Follansbee Dock Systems
Steel Swim Float Construction Tips

No.  1    Review all instructions and separate parts before starting this project.  

No.  2   Layout the Carpet and Rubrail in the sun or around heat a heat source to make them more pliable and reduce wrinkles.  

No.  3    Select a level area to build your swim float.  

No.  4    Lay out the four #2 Side Stringers (lumber facing up), and the Notched End Sections
             (#1) in approximate position.  

No.  5    Loosely attach the Corner Brackets (#5) using the 1”x 3/8” bolts (#6).  

No.  6    Tighten all four corners, making sure corners come together.  

No.  7    When the frame is square, tighten all remaining nuts and bolts.  

No.  8    The Decking (#3) should be laid onto the framing lumber.  

8’x 8’ Swim Float: 8’ length of plywood should line up with Notched End Section (#1).  

8’x 10’ Swim Float: 10’ length of plywood should line up with End Section (#2). A 2”x 3”x 9’-8” Nailer Strip (#11) is supplied to join the two 10’ pieces of plywood at the center.  

No.  9    Temporarily nail decking along the Side Section (#1) and the square frame with decking (End Section - #2).  

No. 10  Using the 6-Penny Nails supplied, nail every 3” at each Nailer Strip.  

No. 11  Carefully turn the frame over and attach Bottom Braces (#4) with 1”x 3/8” Bolt Sets.  

No. 12  Set the Series-1 Float Drums onto the channels. Use four (2 per 24”end) 1” Hex Head Washer Screw/Self Drilling-Tapping. The polyethylene drums must be handled with care and not dragged over rough, sharp areas.  

No. 13 Carefully turn the frame right side up. Stretch out carpet over plywood top. Follow gluing instructions on can. Once glued, attach Vinyl Corner Bumpers and Rub Rail with 1-1/2” Stainless Ring Nails.