Читать книгу Building Your Own Dock - Sam Merriam - Страница 7

For the dock owner, user, “do-it-yourself ” mender, and builder, a unique set of challenges at the shore must be faced with specialized knowledge and skill. Although self-learning through first-hand experience and tip exchanges between neighbors will always have high value, sometimes it would be nice to hear from a career dock builder, aka a “dock pro,” someone devoted to his calling, studious to the challenges you’re facing, and with the fervor to find remedies that bring resolve. In the chapters ahead, you will find the dock pro’s tips, based on decades of proven methods for simple things like installing a tie-up cleat, improving dock stability, and ways for protecting your boat while docked. You will also find complete details for planning and building various kinds of docks perfect for the “do-it-yourselfer” (DIYer), who wants to “hit a homerun.” If you have a dock or you’re about to build one, a windfall of special information is just ahead for you to take full advantage.

Exploring this book, you’ll learn about docks that stand fixed on legs, permanent methods where winter ice isn’t a problem, and removable methods for climates with severe winter ice. You’ll also learn about docks that float and different ways to attach or anchor them in place. Along with showing how to build these docks, the dock pro will help you first evaluate an environment and how the dock will be used so that you choose the right kind of dock. Importantly, the dock pro’s project plans are made with sensitivity to the limitations of the DIYer and has scaled them to convenient sizes. Even if you’re hiring someone to build a dock or provide a pre-manufactured dock, this book will equip you with the dock pro’s knowledge to decipher if you’ll get the desired value from the product before purchasing.

For the many docks that have not yet fallen to disrepair, the dock pro can help you stay ahead of maintenance before repair turns into replacement. You’ll find tips for breathing new life to your dock. Whether you need to apply wood preservative, bracing to prevent unwanted instability or repairs to the decking and frame, see what the dock pro has to say; the advice makes this book worth its weight in gold.

If maintenance and repair isn’t your thing and better left to hired help, you can expect this book to inspire and get you thinking about how to make the most of your dock whether you build it yourself or get someone to help. While a dock is key for access at the shore and getting the full value of your waterfront, the dock pro recognizes for some, it’s a destination. Of all the places you could spend your available hours of leisure, dream about how the dock will be an extension of your outdoor living space, a place for making lifelong memories with family and friends. To help with that, explore the various floor plans that invite leisure time opportunities utilizing either fixed or floating docks while seeing yourself in the plans. Begin with your dream and let the dock pro help with making it real.