Building a Floating Dock | living on the river

Howdy fellow adventurers, getting in and off a boat can be hard on the river bank. I've had this old pontoon boat hanging around for a while and thought it would be the perfect solution. I've been gathering salvaged materials for many years, never knowing exactly what they'll be used for, but they always come in handy eventually.

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Genesis 9:3
"Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything."

[roydesignedthat]

Hi Brenton, love this build. I don't think there is an advantage to adding the pine cross planks. They will add weight, trap moisture between the layers, which will speed the rot process. As is the planks can air, therefore dry up. If you do see a bad plank it can be replaced as needed! BestRoy

[Lannynetz]

To me the only thing better than the satisfaction of building something yourself is to do it using "found" material. Stuff that would go to the dump otherwise. Good job.

[jimthewoodcarver]

Paint those boards with used motor oil for a cheep preservative works really good on my out house at my cabin

[midwestghosttown]

THE Oh please show that footage! Thanks for the video my friend. Keep it going.

[wmason]

I think your dock is screaming for some driftwood deck chairs. Your dock is a great addition.

[phillippmorris]

hello from the sunny ozarks Brenton! Great build and resources! i would leave the pine planks off to keep moisture control and less weight. we use used oil from cars, tractors, and mowers and brush it on the wood to slow the rot process and brush a sealer over the wood. we have decks and trailers 30 and 40 years old with same wood. i have a 24ft v.hull trailer for sale with new wheel bearings and electeric brakes. i use stainless screws, nuts, bolts covered with marine paint. i use and old carpet and artifical grass carpet on my dock and roll them up when im not around. dont forget your safety dock lights. great to see your sucesses! tight lines!!!

[MrSheymie]

Always enjoy your videos Brenton. One man living his own life. Similarities to my own. I think the dock looks great with only the one layer of weathered timbers.

[donnam]

I love the way it looks with all the old wood 😁. It’s your call though !!! If you feel it needs more stability ?? You do whatever you deem is best ! I love it !!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[Mary-yusn]

I see a place for coffee in morning .look's great...

[melvinaltis]

Looks great Brenton. Leave the pine off and pressure wash it. It will work. Get some Dollar Tree solar sidewalk lights as marker lights. I f you can find some steel cable and clamps use that to anchor to the bank. Check with Wavey first. Adventure on !.

[joebuck]

a extra layer of wood will just trap the water between layers and rot out quicker. Get some diesel to paint the boards they will last a little longer.

[doncollins]

That worked out great! Maybe get some cheap paint from the hardware store and roll the deck to help protect it.. That would make a great tom Sawyer raft!

[johninokla]

A 2 month old video that isn't too bad. At least the comments say 2 months old. Nice dock Brenton. I'm on the largest lake in the state and wish I had a shanty/house boat to Iive on during the spring to fall. Just gonna see what the future brings. I hope the shtf holds off long enough for me to get my stuff together. Say hi to Wavey for me.

[jasonalvey]

I would love to find a pontoon in that exact condition! Use salvage wood pallet wood and such. Perfect shantyboat base. Awesome video man, be safe!

[tracymacdonald]

I wouldn't bother adding another layer unless splinters are a major problem

[RutherfordTony]

Another good score Brenton. You will love that !!

[ATAP...AnotherTime]

Brenton, one of your best vids bud. Watched it 2 times in a row. Great way to start the morning. You builder you... "I underestimate these low HP motors" lol 🤣😆😁... Keep them coming brother.

[danielnicholls]

yes with two layers of wood it will rot between the layers. i did similar with my houseboat trailer . bot an old 36 ft house trailer for 500 . scraped all the aluminum had a new toilet in it i used for house. so nearly free and fits between pontoons 👍👍 will have videos later when i get boat in water

[IntheBlood]

I remember the good ole days in North Florida when we could go to the Land Fill and scavenge construction waste or whatever for Free. Not anymore! Good on you. Looks like you might have to pump out that center channel/transom after a snow melt or heavy rain? I agree that the overlay will just add weight and moisture/ which means rot and decay here in Florida.

[williamhanchett]

Hi Brenton, great idea for an economical dock.. I'd also go for a single layer. I've read antifreeze makes a good wood weatherproofer and it kills rot, supposedly. The price per gallon is much better than paint. I didn't realize a 2.5 HP could move a pontoon like that.