Custom Fiberglass Extended Swim Platform

[Scott Danforth]

4# foam and a wood rasp?

 

[tpenfield]

Here is my thinking (wire frame drawing) of a box structure for the aft section of the platform. It would be a bit easier if not for the 4 locations where the ladders have to attach (thru-bolts)


.
My plan is to create these shapes with 1/2" foam (urethane) that I have on hand and then fill them with the 2# pour-in foam that I have. Afterwards, I'll round the corners and do a little shaping, then glass it over.

Ideally, this would be good for vacuum bagging or infusion. Just a difficult set of shapes to do this though . . .

Any thoughts? :noidea:

I've got a couple of weeks to think about it, as I won't be back at it until later this month.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Ted, you could put in threaded anchor blocks out of stainless in the areas where the ladders need to go, then its all closed off.

 

[tpenfield]

Ted, you could put in threaded anchor blocks out of stainless in the areas where the ladders need to go, then its all closed off.

Good thought . . . I think I'd have to put some starboard in the hardware fastening areas so there is something substantial to 'grab' onto. Maybe I could use a stainless threaded insert instead of an anchor block. . . :noidea:

 

[Scott Danforth]

Im using 316L T-nuts in my interior pieces. https://www.mcmaster.com/#tee-nut-inserts/=4d4308e0aaa24006ac7e92851d226aeajvckdnqt

however in my gunwales I have some 316L flat bar that was drilled and tapped that is epoxied in place.

you will want a large bearing surface and a shape that wont twist out.

I would go with the stainless flat bar https://www.mcmaster.com/#stainless-flat-bar/=4d4308e0aaa24006ac7e92851d226aeajvckgqn3

make sure to either use tef-gel on the bolt threads or seal them with permatex #3

 

[tpenfield]

My challenge is that I will not know the exact location of the holes (4 per ladder) until I go to fit the platform. Then it is a matter of marking the holes and drilling. Might be safer to plan on thru-bolts.

 

[Scott Danforth]

or make sure there is enough foam to hide the drill-thru and tap from above when you locate the ladders

 

[tpenfield]

I think I'll go with thru-bolts and not mess around with inserts. So the design will look something like this.
.

.
I simplified the outer areas a bit.

I'm going to try to do resin infusion, or at least vacuum bag this, so I get good conformity to the irregular shapes.

 

[tpenfield]

Quick Update . . .

I've pretty much convinced myself that a resin infusion would be best, considering the shape of the aft 'structure' that I have drawn out. I've got to order a few more supplies, but I have most of the vacuum infusion 'stuff' on hand.

I won't be back at it for a couple of weeks . . . I've got to make about a 20-hour trip/stay in Florida to bring the in-laws back north from their snow bird migration. Then the following weekend maybe a trip to NYC.

Time is flying by . . . going to be June before I know it.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Where in FL?

 

[tpenfield]

Where in FL?

East Cost (WPB) - sorry. I'll get over to your side of the state at some point. I have family/friends in the Naples area.

I'm not sure on the itinerary, but I think we land at about 10:00 am and are on the road heading north @ 6:00 am the next morning. Just about enough time to pack the car and make sure all is good with the house.

Sad thing is that there are 2 Cruisers 328 boats for sale in the area. Not sure the Admiral will be up for a quick 'shopping' trip . . . :noidea:

 

[Scott Danforth]

you do know that there are hundreds of 'glass supply houses in the WPB / Ft Licquordale area.

 

[tpenfield]

you do know that there are hundreds of 'glass supply houses in the WPB / Ft Licquordale area.

Yes . . . US Composites is actually in WPB. $46/gallon for VE. My local guy is $56/Gal.

 

[sphelps]

There ya go ! If you don’t mind smelling resin all the way home ..

 

[tpenfield]

There ya go ! If you don’t mind smelling resin all the way home ..

Fortunately, I have enough resin to complete the platform. But something to keep in mind in the future

 

[tpenfield]

Heading North. . . Left WPB @ 5:45 am Saturday The car is packed to the gills. Good thing I wasn't planning on picking up any resin.

Spending Mother's Day in the car.

Next time working on the platform will be Memorial Day weekend.

 

[mickyryan]

you went right past me and sam! shoulda holla as ya went by

 

[tpenfield]

OK, it's been a couple of weeks . . . so time for a quick update.

I put together the 'skinning' for the rear portion of the platform . . .



These will get filled with pour-in foam and then shaped.

Once it is all shaped, I will set up another infusion and put a layer of glass over . That should do it for the fiberglassing . . . maybe a few touch-up spots.

In other news . . .

I decided to get rid of my oldest car (2004 Explorer).


It failed inspection and needs about $1K in brake work.

The Admiral said that I need to get a 4WD/AWD drive car for winter driving. My other car is NFG in the snow.

So, I've been Internet shopping for CPO Mercedes or BMW. Since I don't buy cars that often, i'm trying to get one with all the goodies, so it does not feel obsolete in a few years.

Busy times . . .

 

[Ciera2450]

Fun stuff! Platform is al,ost there!

 

[Scott Danforth]

you know that most of the electronic stuff in BMW's die.

also, check FL our for CPO BMW and Mercs..... plenty of CPO lease return vehicles down here.