Aquascience have completed many fishing and dipping platforms in our history, but the T-shaped jetty at Fleet Pond was the first floating one. Tasked with replacing an old floating jetty that was constructed from scaffold poles and railway sleepers and sat on old army pontoons, Aquascience designed a new set of pontoons with the help of Solent Marine.
Incorporated into the design of the T-shaped jetty were several fixing points for structural timber to attach the hardwood Gripdeck decking. This allowed the metal pontoons to be finished with a more natural timber design, better in keeping with the beautiful scenery of Fleet Pond. Specially cut diagonal hand rails were also installed to match the existing fencing that separates footpaths from the pond, with a lower section at the front to allow better access to the water for fishermen and dippers.
The floating jetty was the first project Aquascience had undertaken for Hart District Council, but the high quality finish and professional installation of the jetty left them thoroughly impressed. The floating jetty is a favourite spot on Fleet Pond for fishermen, pond-dippers and people just out for a stroll.
The pontoons were designed to keep the decking above water, taking into account extra weight for people using the platform. It had a joint in between the walkway and the end platform so that the two segments could flex independently, and the T-shaped jetty would float more naturally. Chains were used to fix the jetty to the bank and stop any sideways movement.
