build swim platform

[cowboyup]

I've got an 87 24' Grady White with a full transom and the old Grady style bracket. I took the wimpy teak swim platform off. I'm contemplating making a fiberglass swim platform that will extend the full width of the transom and mount on top of the platform. Two ideas come to mind. I could custom cut a 3/4" plywood and laminate it with cloth or woven roven then paint it. Or, I could make a mold, wax it, then spray gelcoat, then cloth, then wood etc... It doesn't seem to terribly difficult, just time consuming. Any suggestions?

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: build swim platform

Personally..Id do the plywood route.<br />you would save $ on the mold building.<br /><br />making a plug or a mold, for me, determined partially on what type of radia I need ( inside or outside ) plug for outside..mold for inside.<br /><br />YD

 

[samagee]

Re: build swim platform

Speaking of swim platforms. Can one be put on a '86 19 foot Bayliner capri? I was thinking of putting one up over the outdrive of course. Right now there is a ladder on the right hand side. I just bought this boat and have to fix the ladder, and was thinking about just putting a platform back there instead. The person I bought this off of, used what looks like clear cauk to seal the problem with the ladder.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: build swim platform

You can do anything if you put your mind to it <br /><br />Alot of times you can find a swimplatform for scrap..cut it down to your needs then bracket it securely ( im assuming Teak at the moment )<br /><br />YD

 

[samagee]

Re: build swim platform

Thank you. I was worried that there was some safety issue with that idea. I have seen some newer boats made with a platform that high back there. So I was thinking about do the same, since I have to work the ladder problem anyway. <br /><br />Thank you.

 

[prockvoan]

Re: build swim platform

Just make sure you will be able to trim up the outdrive.

 

[samagee]

Re: build swim platform

Originally posted by prockvoan:<br /> Just make sure you will be able to trim up the outdrive.

Good point. Thank you.

 

[jlinder]

Re: build swim platform

My platform has a hinged cutout in the center. When the outdrive is down, it is flat. When up, the center section hinges up.<br /><br />Have you thought of the plastic they have called seaboard (I think it is what they call it)? You could cut it like wood, but it never rots, etc.<br /><br />Wonder if they sell it like boards that you could put together just like teak. Just a thought.

 

[samagee]

Re: build swim platform

Originally posted by Jack L:<br /> My platform has a hinged cutout in the center. When the outdrive is down, it is flat. When up, the center section hinges up.<br /><br />Have you thought of the plastic they have called seaboard (I think it is what they call it)? You could cut it like wood, but it never rots, etc.<br /><br />Wonder if they sell it like boards that you could put together just like teak. Just a thought.

Now this gives me more to think about. Thanks! This is why I love to cruise these forums.

 

[bigbad4cyl]

Re: build swim platform

its called kings starboard...kinda pricey

 

[prockvoan]

Re: build swim platform

What about that decking boards(plastic) they sell at home inprovement centers?I myself never worked with it!

 

[jamminmaz]

Re: build swim platform

Yeah that fake/plastic wood works great. I was looking at brackets on Ebay, and they are 80-120 bucks. In the storage section of the home improvement stores they have these big brackets for putting up shelves in your garage etc. they are the heavy duty kind with 90 degree frame, and then an arm that goes across at a 45. They are like $5-10, and can hold a couple hundred pounds. Why not get a couple of those, drill holes in the tops to bolt the fake wood to, and a couple extra holes for transom mounting, spray em in a rustproof paint and use those?? I could swear i have seen a boat where the guy did that, and it was fine! The fake wood stuff isnt cheap, but a 1x4x12ft piece is about $20 and would be enough for 2 or 3 slats in width. I might be doing this same thing myself in the next couple weeks (especially this weather!!!!) and i will keep you posted if i do. $30-40 swim platform? Absolutely.<br /><br />Rock and Roll

 

[samagee]

Re: build swim platform

Originally posted by jamminmaz:<br /> Yeah that fake/plastic wood works great. I was looking at brackets on Ebay, and they are 80-120 bucks. In the storage section of the home improvement stores they have these big brackets for putting up shelves in your garage etc. they are the heavy duty kind with 90 degree frame, and then an arm that goes across at a 45. They are like $5-10, and can hold a couple hundred pounds. Why not get a couple of those, drill holes in the tops to bolt the fake wood to, and a couple extra holes for transom mounting, spray em in a rustproof paint and use those?? I could swear i have seen a boat where the guy did that, and it was fine! The fake wood stuff isnt cheap, but a 1x4x12ft piece is about $20 and would be enough for 2 or 3 slats in width. I might be doing this same thing myself in the next couple weeks (especially this weather!!!!) and i will keep you posted if i do. $30-40 swim platform? Absolutely.<br /><br />Rock and Roll

Thanks for the headsup! You know home debot is fast becoming my home away from home.

 

[jamminmaz]

Re: build swim platform

Oh i know its crazy!! Not to mention once you go there 4 times, and you are postitive you got EVERYTHING, you will still need to go 3 more times.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: build swim platform

this is not a big deal here...

 

[lakelivin]

Re: build swim platform

Originally posted by Jack L:<br /> My platform has a hinged cutout in the center. When the outdrive is down, it is flat. When up, the center section hinges up......<br />

Is there any danger of the end 'dragging' when you're trimmed up for cruising, or does the fact that you're mounting it over the outdrive pretty much remove that possibility?