Our "fix" was to support the horizontal part of the boat hoist (floor jack with a piece of wood on the ice), unscrew the large pipe we slipped over the pipe we had jetted into the bottom of the lake, set a 3" long piece of pipe on top of that pipe, and re-attach the slipped over piece of pipe to the horizontal part of the hoist. AND put the martin house on it's own pipe........


www.hoosierpondpros.com


http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4
3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).
1 member likes this: FishinRod
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 584
F
Lunker
Online Content
Lunker
F
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 584
Originally Posted by esshup
We also found out that by installing a martin house on a pole that was attached to one of the pipes that was holding up one corner of the boat hoist was a bad idea. In one year, due to either the birds landing/taking off or the wind blowing on the martin house, combined with the down pressure of the boat that post sunk 3" over the course of a year.

Just call Esshup Engineering Consultants for all of your pile driving needs!

No more heavy construction equipment required ever again.

Call us for a quote on Purple Martin houses. Our unique designs can drive 2" steel posts to a depth of 8' in unconsolidated material.

Also ask about our Bald Eagle nests if you need to drive posts up to 4" in size. The eagles will work for free if you allow them two fish/day from your pond! laugh

1 member likes this: esshup
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,415
Likes: 793
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Online Content
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,415
Likes: 793
It's amazing the things that you learn when you screw things up! laugh


www.hoosierpondpros.com


http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4
3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 584
F
Lunker
Online Content
Lunker
F
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 584
Originally Posted by esshup
It's amazing the things that you learn when you screw things up! laugh

Hey, I went to that school too!

Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
D
OP Offline
D
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
Update on ice dock; Layout and post setting went mostly as planned. I ended up moving the dock location at the last minute and found the water depth to be quite a bit shallower than the previous location. Layout was super easy. I drilled holes to set stakes. Using upside down marking paint on the ice worked excellent. Even better than marking on grass or dirt. String lines were ran and everything was squared up. I marked out hole locations and angered 10" holes for the 6x6 posts. I pointed each post to aid in driving them down. The points proved helpful in stabbing the posts in the proper locations but hand driving them from a ladder was quite tedious and I had to give up before getting any to acceptable depth. I locked everything together until I could come up with a new plan for sinking them. Ice conditions haven't been the best. We've been getting these huge temperature swings from well below freezing to nearly 50 in the sun. We are now past peak ice so I am going to be hustling to get post down and at the very least get headers attached. Being we had warm weather, I refocused efforts on getting our excavator running. I think it should be super easy to drive down the posts just by pushing them down with the excavator bucket. Also, if my ice thaws before building the platforms, I think I will just build on shore then swing them in place using the excavator too. Should be fun!

[Linked Image][Linked Image][Linked Image][Linked Image][Linked Image][Linked Image]

Last edited by DreamcatcherDB; 03/01/22 09:47 AM.
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 15,110
Likes: 478
B
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
B
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 15,110
Likes: 478
It looks pretty good so far. Those parts were the main things needed while ice was solid. How deep was the water at the outer most posts?


aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine -
America's Journal of Pond Management
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
D
OP Offline
D
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
Water at outer posts here is only 7 ft. deep. while at the previous location I think it was 13ft deep.

Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
D
OP Offline
D
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
We have been discussing going in this summer and digging out the areas to the sides of the dock so that we can get some deep fish beds. Not sure how deep to go yet. Probably about 15ft.

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,415
Likes: 793
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Online Content
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,415
Likes: 793
Originally Posted by DreamcatcherDB
We have been discussing going in this summer and digging out the areas to the sides of the dock so that we can get some deep fish beds. Not sure how deep to go yet. Probably about 15ft.

