Boat Dock Parts

With summer just peaking, it’s not too late to consider what boat dock parts you’ll need to construct your own boat dock. Boat dock parts may not be as uncommon as you think. In fact, you probably won’t even need to visit your local marina to pick up any of these parts. Many of these parts you may find lying around your garage. If you’re ready to take a look at some of the best parts you can use for your future boat dock, take a look at our list.

1. Lumber It’s hard to construct a boat dock if you don’t have anything to stand on! You’ll need plenty of lumber for your boat dock and not just any old wood lying around your garage. Make sure that the lumber you use is water-treated. If it’s not, you can use a sealer to treat your wood. Sealing which should be done at least once a year to maintain your boat dock.
2. Saw You will need a saw to make sure you cut your lumber to the precise sizes you need for your boat dock. There are many different types of saws that you can use, but an electric saw would be best. Using a hand saw for such a big project is time-consuming and will wear you out! A hand saw may come in use for cutting smaller parts, like platforms.
3. Tape measure “Cut once, measure twice” as the old saying goes. It’s essential that you measure precisely before making your cuts. Treated lumber isn’t cheap, neither are those cuts you make without an accurate measurement. A tape measure will help keep you on track; you’ll be making more than just one measurement with it!
4. Rope or chains Either one of these will work depending on what type of dock you’re making. If you’re making a dock that sits on barrels, you’ll need chains to keep the barrels together under your wooden platform. For a dock with wooden supports, rope works well as a makeshift fence around your dock, which is very handy to grab onto when you’re coming into port! Whichever dock you choose, always make sure to have some rope or chains on standby to tie your boat up.
5. Barrels If you choose to make a dock that uses barrels for support, you’ll need approximately four to eight barrels depending on the size of your dock. Barrels offer a great alternative to a dock that is built on wooden support beams. You have the advantage of being able to easily remove your dock from the water during the off-season and flooding.
6. Tools Besides tools like a tape measure or saw, there are a few more tools you’ll need to construct your deck. A couple of these tools include an electric drill, hammer, screws/nails and a level. You will also need to consider tools you may need that will go along with your project, such as landscaping tools that you may use to spiff up the area around you boat dock!