This flotation device is comprised of a 55-gallon steel barrel and supports the dock (at 18″ recommended height above the water) during installation or removal so installers do not get wet. The Galv-A-Dock flotation device has steel supporting pins on both ends of the barrel, so Galv-A-Dock dock sections of various widths, can be supported on the flotation device during installation and removal of the dock. The flotation device can be easily removed after completion of a section. The flotation device provides 440 lbs. of flotation buoyancy , which is more than adequate to support any Galv-A-Dock dock framework and decking plus the weight of the service tools and the service crew. We recommend that you only install or remove Galv-A-Dock products during conditions of little to no wind. The flotation device weighs 23 lbs. In the near future, there will be an alternative flotation device available with the ability to set docks at various heights.