Quick and Easy Pier/Ramp

Supplies
Approximately 9 2X6's at 8ft. (you will need more if you wish to make a longer pier/ramp)
decking screws
wooden stakes

Instructions
Pick a height.
Cut 2, 2X6's at that height. These will be your legs. *Read ahead for concrete security instructions. (approx. 1 foot will be submerged into ground.)

Figure out how far into the water you would like to go out into.
Cut two 2X6's at that length. These will be your arms.
At one end of the arms, cut a 22.5 degree angle, leaving the other end square.

Pick a width you would like your pier/ramp to be. Mark out on ground.
Drive wooden stakes that are about 1.5 ft - 2ft long into the ground on the inside of your marks until 3 or 4 inches are sticking out of the ground.
Place the arms (22.5 degree angle end) on the outside of the stakes. Screw the arm to the stakes.

Meanwhile, have someone else hold the other side, where the arms meet the legs. Place the top of the legs on the inside of the arms, and screw together. Connect the left and right with the brace (a 2X6 that is cut the width of the pier/ramp) in-between.

Use concrete or stakes to secure the bottom of the legs. If you use concrete, submerge legs 1foot into the ground. Brace the legs to look like an X. Nail the top and bottom of a 2X4 (cut 2-3ft longer than the width of pier/ramp) to the inside of the legs. Rotate a second 2X4 and copy procedure above, on the outside of the legs, once again, forming an X.

Cut planks 2 inches longer than the width of the pier/ramp.
Start at the front of the pier/ramp (part hanging over water,) and place the planks, strategically along the pier/ramp, leaving ½ inches of space between each plank.
Pre-drill planks to keep the wood from splitting. Secure with decking screws.

Enjoy your pier/ramp!