An inexpensive DIY floating dinghy dock

[mackrobertson]

I was searching for a reliable way to store my dinghy out of the seriously dirty water. I wanted to store it in my slip, to avoid the $150/mo marina charge, but not in my davits.

After looking on-line for an inexpensive alternative to the expensive used floaters available, I decided to build a floating dinghy dock for my Zodiac 10.2 RIB. It cost less than $100 and used some remnants and surplus materials.

I used 4 x 55 gal plastic barrels, some surplus 1/4" line, some surplus rubber (non-skid material) and a 4 foot piece of 2x6" pine.

Attached are the photos and drawing that will assist you in building one like mine if you wish.

If you wish to receive an Xcel file drawing of the assembly details, please contact me.

mackrobertson(at)yahoo.com

[senormechanico]

I built basically the same thing on my dock, but with 2 inch holes in the bottom of the blue plastic barrels and an air bubbler pump from an old hot tub, some pvc fittings and ball valve.
To launch, I open the valve, and the whole thing sinks with a fender to prevent it sinking too far.
Oh, and some swing arms to the dock.
To bring it back up, I hold a momentary switch. Closing the valve keeps the Avon with 10 hp motor out of the water.

Eees berry berry seemple !

[mackrobertson]

Interesting solution for ballasting down. It is a bit more complicated and expensive than the inexpensive version I posted, but a nice little project for someone so inclined.

The reason I did something with the KISS principle in mind is that I don't plan to be at a dock much longer.