A fishing dock in Thailand

[hillbilly]

May be some of you can recall your youth of sitting on a fishing dock with a pole in one hand and a Coke in the other hand waiting for Moby Dick to gobble the bait. I have the same memories.

This was my goal.

We started out with the original plan of a 4M X 6M dock. Just a simple flat wooden dock to relax on.

My plans had been carefully designed and given to my Thai wife. This is what I first saw. My original thoughts of following the natural landscape of the riverbank down to the dock had been replaced by wooden steps.



And this is what I thought would cost about B10,000?

There is more, much more, stay tuned.

[hillbilly]

Then the roof starts to go up. Anyone notice the pipe?

[hillbilly]

As we move on, what do you think these blue plastic barrels cost?

[Thetyim]

^
300 baht each

[hillbilly]

Nope!

[DrAndy]

435 baht each, as long as they are empty

[gusG]

Good idea welding over the barrels, a few holes just above the present water line will really help once you get more weight on the dock.

[Marmite the Dog]

Good idea welding over the barrels, a few holes just above the present water line will really help once you get more weight on the dock.

I got on it and it didn't sink, so it'll be OK.

[Texpat]

And this is what I thought would cost about B10,000?

I feel your pain. My estimated 30K shed came in at just under 70K. The days of cheap construction in Thailand are alive and well. The days of inexpensive construction in Thailand are long gone.

[daveboy]

You should have just sat on the river bank and slung a line in would have been cheaper

[Sakeopete]

Nice of you to make a dock so it is easy for the Thai's to net all the fish at night.

[hillbilly]

Dr. Andy was right. These barrels usually sell for B430-480.



The problem maybe what was in the barrels beforehand.

[hillbilly]

While the fishing dock was being built, I noticed the riverbank had been burned. I soon found out the reason. Jaew, our caretaker had been burning trash. She was not a happy camper when she had to remove the litter.



The poles are going up nicely. Actually, these poles are used in many water systems throughout this area of Thailand. Rust is minimal, I have been told. Time will tell.

[hillbilly]

Nice of you to make a dock so it is easy for the Thai's to net all the fish at night.

An excellent point and one that had been discussed with the village. In reality the local people do not want nor do they allow mass netting of fish.

[hillbilly]

Now the work starts on the what? Does anyone have an idea on what is going on? The guy in the green shirt is one of our many BILs. He is also an excellent metal worker so that is why K. Law was called to duty.



This photo should provide another hint on what they are doing. Don't be scared, I was also fooled at first.

At least the welder is in a fairly safe place.

[Thetyim]

Are they making a dock or a raft thingy to tow up the river ?

[davearn]

Can't wait to see the end result.

NFI what they are making. Roof ?

[hillbilly]

Now here I was really getting confused. What the hell is going on?



Then I started to understand how the metal workers squared up their work.

[buad hai]

Nice one, again....

[hillbilly]

The thai workers had some powerful machines.



The welding continued. Please notice on hillbilly's construction site, safety is utmost.



This welder is a former well-known MuaThai boxer. Now he is 52 years old. Just wait and see what he can do...

[hillbilly]

I think I can. Not really certain...



I think I could...

[baldrick]

Are the poles Galvanised ? after they have chipped the slag , a quick buff with the wire brush and spray or brush on some Galmet.

[Thetyim]

^
It's the Thai safety thing again.
When welding galvanised it gives off a dangerous fumes and a respirator should be worn.
I have never seen one being used.
It is hard enough to get them to use googles let alone a respirator.

[JoGeAr]

Looks like it's going to be a very nice little fishing dock you'll have there HB. Roof and everything, nice. A couple of deck chairs and an esky (ice-box) and you'll have a great little relaxation spot.

[WhiteLotusLane]

Looks like it's going to be a very nice little fishing dock you'll have there HB.

Actually it looks like it's going to be a very nice little fishing RAFT

Dock:

• a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats