Homemade pontoons. Making a pier with your own hands: choosing the type of pier structure and installation stages. DIY barrel pontoons

Homemade pontoons. Making a pier with your own hands: choosing the type of pier structure and installation stages. DIY barrel pontoons
12.03.2020

You are the happy owner of a house near a pond, you probably imagined a bridge in the middle of the lake, where in calm weather you can go fishing or just sit, enjoying the smooth surface of the water or the rustle of the surf. Of course, you can build a permanent concrete bridge, or you can resort to a more romantic method and create a floating bridge. Such a pier is based on pontoons, which help the pier stay on the surface. We make pontoons from barrels with our own hands.

The only drawback will be the high price. If you want to save your family budget, you can use plastic barrels.

We make a pontoon with our own hands using barrels

Let's look in detail at the process of making a floating pier from barrels with our own hands. To create a pier we will need materials and construction tools:

  1. There are four plastic barrels, you can use metal ones in the absence of the former.
  2. Wooden boards or moisture-resistant plywood.
  3. Beam 10 cm.
  4. Beam 5 cm.
  5. Rope.
  6. Epoxy resin.
  7. Alkyd paint.

To create a pontoon, it is better to choose deciduous wood. It does not rot as much when in contact with water, which will significantly extend its service life. If you cannot find such beams, you can opt for oak or pine. All materials must be primed and painted. When choosing plywood, the ends are coated with pre-prepared resin. If you chose metal barrels, they also need to be carefully primed. And then paint it with anti-corrosion paint. It is better to assemble the pontoon near the water, so as not to drag the finished structure:

  • So, initially we prepare a square, one side should be 2.5 m. If you follow this size, barrels will fit perfectly here. To make the frame we use logs. To obtain an even square, place even beams in the corners or measure the diagonals of the square;
  • Next, we prepare two-hundred-liter barrels; we need four of them. As a rule, finding such ones is not at all a problem; all that remains is to process them;
  • We coat the barrel with paint, and then coat the cork with sealant or silicone. If barrels are not available, you can always purchase them at a hardware store. When purchasing, give preference to plastic products;
  • When the barrels are ready, we build the internal skeleton of the pontoon. To do this, you need to place barrels in the corners of the square. The dimensions of the barrels allow this to be done without problems. We need to strengthen the barrels; we install beams inside, so that one side would fix the barrel, and the other would rest against the frame. To make the structure stronger, you can secure the barrels with two more beams. They must be placed on both sides of the barrel, pressing it tightly. The beams are attached to the base with screws. Next, the barrels are secured with ropes. Six holes are made for each barrel. The structure is then turned over.

Further assembly of the pontoon is carried out on the water. The upper side frame is sheathed with the material you chose to create the floor.

We create a pontoon from plastic bottles

The most common way to create a pontoon would be pontoons made from bottles:

  • To get started, you need to collect a huge amount of plastic bottles. It’s good if all the bottles are two-liter, you will need approximately 350 pieces. This amount is necessary if the bottles are two-liter and the pier is small. If the bottles are of a smaller volume, you will need more of them. It’s better if the bottles are not even, then tying them will be much easier;
  • Before starting work, you need to check the tightness of each bottle. Your goal is to create a large pier; it must be made from several small ones;
  • To create a pontoon from plastic bottles, you need frame bars, ropes and bags. Bottles must be placed in each of the bags; about thirty bottles can be placed in a regular bag. They need to be folded vertically in two layers. The weight that the pier can withstand depends on the number of bags;
  • To install the bags, attach them to the frame using bags. The bags must be placed according to the size of the pier. It is better to make the covering from boards. It is better to secure the pier to piles or with anchors.

Also using this method of creating pontoons using car inner tubes and foam.

Video about pontoons on plastic floats

Video about a homemade pontoon made from plastic bottles

A pontoon (French pontoon) is a non-self-propelled vessel, a means of supporting weights on the water, with or without a deck. Durable and at the same time quite lightweight structures.

Pontoons can be reinforced concrete, metal, plastic, inflatable and others. They are used as floating supports for bridges, ferries, and berths.

Pontoons find their application not only in industry, but are also actively used by ordinary consumers.