I haven't seen fish spawn that deep... What species of fish are you targeting for the spawning beds?


www.hoosierpondpros.com


http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4
3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 15,110
Likes: 478
B
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
B
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 15,110
Likes: 478
Most bass and all the sunfishes spawn mostly in 5ft or less of water depth.


aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine -
America's Journal of Pond Management
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
D
OP Offline
D
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
Following up on my dock build. Spring and early summer were wet, hot, dry, hot, etc. but finally settled down enough for me to go out and finish the dock. It turned out well! The positioning of the posts was spot on +/-1/8". I used 2x4 decking because we have a stockpile of it at the property. The dock is rock solid. The only unfortunate aspect is that the water level has actually dropped a few inches due to the drought we had but I expect it to go up soon enough. I also had a major duckweed bloom so the water looks gross. I will be working towards adding aeration soon. I hope to do some dredging along the perimeter too but that would require my dad to get the long reach excavator running so might be too big of an ask.

Anyhow, here's proof that building a dock on ice isn't only POSSIBLE but IMO, the PREFERRED method. For anyone considering a new dock, you should really consider dropping in pier posts this winter. Cheers!

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Last edited by DreamcatcherDB; 08/24/22 07:46 AM.
2 members like this: DrLuke, RStringer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 584
F
Lunker
Online Content
Lunker
F
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 584
Dock looks beautiful, Dreamcatcher!

You previously wrote that you were going to modify your method of driving your pointed posts. I don't see your final method. (When I do stuff like that, I am usually pretty good on the LAST one.) I just wanted to see what your final technique was.

Also, what is the black line running under the dock? I can't tell from the photo if that is airline or electrical conduit, etc.?

Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
D
OP Offline
D
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
Haha. Yeah I did in fact modify my driving method. After much debate, I ended up putting on my mechanic's hat (I'm not actually a mechanic of any sort) and repairing my dad's long reach excavator. After I set the posts by hand, using a sledgehammer while standing on a ladder, I just had him hammer them down with the excavator bucket.

Had I not been able to repair the excavator, my backup-backup method was to borrow an electric jackhammer then, somehow, wrangle it up a ladder and jackhammer them down. Also in consideration was using my trash pump to water jet them down.

The black ABS tubing is just a conduit in case we add electrical in the future

1 member likes this: FishinRod
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
D
OP Offline
D
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
Sorry I didn't see your question before...I only said "beds" for lack of proper term. I just meant I wanted a deeper, clearer area for the bass to hunt in, or at least around the edges of the deeper area. I don't even know if that is the correct method I just know that the weeds in the shallower area are a PITA to fish and I have had pretty good luck fishing slightly deeper, less weedy areas of the pond. Though, at this point, finding any area without weeds is nearly impossible.


Link Copied to Clipboard
Today's Birthdays
Bob Lusk, GaryK, GrizzFan, PhotographerDave
Recent Posts
Relative weight charts in Excel ? Calculations?
by jpsdad - 03/28/24 04:51 PM
1 year after stocking question
by esshup - 03/28/24 04:48 PM
Fungus infection on fish
by BillyE - 03/28/24 04:35 PM
Yellow Perch Spawn 2024
by H20fwler - 03/28/24 04:29 PM
Alum vs Bentonite/Lathanum for Phosphorus Removal?
by FishinRod - 03/28/24 04:23 PM
Working on a .5acre disaster, I mean pond.
by PRCS - 03/28/24 04:13 PM
New 2 acre pond stocking plan
by LANGSTER - 03/28/24 03:49 PM
Happy Birthday Bob Lusk!!
by ewest - 03/28/24 03:37 PM
Paper-shell crayfish and Japanese snails
by esshup - 03/28/24 10:39 AM
Brooder Shiners and Fry, What to do??
by Freg - 03/28/24 09:42 AM
Dewatering bags seeded to form berms?
by Justin W - 03/28/24 08:19 AM
Reducing fish biomass
by FishinRod - 03/28/24 08:18 AM
Newly Uploaded Images
Eagles Over The Pond Yesterday
Eagles Over The Pond Yesterday
by Tbar, December 10
Deer at Theo's 2023
Deer at Theo's 2023
by Theo Gallus, November 13
Minnow identification
Minnow identification
by Mike Troyer, October 6
Sharing the Food
Sharing the Food
by FishinRod, September 9
Nice BGxRES
Nice BGxRES
by Theo Gallus, July 28
Snake Identification
Snake Identification
by Rangersedge, July 12

� 2014 POND BOSS INC. all rights reserved USA and Worldwide

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5