Patriot Dock Assembly
Helpful Hints for Patriot Dock Assembly:
1.
Visit www.patriotdocks.com for step
-
by
-
step photo and video instructions under the Instructions and FAQ sections.
2.
Each frame section is NOT built individually. Each additional section is attached and built off of the previous section.
3.
Do not tighten any bolts until the frame or frames are fully assembled.
4.
The 4 ft. Truss End Rail and Connecting Rail (Items 3 and 4) always fit
inside the vertical angles
of the 8’ Side Rails.
5.
Use the shorter 3/8” –16 X 1.25” bolts (Item A) for all joints
except
the center of the Connecting Rail (Item 4), where
the two 3/8” –16 X 1.50” bolts are used (Item B).
Frame Assembly Steps (diagrams on page 4 and 5):
•
Layout all the 4 x 8 ft frame components on level ground. Orient the components so the Short Center Support Tube
(Item 5) is on the shore end of the frame and the Long Center Support Tube (Item 6) is on the lake end of the frame. See
drawings for reference.
•
Starting with the shore end of the frame, loosely bolt the 4 ft Truss End Rail (Item 1) to the Left and Right Side Rails
(Item 2 and 3) using the 3/8”x1.25” bolt and nut.
Note: The lip on the side rails face upward. Notice the orientation
of the center vertical angle on the Side Rails, this determines Left and Right sides.
•
Bolt the second 4 ft Truss End Rail (Item 1) at the center of the two Side Rails.
•
Bolt the Short Center Support Tube between the two End Rails on the shore end of the frame.
Do not install the 3/8”
nuts until after the next step.
•
Bolt the Long Center Support Tube between the middle 4’ Truss End Rail (Item 1) and Connecting Rail (Item 4) using
the 3/8” x 1.25” long bolts.
Wait to install 3/8” nuts until after next frame section has been joined to the first.
•
Connect the next 4 x 8 ft frame by fitting the two Side Rails and 4 ft Truss End Rail into the bolts from the previous
step and install the 3/8” nuts to fasten the joint. See drawings on next page.
•
Finish attaching the remaining 4 x 8 ft frames by repeating steps above. Repeat until the entire straight frame is assem-
bled.
•
Lastly, install the loose 4 ft Truss End Rail (Item 1) to the lake end of the straight length dock frame (shown in red on
next page). Tighten all bolted connections throughout the dock assembly.
•
Rotate dock frame on its side or prop up frame on blocks to install Transition Plates (Item 8) and 8 ft Diagonal Braces
(Item 7) in the holes on the bottom of the assembled frames. The Transition Plates strengthen the connection between 4
x 8 ft connecting frames. The Diagonal Braces are installed under each 8 ft frame, alternating directions on each frame.
The braces will form a Z type pattern under the frame to control swaying.
•
If your dock has a Patio or “L” configuration, preassemble the 4 x 8 frame and connect to the straight dock section us-
ing six 3/8” x 1.25” bolts and nuts.
Pipe or Jack Supports (see page 6 for illustrations):
Fasten Jack Supports or Pipe Supports to the frame, making sure there is no span greater than 16 ft. between supports.
Pipe:
Pipe Holders mount to the 1/2” holes in the vertical angles of the Side Rails. Insert pipe through Pipe Holder to de-
sired height. Fasten Foot Plates to the bottom and add the pipe cap to the top. For Roll in pipe docks, install axle convertor
(L
-
shaped unit) to the bottom of the vertical pipes. The Axle Converter should be oriented to that the closed sleeve accepts
the vertical pipe and the through sleeve accepts the axle pipe. Orientate the “L” brackets inward. Feed horizontal axle pipe
(6’ for straight docks and 8’ for patio docks) through both Axle Converter brackets. Add wheels and secure with stop
clamps. Drill up to four 3/8” holes on one side of each wheel, at any of the 4 dimple locations, so wheel fills with water .
Screw Jacks:
Screw Jacks bolt to the frame using the 3/8” holes near each vertical angle on the Side Rails. Add Drop Leg
to jack and set to desired height. For Roll in Jack Docks, simply mount the aluminum axle to the bottom of the jack (do not
use Drop Leg components when attaching the axle), add the wheel and secure in place. Jack fenders (PN10886) are installed
last using two 3/8”x3.5” bolts/nuts.
Add Decking:
•
Drop in 4’ x 4’ decking panels after dock assembly is in the water and the height is adjusted. If you purchased alumi-
num dock panels, install adhesive backed rubber to the top of the side rails and the center of the frame before installing
the deck panels.
•
Use the optional Deck Locker or add your own locking screws, bolts or zip ties to fasten the decking panels to the frame
using the single hole in the stringers (poly and aluminum decking) if desired.
•
Remove decking before moving the dock frame out of the water for storage. Stack and cover the decking for protection
in the off season.
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