The best option- These are floating plastic structures, the elements of which are connected to each other by special fastenings through holes along the perimeter. Such pontoons do not require any special maintenance and are not affected by river or sea water or ice. If necessary, they are easy to assemble, dismantle and install in another place. Such plastic structures are made from low-density polyethylene (HDPE) with the addition of special compounds against exposure to direct sunlight and salt water.

When installing piers, moorings, floating platforms, we always use additional accessories– handrails, gangways, bollards and others. Everyone can improve their harbor or pier the way they want.

Today you can buy a wide variety of composite plastic blocks (modules) for pontoons to suit every taste and budget.

But if buying a ready-made plastic pontoon is not part of your plans, then you can try make a pontoon with your own hands. More on this later..

Pontoon made of plastic barrels

So, boaters who cannot afford prefabricated plastic pontoons can be offered lightweight ones instead of plastic structures plastic hollow barrels. They are sold everywhere, are inexpensive, and make a simple, as they say, anti-crisis version of a pontoon.

The strength of the simplest design on barrels (for example, a raft) is achieved using supporting frame using elements that will provide diagonal, longitudinal and transverse rigidity of the structure.

The frame of such a pontoon can be made of steel, aluminum, wood, or plastic.

On the basis of such a pontoon from plastic barrels, you can build a pier for fishing or diving. By adding certain accessories, you can make raft with sides or even .

Good stability on the water allows you to use the pontoon raft as a mobile means of recreation on the water. You can easily install a small one on a self-propelled pontoon.

Foam pontoon

It is possible to construct a pontoon from foam plastic. A frame is made from boards, and two “skis” are made from dense foam plastic (penoplex). This is one of the most successful designs for a motor raft. Moreover, it is easy to operate.

Another option is to make a wooden raft and cover it with foam on the bottom.

Inflatable pontoon

Pontoon made of chambers. Large car inner tubes are brought under the raft frame. If the camera bursts, it is not difficult to seal it, even in rafting conditions.

Pontoon made of plastic bottles

Pontoon made from empty plastic bottles. This design is probably the cheapest and popular. True, you need to collect hundreds of bottles, fill them with plastic ones ( non-rotting) bags. These bags are then secured under the raft.

Pontoon from other containers

You can make pontoon floats from various plastic sealed containers. Plastic cans, cubes, barrels, plastic boxes filled with polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam, and so on are used. They are more difficult to attach, but you can achieve a high landing of the raft (pontoon) above the water. You can also make a pontoon from empty sealed metal barrels.

There are also homemade pontoons made from plastic pipes.

Wooden pontoons

Here is an example of the creativity of folk craftsmen - a homemade raft-catamaran on plywood pontoon. The materials for this design are easy to process and not in short supply. In practice, except for some metal parts, only three-millimeter plywood and slats 25x25 mm or 25x15 mm and 3 meters long are used. Plywood must be waterproof. If there is none, it is best to use birch, spruce or aspen, as a last resort.

Parts for the pontoons are cut out using a cardboard pattern that resembles a cone when unwrapped; plywood impregnated with drying oil is easily bent. By her they beat up a frame already built from slats. The skin and deck are made from the same plywood, or thin boards, positioned so that the distance between parallel pontoons is 1 meter.

The catamaran's rowing drive is made from bicycle parts. Bicycle wheels are also suitable for paddle wheels, preferably three-wheeled ones for children. The seat can also be constructed from plywood, slats, and boards. 4-6 door handles can be screwed onto the edges for attachment to a dock or for carrying.

You can make it classic log pontoon raft, especially if there is easily accessible wood nearby.

Metal pontoons

Often pontoons are made from sheet metal or steel pipes. This is especially true for those who have a lot of unused used scrap metal.

The easiest way is to use large-diameter pipes that are welded at the ends. The result is long cylindrical floats. Then we connect them together with a frame and get a metal pontoon, onto which it is not difficult to attach a platform made of wood or, again, from sheets of steel or metal mesh.

Application

Do-it-yourself pontoons made of various materials find a wide variety of applications:

  • floating areas with barbecue for relaxing with friends;
  • cafe on the water;
  • berths for a catamaran, boat or jet ski;
  • piers;
  • fishing rafts;
  • pontoons-catamarans for overcoming shallow waters;
  • floating saunas on a pontoon;
  • sites for various activities on the water;
  • and even a house on a pontoon.

