Category Archives: Project Ideas

Project Ideas using Richardson Docks Pontoon Floats

Project Ideas

MATERIAL lIST For A 6 X16 FOOT DOCK

Material List

Material List (6 x16 foot dock)

  • Two – 24” x 12” x 16’ pontoon floats
  • Four pieces – 2” x 6” x 16’ PTL (ladders)
  • Eight pieces – 2” x 6” x 20 ¾” PTL (ladders)
  • Thirty Five – 2″ x 6″ x 6′ PTL ( Deck Boards)
  • Thirty Eight – 3” x 3/8” galvanized lag bolts and flat washers
  • Fifty 3” galvanized spiral nails
  • Four hundred 3” No. 8 – 10 deck screws
Richardson Docks material list for building a 6ft x 16ft pontoon dock

RD Dock Tip

To ensure multiple pieces are the same lenth, set up a stop block and use a chop saw. This will guarantee consistancy while being a huge time saver.

Peripherals Material list

  • Two sets hinge connectors
  • Two Anchor Plates
  • Five Lengths of reinforced P Bumpers
  • One hundred ¾”SS pan head self-tapping screws
  • Sixteen 1” SS self-tapping screws
  • Solar Deck Light
  • Four Deck Cleats
  • Swim ladder

Tools Required to Make a 6 x16 foot Dock

  • Saw for cutting 2” x 6” lumber (ideally 12” radial arm or sliding saw)
  • 25’ Measuring Tape
  • Drill for deck screws and drilling boltholes (ideally cordless drill)
  • 3/4 “ wrench and socket wrench (ideally cordless impact wrench with socket adapter)
  • 9/16 “ wrench and socket wrench (ideally cordless impact wrench with socket adapter)
  • Wood bits for Deck Screws
  • 9/16” wood bit
  • 3/8” steel bit
  • 1/4” steel bit
  •   Hammer
  • Square
  • Pencil/marker

Other Links

Cutting Materials for a 6 x16 foot dock
  • Check to make sure all the 12′ lengths of PTL are the same length. If they are all the same length, simply cut them in half. If they are not the same length, set up a stop block to make repetitive 6′ cuts. You may have to make three cuts per board.
  • Cut eight pieces 20 3/4” long from one of the 16 foot pieces of PTL
  • Measure the remaining four 16 foot pieces to ensure they are the same length. They could vary in length by up to ½”.
    Note:  If all the pieces are equal in length you do not have to trim them to exactly 16′.
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Floating Cabin

Floating Cabin

Floating Cabin Project

Innovation is awesome. That is why it is so much fun to see all the great ideas people have in putting together their floating cabin project.

When you live on the water it is amazing all the ideas that come to us as we think of the next project.  When we first came in contact with this patent float we immediately fell in love with the  concept. The pontoons can be customized to any lengths and a variety of dept to suit almost all projects.

Rent a Floating Cabin

The video below shows a rental cabin build done a few years ago on Lake Lauzon in the Algoma District. If you would like to visit or rent this beautiful cabin visit Lake Lauzon Resort and Marine and contact them for details..

From a fishing platform to a sauna there is no limit to what the pontoons can do. Imagine your own tiny house on the lake or maybe a bunky for the kids or maybe a floating boat house.

Floating Pontoon Docks Sudbury Docks

Call us with your next project we will be happy to work with you on finding that perfect pontoon for your next waterfront idea.

For the hard core project builders we can supply you with just the pontoon floats and hardware. Of course we can provide any of the peripherals you may want for your build projects at a cost effective price. Just give us the length and size you need and we will make them up for you.

Email us at jack@richardsondocks.com and we will be happy to help you get started.

Pontoon Boat Project

Take a look at this great video of construction of a pontoon boat.

Bring us your Pontoon Boat Project and we will build pontoons to suit. Have fun and keep on dreaming.

Building a Barge | Building a Floating Raft | Do-it Yourself Kits | Home | Contact Us

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Building a Swimming Raft, Project Ideas

Swimming Raft Fun For Everyone

Swimming Raft

A swimming raft has always been a great addition to the cottage or home on the lake. In many cases folks simply pull them out and anchor them for the season. What is particularly great about rafts is it gets all the activity away from the docks to a somewhat safer environment. Rafts are generally made for jumping and diving off of while many docks are not.

Richardson Docks Raft
16ft x 16ft Raft with Two Ladders


Swimming Raft Construction

Originally a swimming raft was built using what was at hand. Most people simply used logs as the flotation medium with some sort of lumber decking. Over the years they evolved using barrels and billets and upgrading them to with beautifully finished decking and floating rails.

The Challenges

Each flotation system has advantages and disadvantages. A barrel set up using the heavy plastic barrels (as apposed to steel barrels) can be relatively inexpensive if a person has access to free or nearly free barrels. The downside to using these for a swimming raft is they sit way to high out of the water. They are also very difficult to maneuver. Attaching barrels and find a close place to build it, can also be an issue. Billets are a better option however they are a single purpose float, meaning you cannot expect to be moving them around much once they are in place. A swimming raft using barrels or billets should be removed from the water over the winter.

Using Pontoon Floats

This year we are offering another solution that overcomes some of the inherent issues using regular billets or barrels. We manufacture pontoon floats that can be used to make a multifunctional platform. Your raft can now be substituted as a barge, fishing platform or dock extension. Using our pontoon floats you can maneuver your raft just like a boat. You can anchor it out front and bring it into the shore when finished.
Our pontoon floats are designed to withstand ice conditions so there should be little concern about wintering them in the water.

If you would like to learn more about about Richardson Docks Pontoon Floats follow the links on our site and be sure to visit ourFacebook page for more ideas and pictures.

Things to consider when building a Swimming Rafts:
Flotation Calculation for your Swimming Rafts
Using Secure Hardware for your Swimming Rafts

Floating Bridge, Project Ideas

Floating Bridge

Floating Bridge

A Floating Bridge can be a very small or indeed very large as seen in the Washington state.
The greater Puget Sound area is home to five of the world’s floating highway bridges.
The Washington state Department of Transportation has begun building the $4.6 billion successor to the 520 bridge already considered the longest floating span in the world. This will give traffic a safer and less congested cross-lake trip between Seattle and Medina.

Floating Bridges and walkways

With environmental concerns about disturbing natural habitat floating walkways or bridges are showing up in cities and communities all over Canada. It is pretty common for a community to want to capitalize on their waterfronts to attract visitors and encourage local residents to get out and enjoy the scenery.

ATV Floating Bridge

Nobody appreciates a floating walkway or bridge more than outdoors enthusiasts traveling in the back country on an ATV. Structurally sound and stable these additions can make what could have been a disastrous day to a world class outing. Check out the floating 300 foot board walk we built to cross an impossible swamp on the Trans Canada Trail System. Come Spring this fills up with water making the walkway free floating,

  • Floating bridge Trans Canada Trails
  • 300ft Floating Bridge over Swamp Area
  • Floating Bridge and board walk used on the Trans Canada Trail System

Vehicle Traffic

In most cases (Seattle being the exception) traffic bridges are solid structures meant to last a generation or more. A floating structure does have a role however, when talking about a temporary or remote seasonal crossing where in is not practical to build a conventional structure. A floating access way can be transported as manageable pieces and assembled on site very quickly.

Richardson Docks

If you are exploring the possibilities of building a floating walk way or bridge this year please consider giving us a call or Send us an Email about your floating bridge project

Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page for more ideas and pictures.

Things to consider:
Flotation Calculation
Using Secure Hardware

ATV Barge, Project Ideas

ATV Barge and Part Time Dock

ATV Barge

Every hunter and fisherman knows the challenges of getting an ATV across a body of water. Regardless of how small the impasse is, if the water is too deep you are not driving across it.
There are boats on the market that will make a great barge. The problem is they are very expensive and cannot always be taken into remote locations.

atv barge

ATV Barge with Pontoon Floats

If you are thinking of a making a barge consider using our manufactured pontoon floats. They provide excellent flotation and durability. They can be constructed to accommodate a single ATV or several ATV’s. Since we manufacture them we can make them to any length you require. They can be built to accommodate a small motor which makes them very maneuverable.

ATV Barge Profile

For do-it-yourself projects you usually have to build around what you have. If you are fortunate enough to acquire a used set of pontoon floats, then that is what you use. Unfortunately there is usually a compromise between getting adequate flotation and having too much flotation. Second-hand floats that had a past life supporting a house boat, air plane or pontoon boat are usually too big for what you really want. Once built, they make an excellent Barge, however, they sit high off the water which can make getting on and off a challenge. They are also difficult to maneuver and require a pretty good engine to move them around in the wind. Getting into shallower areas can also an issue.

ATV Barge Floats

Our manufactured floats come in two profiles. The smaller profile is 12″ high by 24″ wide. The larger profile float is 22″ high and 24″ wide. The attachment points can be arranged so that the deck is laid down as low 1 1/2 inches above the float. This makes for a nice low profile which is easy to get on and off of.

ATV Barge Packages

If you are considering building a barge please give use a call/text (705) 849-8933 or email us at jack@richardsondocks.com

Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page for more ideas and pictures.

Things to consider:


Flotation Calculation | Using Secure Hardware for your ATV Barge | Do it yourself Dock Kit
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Floating Pontoon Docks, Project Ideas

Pontoon Docks

  • Floating Pontoon Dock Ontario
    Pontoon Dock with a view
Pontoon

Docks

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Pontoon Docks

Our 12″ high x 24″ wide float is a common choice for cottage and home owners wanting to build floating pontoon docks This navigable float can be used for docks, rafts, entertainment platforms or foot bridges. Let us help you with your special project. We can deliver a dock or floating platform to you as a turn key product, or a series of parts and pieces that you can assemble yourself.

