Need ideas about building a small floating platform

[floatfan]

We live on a small pond surrounded by other houses, and this past Christmas, some friends gave me an idea that I want to work towards this year. Basically, I want to put a lit Christmas tree in the middle of the pond. I've worked out the logistics of lighting the tree without turning the pond into a shock pool, but haven't figured out exactly how to get a floating platform that will be stable enough for a 6'-7' pre-lit tree. I keep thinking of a 6x6 platform on foam, anchored at all 4 corners. My worry is will it be too top. The pond is only about 4 - 6 feet deep where I'm planning on floating it.

Your ideas are appreciated.

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: Need ideas about building a small floating platform

How about a couple of plastic drums. You coul fill them partially with water for ballast/stability. Properly ballasted, you could "set" the platform as low or high out of the water as you want. Once in position, anchor it on four corners like you said and you should be good to go. I'm sure you will get even more good ideas from the folks on here, so stay tuned.

 

[floatfan]

Re: Need ideas about building a small floating platform

I hadn't really considered the plastic drums simply because I expected it'd sit too far out of the water...but the idea of adding water to ballast them hadn't even crossed my mind. That might just work. My other thought was some of the DOW billets.

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Need ideas about building a small floating platform

If the platform only has to support a tree I'd go with a 4X8 sheet of pressure treated plywood with 2 sheets of insulation foam nailed to the bottom. If I were to light the tree I'd go with low voltage (12V rv christmas lights maybe) LED lights and run the low voltage wire through the water.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Need ideas about building a small floating platform

I've seen folks fasten a couple of 4'X8' sheets of plywood across a small aluminum jon boat and just anchor it out there. Maybe one of your neighbors got an old jon boat they might loan you for December? The low(12volt) power makes good sense! Good Luck!

 

[SteveMcD]

Re: Need ideas about building a small floating platform

led christmas lights and solar cells and battery packs from those el cheapo side walk lights should work. If the bottom is stable enough, maybe 10' corner pipes hammered into the pond bottom. Maybe simpler yet, hammer in a post, and mount the tree on it.

 

[sasto]

Re: Need ideas about building a small floating platform

How about a couple of plastic drums. You coul fill them partially with water for ballast/stability. Properly ballasted, you could "set" the platform as low or high out of the water as you want. Once in position, anchor it on four corners like you said and you should be good to go.

Good idea of adding water in plastic drums, Tom. I can use your idea for another project. Our local Humane Society where I volunteer at purchases their pet soap from plastic 55gal drums. They are always wanting to get rid of the empty ones. I would think other Humane Societies do the same.

If your interested in the idea, floatfan, check your local Society.

 

[floatfan]

Re: Need ideas about building a small floating platform

led christmas lights and solar cells and battery packs from those el cheapo side walk lights should work. If the bottom is stable enough, maybe 10' corner pipes hammered into the pond bottom. Maybe simpler yet, hammer in a post, and mount the tree on it.

I'll check into the idea of just driving a post into the bottom and figuring out a way to attach a tree to it. Thanks.

Good idea of adding water in plastic drums, Tom. I can use your idea for another project. Our local Humane Society where I volunteer at purchases their pet soap from plastic 55gal drums. They are always wanting to get rid of the empty ones. I would think other Humane Societies do the same.

If your interested in the idea, floatfan, check your local Society.

Sure will. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Need ideas about building a small floating platform

small plywood platform and a few rows of 6"PVC pipe with the end caps glued on. held in place with zip ties.

go with a solar panel and a few AGM lawn mower batteries to power the lights.