Adding swim platform - practical restrictions???

[tmh]

I have a 1985 19' BR with I/O Mercruiser 305 engine, alpha one. I want to get rid of my small swim step and put on a full swim platform. My question is how much clearance do I need over the tom of the outdrive (when raised full, of course)? What i'm wondering about is and servie work i may need to do that may require some space above the outdrive. I can't think of any off hand, but I'm new to this.

Thanks.

It will be a teak swim platform, btw. I plan to buy a used one and refinish it. Finding one with a somewhat similar contour or one that has enough wood width to cut a contour is important, i assume.

 

[oops!]

Re: Adding swim platform - practical restrictions???

hi bud ......


im building the same thing,,,,

ok......when most work is done on alpha 1s...its easy to take the drive off........

so that means...the clearance you need is the height of the drive up .....plus ...what? .....2 ins?....or close?...that means two ins from the top of the outer transom plate....follow me?

if im wrong here let some one jump on me....but ... i think that is the way im going...........

if any body has other ideas.....jump in now.....

cheers
oops

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Adding swim platform - practical restrictions???

you want it above the transom plate, but if the outdrive at full trailer position, is higher you need to clear it. that simple.

 

[tmh]

Re: Adding swim platform - practical restrictions???

Thanks guys. I'll put it a few inches above the plate or the trailer position outdrive, whichever is higher.

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: Adding swim platform - practical restrictions???

The position you have in mind will probably be fine but it might not hurt to make a template out of cardboard etc. Mark out where you want it to be then if possible put your boat in the water and see (with template) how it clears the water when floating and adjust a bit from there if need be. Probably wouldnt hurt it but if it were always dragging in the water that could present some problems as well. The transom is not plumb so alot has to do with how long the supports underneath are and how you want it to look while in the water. Alot of them have a ladder incorporated into the planking which permits a bit higher mount but you can still get onto swim deck easily. Im sure there will be plenty of wood on the starter course to accommidate your transom shape, as you don't want it tight to the glass anyway. Good luck

 

[Zetman]

Re: Adding swim platform - practical restrictions???

Think about making the center part of the swin deck(where the outdrive is at full up for trailering) hinge when the outdrive goes up. Does this make sense without pictures or a drawing? That is what I'm thinking about doing. Zet

 

[SFT2]

Re: Adding swim platform - practical restrictions???

Think about making the center part of the swin deck(where the outdrive is at full up for trailering) hinge when the outdrive goes up. Does this make sense without pictures or a drawing? That is what I'm thinking about doing. Zet

There are more than a couple of boats out there that came that way from the factory. I looked at a few last fall and it seems to be a good setup.