All of our pontoon floats can be custom made to match your project need. Whether it’s 6 feet or 60 feet we can deliver an economical solution to your project.

With the versatility our floats bring to your project,  your floating pontoon docks can be used for rafts or other floating platforms that can have many uses.

Pontoon Docks Using Large Capacity Floats

Our 22″ high x 24″ wide float can be employed on docks requiring more flotation and height off the water. Like the 12 inch float, this typically comes in a 16 feet length, however, they can be made longer or shorter to match your requirements.

Typically these bigger pontoons are used for commercial applications or the cottage/home owner with a larger boat or special need.  If you are considering a boat house or floating building these make an excellent maneuverable floating support.

Durability

Floating Pontoon Docks in Ice
Winter Docks

One of the most appreciated features of our floating pontoon docks is their durability. Made to withstand normal ice conditions you never have to remove them from the water.

Custom Built Floating Pontoon Docks

At Richardson Docks we custom build all of our floats.  Whatever length or configuration of support your project requires, please consider calling us.

We will be soon be booking orders for the 2015 season. Please email us with your requirements. Give us your exact location so we plan on a delivery schedule. As long as there is a public access to your lake or river that we can launch on we should be able to deliver you your floating pontoon docks.

Dock Flotation Calculations

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Floating Boat House, Project Ideas

Floating Boat House

Floating Boat House

At Richardson Docks we love being a part of projects that are totally outside the box. A floating boat house is an excellent project that can protect your investment, and save you a ton of agony and frustration. If you are a cottage owner, you understand the concerns of leaving your property exposed to the elements. A Floating Boat House is not only a practical addition to your waterfront, it can also enhance the property value without additional taxes.
Floating Boat House

Designing a Floating Boat House

Factors to consider when designing a floating boat house.

  • What is the size of the boat or boats you want to protect?
  • Are there additional uses that will require more space?
  • What kind of look would enhance your property?
  • Are there building restrictions and or permits you require?
  • What kind of exposure will your floating boat house have to fluctuations in water levels?
  • How light of a structure does this have to be, to float?

Flotation Requirements for
a Floating Boat House

An obvious requirement in the design of a floating boat house will be meeting the structure’s flotation needs. A combined weight of all the building materials in the project will have to be established. This can be done by itemizing a materials list, and assigning know values to the components. A good source of that information can be found on the Home Depot website. They actually list the weight of a lot of their building materials, including lumber. Another consideration will be the maximum number of people and maximum amount of equipment that will on the structure, at any given time.

Why Use Pontoon Floats
on your floating Boat House

At Richardson Docks we can manufacture pontoon floats that will match the length of your project. This gives flotation continuity the entire length of the structure. The result is maximum stability. Our floats can stay in the water all year round with out any concerns of ice damage. Our largest float (22″ high x 24″ wide) provides exceptional buoyancy. (see data sheet) A puncture resulting from some unforeseen incident will not affect the integrity of our float. Our Floats are actually part of the structure providing addition strength to the floating boat house.

We would love to be involved in your project. When it comes time to evaluate your flotation needs please give us a call.
For more ideas about living on the edge visit www.docklife.ca

Project Ideas

Your Dock Projects

Pontoon floats for your dock projects
Pontoon floats for your dock projects

Let Richardson Docks help you with your dock projects.

Our specialized pontoon floats are simply the best flotation device on the market today. With the versatility of our pontoon floats we can build and deliver any style of dock, raft, or barge you want.  In fact, your dock project can now have multiple uses you could never imagine with standard flotation devices.

Water Friend or Foe?

Water traditionally is the enemy of any floating system. Whether it’s condensation on the inside or a perforation through the outside, water exposure to the interior of a floating cell usually spells disaster. Not so with our pontoon floats! Water is our friend…in fact, water is allowed to enter and leave the floats providing  ballast and stability to the attached structure.

Construction Using Pontoon Floats

The construction of our docks is unique in that the structurally sound floats actually provides the backbone strength of the overall system. In traditional dock construction strength is provided by the structure which has to contain and support the floating device .

Winter Storage

Winter storage for your pontoon dock is in the water. You no longer have to haul out your docks because of ice conditions. They are guaranteed to sustain the freeze thaw cycle of your lake or river system. Pontoon docks are also the perfect answer to fluxuating lake levels. Easy to use, easy to build and easy to maintain contact us today for a spring installation

Regardless of what your dock project is this coming season consider Richardson docks for all your flotation needs. We can build it or provide you with an easy assemble kit that you can do yourself. Since our systems are essentially using pontoons they can be launched anywhere on your lake and driven right up to your property.

Richardson docks pontoon floats
your dock projects can be more versatile using Richardson docks pontoon floats