Hello!
The ice took out the previous dock, so this summer's project is to build a floating dock. I've already purchased float blocks to build with and plan to construct 5 sections, each 1.5m x 3m. I'm going to anchor the dock to the bottom with aluminum pipes/wooden stakes with rings in the corners of the sections. The problem is how to attach the sections to each other. I don't want a completely permanent solution, but the ability to disassemble them to pull them up for the winter.
I looked a bit at svenskaflytblock.se, and they had articulated hinges for this purpose. However, they were extremely expensive (over 1500
per pair. Since I estimate the material cost for each section will be around 2000:-, I find it unreasonable to spend an additional 1500:- per section just for a pair of hinges.
The dock is in a small lake, so we're not talking about enormous stress from weather and wind.
Anyone have a good idea?
The ice took out the previous dock, so this summer's project is to build a floating dock. I've already purchased float blocks to build with and plan to construct 5 sections, each 1.5m x 3m. I'm going to anchor the dock to the bottom with aluminum pipes/wooden stakes with rings in the corners of the sections. The problem is how to attach the sections to each other. I don't want a completely permanent solution, but the ability to disassemble them to pull them up for the winter.
I looked a bit at svenskaflytblock.se, and they had articulated hinges for this purpose. However, they were extremely expensive (over 1500
per pair. Since I estimate the material cost for each section will be around 2000:-, I find it unreasonable to spend an additional 1500:- per section just for a pair of hinges.The dock is in a small lake, so we're not talking about enormous stress from weather and wind.
Anyone have a good idea?
It's a thought that's occurred to me. But I would probably still prefer if the sections were connected. There will probably be height differences between the sections when walking on it, "high thresholds" and a tripping hazard. Additionally, the ring fittings cost quite a bit, and I don't expect that I'll need 4 posts per section to keep the bridge in place.
Tie between the rings with a suitable rope.
Simple and cheap.
If by any chance you cannot untie the knots in the fall, just cut them.
An alternative is cheap luggage straps of appropriate length instead of rope.
Simple and cheap.
If by any chance you cannot untie the knots in the fall, just cut them.
An alternative is cheap luggage straps of appropriate length instead of rope.
A suggestion for:
As an alternative to the ring fittings, you can also use rope there.
Make a loop that you thread through appropriately drilled holes in the frame.
As an alternative to the ring fittings, you can also use rope there.
Make a loop that you thread through appropriately drilled holes in the frame.
Also had a thought about loops and maybe shackles or heavy bolts between them. That thing with tying ropes etc. between the sections surely works, but it will probably look so damn shabby. Additionally, there's likely a risk that the ropes get gnawed through by the movement of the jetty.
Will have to think further...
Will have to think further...
If there are such level differences that a tripping risk occurs when you walk on the dock, you should probably rather review your diet
Looking at the floating docks around the country at various marinas and bathing spots, it's rare that the different sections are connected; there is a point to them being able to move freely in the waves.
Looking at the floating docks around the country at various marinas and bathing spots, it's rare that the different sections are connected; there is a point to them being able to move freely in the waves.
We have a floating dock solution where the dock is shaped like a T. A 25m section and one at 12m (the top of the T). These are anchored with mooring weights and crossed chains. We have solved the gap with car tires as chafing protection, and mooring between the docks is done with ropes with rubber dampers, which are fairly tight in the normal state. The docks are concrete floats. Worked great for 4 years so far.
You must secure them or put protection in the joints to eliminate all pinching risks, especially if there are children. I have built connections with regular sturdy galvanized hinges where I loosen one of them when the docks are disconnected in the fall and then pulled up.
Buy flat bars, 40*4 or similar, 500mm long pieces. Bolt them to the ends of the sections with 2-3 bolts per flat bar, let them protrude 50mm. Drill 13mm holes and buy bolts with nylon nuts, 25mm long. Hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel. Screw sections together with the flat bar in between, lengthwise, and do not tighten the bolt completely, but leave a 2mm gap. This creates a hinge. Cost maybe 1000:- for all sections.