This flotation device, comprised of a 55-gallon steel barrel,supports the dock during installation or removal. It offers steel supporting pins added to both ends so Galv-A-Dock dock sections of various widths can be locked on to the barrel during use. The device can be easily removed after completion of a section. The barrel provides 490 pounds of flotation, which is more than adequate to support any Galv-A-Dock dock section, plus the weight of 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 barrel weighs 23 pounds.