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This sounds like an amazing project, @Prof, and I can't wait to follow along!
Since I was young, floating islands have always fascinated me. It was started when I first saw the one Richart Sowa created from netting 150,000 plastic bottles and loading sand onto them. So, plastic bottles could be an option for you. Alternatively, I don't believe it would take many AdVenture Products 20L Blue Water Jerry Cans to create buoyancy. I've also seen some people make rafts using storage containers.
Let me mention @redracer01 and @TedBear to see if they would like to join the conversation.
I look forward to seeing what you create.
Mitchell
Hi @Prof, I am interested to know what the purpose of the platform will be, given the dimensions you stated. (And I don't know what a back water is?)
Will it be for people to walk on, which the dimensions suggest, or just for laying around and playing on?
If it is for walking on, then you will have different considerations than for something to play around on.
I had fun building a raft out of plastic containers many years ago, for 2 people in a river race.... maybe I shouldn't comment much here given that it fell apart before we got too far, as did most entries. But I was surprised how much flotation they provided.
I am imagining a flat platform with deep sides added, to keep the flotation devices underneath. If you make channels underneath which are just wide enough to hold the flotation devices around the edges... I think using some plastic Jerry cans as @MitchellMc suggested would be a good way to go.
That way you can try a few at the corners and add more into the channel as required to get it right. Perhaps keep them in place with some webbing across the bottom of the channel (even cheap hammocks, perhaps), which you can tie them to, to ensure they can't ever pop out or move around if it rocks around. Else put braces across to stiffen the channel walls and tie to those. It all depends on how well it needs to be built for your purposes. Sorry the sketch is a bit rough. The dark blue bits represent the channels underneath as suggested.
(Would you believe I was once a professional graphic designer? Me neither - they have standards.)
Hello @Prof
Many factors involved here, but using a very rough calculation using a 60ltr drum which is again for rough estimates will float 60kg. So 6 x 60ltr barrels together will float a weight of 360kg. We divide that in half as I suggest installing the drum at least 30 to 40 percent in to the pontoon with only half of it exposed. With that configuration you should have the water line close if not right on the leading edge of the pontoon. Depending on the type of timber and the actual weight of the pontoon this will dictate how high or low it will float. Plus take in to account the weight of the people standing on the platform. Adding extra drums at the ends will possibly help with buoyancy just in case there are more than two people standing at the end of the platform. See how you go Prof, just remember that if you use any type of flotation device make sure to seal it early in the morning when its cooler. Temperature changes affect sealed barrels and containers. Remember that tip over will only occur if the weight at the end of the pontoon is equal or greater than capacity of the drum to float. Obviously the bigger the drum the more weight it can float.
Cheers,
Red
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Thanks for joining in the discussion @Leo74, we're really pleased to have you as a member of the Bunnings Workshop community.
We look forward to reading all about your own projects and plans. Please don't hesitate to post anytime you need a hand or have something to share with other members. As you can see, we have clever and creative members sharing helpful advice and amazing project inspiration on the site every day.
Jason