On such a raft, pier, or pontoon, made with your own hands, you can not only sunbathe, dive from it into the water (it is almost impossible to turn it over). You can transport cargo, inspect fish cages, and travel as if by ferry. A flotilla of pontoon rafts will allow you to arrange exciting competition games for speed or, say, figure driving.

Relax with pleasure, but do not forget to monitor the technical condition and periodically repair your homemade pontoon!

Pontoon calculation

Any pontoon need to pre-calculate. The most important thing is to calculate its carrying capacity. The total carrying capacity consists of the buoyancy of all its elements (floats).

Even if you cannot calculate these parameters on paper, then measure in practice the carrying capacity of one element (a plastic barrel, a bottle, a piece of foam plastic, that is, what you are making a pontoon from). Then use as many elements as possible so that the total lifting capacity is no less than what you need. But it is highly advisable to make another reserve of about 30-50%.


Example of a simple calculation:
You want to make a pontoon that holds 1.5 tons of water. Let's say one barrel can hold 150 kg of weight. Then you will need at least 10 barrels. But it is advisable to use 13-15 barrels with a reserve.

Ideally, you also need to calculate the pontoon for frame rigidity, buoyancy And capsize. In practice, not everyone will be able to do this. Our advice: do everything in abundance(2-3 times), then you will feel calm on the water. Or trust the professionals who manufacture pontoons.

For people living next to a river or reservoir, convenient access to water has always been a pressing issue. Previously, bridges were built for these purposes, along which one could walk to a tied boat, but now such a device is rarely used anywhere. Basically, more serious structures are erected that require great strength and ingenuity, especially when the question is how to build a pier with your own hands quickly and inexpensively. It’s not in vain that we started talking about ingenuity, because this is exactly what many craftsmen resort to when creating a pier. Let's look at several different designs of homemade piers.

Bottle pontoon type

This is the easiest device to make. The basis will be ordinary two-liter plastic bottles, the number of which depends on the planned size of the pier. To get started, prepare 300–350 bottles (if using one and a half liter bottles, you may need more, since they are narrower). It is desirable that the bottles be identical, not straight, but with a recess on which the fasteners will be securely fixed.

Be sure to check that the corks are tightly screwed in and that there are no holes in the bottle. To do this, try squeezing the bottle prepared for installation, and if it remains elastic, then everything is in order. Make the base of the pier not solid, but from three blocks, 60 - 80 bottles in one section. Also on the sides you need to make limiters from bottles.

Now you can make a deck for the pontoon from light boards or foam plastic. This floating structure must be securely fastened, otherwise strong winds can simply blow it away. To do this, drive two piles on the shore, to which you securely attach this pontoon.

This design is not heavy and the pier can be removed in winter.

Pontoon type pier made of metal barrels

Now let's see how to build a pier with your own hands from barrels. It should be said right away that it is better to assemble such a structure near the water, since its weight is too large, and it should be sent with

Now let's see how to build a pier with your own hands from barrels. It should be said right away that it is better to assemble such a structure near the water, since its weight is large, and going on a long journey with it will not be entirely convenient. In order to make such a pier, you will need:

  1. Planed boards.
  2. Wooden beam.
  3. 200-liter barrel – 4 pcs.
  4. Nails (or self-tapping screws).
  5. Rope.

The first stage of work will be the production of a frame from timber, measuring 2.5x2.5 m, with a cross-section of 100x50 mm. Fasteners can be nails that are long enough so that, having penetrated through the beams being fastened, they can be bent and the connection made more durable. It would be useful to strengthen the structure by inserting wooden blocks into the corners of the frame. Add additional supports from six 50x50 mm wooden blocks to the main frame. They should be installed so that the edges of the barrel rest on them.

Now you need to inspect the barrels. Make sure the plugs are tightly closed. To be more sure that the connection will not depressurize at this point, coat the threads and rubber seal with silicone, and then screw it tightly into the barrel.

Do not forget that metal is susceptible to corrosion, and if you want your pier to serve you as long as possible, then paint the entire barrel, or at least in those places where the original paint has been stripped off. This needs to be done every year!

