Docking a Pontoon

TooManyQuestions

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 19, 2009
Messages
34
We have a 34 foot wood dock in 10 foot sections (4 foot is one section T-boning out to one side) . 4x4 support poles buried in sand support the deck in a very solid fashion. We have decided against changing this very solid wood dock for easier to remove and install sit on top or rolling dock. Weve just come to realize that we are going to have an annual cost for realigning (Michigan winters).

So heres the question.

How do I keep the side of a 22ft pontoon from being damaged.

Do I attach rubber bumpers to 4/4 poles?

I think bumpers on side of boat dont have enough clearance to stop brushing the boat edge to poles. And I also want to get people off the pontoon without crossing the Nile (too much space between edge of boat and dock).

This is a new boat that is going to be delieved later this month and Im trying to get all this settled so that I dont have trouble (or a crunched side rail).

Open to suggestions.
 

TooManyQuestions

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 19, 2009
Messages
34
Re: Docking a Pontoon

Went with 3ft long x 6" wide bumpers attached to the 4x4 wood deck support pylons.

Just got delivery this past week (22' Manitou Osprey Pontoon with a 115 Evinrude Etec) and its working so far. I may put the same bumper product on the length of wood decking to fend off coming in at an angle. I can see that happening.

What a great weekend though!

Its a dream to "drive." Sorta difficult to "park." But Im sure Ill get use to it.
 

livin4real

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 22, 2009
Messages
167
Re: Docking a Pontoon

Could you possibly put in a couple spaced out rows of 1"x6" to act as rub rails along the sides, connecting the posts?
 

TooManyQuestions

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 19, 2009
Messages
34
Re: Docking a Pontoon

Not quite understanding what you mean.

Would this be attached to the side of the decking? Or the pontoon?
 
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