Place the prepared barrels in the corners of the frame parallel to each other, and after drilling 6 holes for each barrel, secure them with ropes. While the structure is not very heavy, take it to the water with its barrels facing down. Having secured it securely near the shore, continue sheathing. The final stage will be making a bridge so that you can get from the shore to the pier.

If you need a more powerful structure, make a stationary pier, which will require screw piles.

In order to make such a pier, you will need:

  • Screw piles – 6 or 8 pcs.
  • A corner of sufficient strength, the amount of which depends on the size of the structure, since with large spans it will be necessary to weld additional jumpers;
  • Planed boards (25-30 mm);
  • Nails, self-tapping screws or screws with nuts;
  • Drill;
  • Welding machine.

It is better to carry out the work in winter, when there is ice on the river, because in order to drive the piles to great depths a lot of effort will be required. Agree that it will not be easy to do this from a boat, since first it will need to be securely fastened, and only then deal with the piles. Weld a corner to the piles, and with a small gap that will ensure water drainage and good ventilation, secure the boards with nails or self-tapping screws, but preferably with a screw and nut, placing washers. If you are not afraid of theft, you can use copper fasteners.

If the screws are steel, then to prevent rust, after clamping, pull a piece of hose moistened with nigrol onto each protruding tail of the screw, otherwise, after the board dries, you can tighten it. Otherwise, everything will rust, and in a year the boards will rattle. Don't forget to treat the wood with an antiseptic. Now you can use a high-quality berth for a long time.

Video

We invite you to watch a video about self-building a pier from metal barrels.


The idea of ​​​​building some kind of house on the water has been in my head for a long time, but I didn’t think that I would ever really take on its implementation. Well, the hour has finally come!

The boat is built from scrap wood and large plastic barrels. The photo shows an unfinished version; my friend and I are still finalizing and improving something. Next spring we plan to take a long trip down the river.

I didn't spend nearly a cent on building the pontoon; the old wood was lying around in the backyard along with the barrels, and the motor was installed from a friend's old boat. The structure floats quite steadily on the water and can easily support 5 people. Although the speed leaves much to be desired, it will get you to your destination (unless there is a strong wind).

In general, a great place for relaxing, fishing and barbecuing.

Step 1: Making the frame

The photo shows a diagram of the frame; we were quite happy with this design. At this step everything is simple, we cut the boards and fasten them with nails. I added one board each to the front and back of the boat in case we hit something while sailing.

Step 2: Attach the barrels

At this stage, it wouldn't hurt to have a friend's help. While he holds the frame, you can secure the barrels underneath it. The barrels are attached to the frame using straps, at least that’s what we did. It is important not to lose a single barrel while sailing, so you need to secure them as securely as possible, tightening the straps tightly. I nailed the straps themselves to the frame. Here it should be noted that the tops of the barrels should be level with the height of the frame or slightly lower, since we will be placing the floor on the frame, and the barrels should not interfere by sticking out.

Step 3: Making the Deck


We were lucky; we had exactly the amount of plywood we needed for the deck. I think the way it is attached to the frame is clear, the only thing that is not visible in the photo is the small window/storage area that is located under the floor. The door to this compartment is made of a small piece of plywood; in the photo you can see it in the center from the far edge.

Step 4: Finishing touches and launching


We ended up with a rather large ship; such a ship definitely needs an anchor. We made an anchor out of an old paint can filled with rocks. They attached the engine, put life jackets in storage, nailed chairs to the deck, and lowered the boat into the water.

P.S. Don't forget to add a cool pirate flag.

Update: After some time of operation, we realized that the boat could use a couple more barrels below deck and perhaps some foam plastic. We are planning an upgrade in the near future. We are also thinking about tinting it to protect the wood from rotting. We will replace the electric motor with a gasoline one, but we will not get rid of it altogether, but will use it as a spare one. It seems that's it, good luck!

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Wontons are close relatives of our dumplings, which came to us from China. This hearty dish is traditionally steamed, boiled or fried until crispy. From our article you will learn how to prepare wontons, a recipe for dough and filling, as well as small culinary tricks that will help make this dish especially tasty.

wonton dough

In China, ready-made dough is sold for this dish, cut into squares or circles of the required size. However, you can easily prepare the base yourself and make sure that there is nothing complicated about it. Read how to make wonton dough at home (recipe):

  • Sift three cups of flour into a bowl.
  • Boil half a glass of water in a saucepan and pour into the flour. After this, add another quarter glass of water at room temperature.
  • Place salt, a spoonful of vegetable oil in a bowl, knead the dough and leave it to stand for 10-15 minutes.

Wontons with shrimp and pork

For this recipe, you can make your own dough or purchase it from the store. Divide the required amount of dough into three parts. Cover two with a towel and put aside, and roll out the third and use a mold to cut out circles with a diameter of 5 cm. To prepare the minced meat you will need:

  • Mash 300 grams of peeled shrimp with a fork, add 200 grams of minced pork to them and mix.
  • After this, chop 120 grams of bamboo sprouts with a knife (you can replace them and add them to the minced meat.
  • Season the filling with two tablespoons of soy sauce, two tablespoons of rice (or dry white) wine, salt and pepper.
  • Add half the vegetable oil, two tablespoons (can be replaced with starch), one protein and a teaspoon of sugar to the minced meat.

Mix the filling well and place in the center of each piece. After this, connect the edges of the dough so that you get a bag with an open neck. Steam the wontons until done and then serve.

Fried wontons. Recipe with photo

At home they give it different shapes. Sometimes the edges are completely sealed together, sometimes the “neck” is left open, and in Sichuan cuisine they are often given a triangular shape. This time we suggest making bags from the dough and deep-frying them. Read how to make fried wontons (recipe):

  • First, let's start preparing the sauce. Take one red chili pepper, remove the seeds and white membranes. Cut the pulp into thin half rings, which should then be combined with a tablespoon of sugar, a tablespoon of lime juice, three tablespoons of water and four tablespoons of soy sauce (you can use fish sauce instead).
  • Chop 250 grams of peeled shrimp, add finely chopped green onions, five or six cloves of garlic and a few sprigs of cilantro.
  • Mix shrimp with 450 grams of minced pork, one chicken egg, a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of lime and a teaspoon of sugar. Season the minced meat with salt, ground pepper and mix well.
  • Cover the bowl with the filling with cling film and place it in the refrigerator for half an hour.
  • Use 350 grams of prepared wonton dough or make your own. Place a ball of minced meat in the center of each piece, which should be rolled with wet hands. Pinch the edges so that you get a small pouch.
  • To deep fry, heat vegetable oil in a deep pan and then fry the wontons in it until golden brown.

Serve the finished dish hot with hot sauce.

Sweet wontons

There are many types of fillings with which Chinese dumplings are prepared. In this case, we suggest you stock up on dried berries and nuts. Read the instructions and cook original wontons with us. Recipe of dish:

  • Take 75 grams of dried pitted cherries and mix them with 30 grams of cashews. Add sugar and ground cinnamon to taste.
  • Prepare unleavened dough or buy ready-made dough. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each piece and press the edges together tightly, giving the wontons a square shape.
  • Pour vegetable oil into a wok and fry sweet dumplings in it.

Place the finished wontons on paper towels to drain the oil and then onto a plate. Before serving, you can sprinkle them with a mixture of cinnamon and powdered sugar.

Wontons with minced meat. Recipe

Surprise your loved ones with a new Chinese dish and they will thank you. How to cook wontons? Read the recipe below:


Wontons with mushrooms

If you love mushrooms or have eliminated meat from your menu, then check out these vegetarian wontons. Recipe:

  • Grind 200 grams of Chinese cabbage and 80 grams of celery using a blender.
  • Chop 100 grams of champignons and one with a knife, and then fry in a frying pan until tender.
  • Season the minced meat with soy sauce, add onion, cilantro and ginger to taste.
  • Prepare the dough (you can find the recipe above) and roll it into a thin layer.
  • Cut the dough into squares, place the filling in the center of each and form bags.

Wontons need to be steamed until cooked. You can serve them with an original sauce, which is prepared from the following products:

  • Light soy sauce - 30 ml.
  • Sesame oil - half a teaspoon.
  • Dark - half a teaspoon.
  • Red pepper is hot.
  • Ginger - one teaspoon.

We hope that you will enjoy the recipes collected in this article and that you will delight your family with new dishes every day.