Advice on building swim platform

[popeyefoghorn]

I would like to build a swim platform for my 1978 Chris Craft Catalina Express. I did a search for previous posts, but I'm still not real clear on how to go about this. I would like to make it out of fiberglas. Is there much to it? What is best to use as a core? What areas need to be reinforced and with what? Any advice or comments would be apprec.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

Unless you are really good with glass I would just buy one (check E-bay). Things like that need to be right or it is a waist of money.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

I swim platform can be quite elaborate and more complicated that it looks. The supports are critical, as to strength and size. I would consider 3/4" Starboard, maybe doubling the thickness on the underside to make it more to scale, if you know what I mean. The stuff is slippery though. Teak looks great, about 1 1/2" strips, screwed (SS deck screws) together with a SS trim. You will have a great winter project on you hands. Very functional, don't forget hand holds and a latter! I too, would avoid fiberglass, unless you willing to build a mold and shoot in gelcoat, etc. Too much work for a 'one off.' Good luck!

 

[popeyefoghorn]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

Ya your right I don't think I'll attempt the glas job on my own. This may be a dumb question, but what do you mean by starboard? Also if the beam of the boat is 10ft. and I put a 5ft*2ft teak platform on it, what would I require for support? Also is there any tricks to drilling into the transom. So I won't have any problems with rot down the road?

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

There's no such thing as a dumb question when the asker is sincere about learning. Starboard is the right side of the boat when you're facing forward. Port is the left side. I agree that a bought transom platform would be much cheaper, simpler and sturdier in the long run. They also have the advantage that detailed instructions are usually included.

 

[popeyefoghorn]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

Ya I know Starboard , port (pretty good eh!) but didn't know what was meant by 3/4" starboard in Mumblerone's reply. Hey, by the way I found a guy with a used swim platform but he says it is mahogony (is that spelled right) is that type of wood ok?

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

jack- sometimes there are dumb answers! just kidding. i think he knew what starboard was in reference to sides of boats. starboard is a building material used in many marine applications. not sure what its actually made of, but it resembles hard plastic and is solid. comes in various sizes, lengths, and thicknesses. also comes in different colors, but usually white.

 

[JAZZedBW]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

make sure that is secure!<br /><br />JAZZ

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

I will be installing a platform on my '77 Catalina Express this Spring. I considered building one myself (planned to do double thickness 3/4" plywood bonded with epoxy, and encased in epoxy and fiberglass cloth) -- but decided to buy a used teak platform instead. I took some pics of a platform on a similar sized boat for an idea of mounting supports (number and placement).<br /><br />My boat is the 25' model, and I'm pretty sure I will have to reinforce the transom at the mounting points. In addition, access behind the stern mounted gas tank might turn out to be impossible. One option in that case might be to place a couple of supports on top of the platform (can double as grab rails) -- have to wait until I have the boat out of the water to make final decisions.

 

[popeyefoghorn]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

Oldboat1, can you just attach the mounting brackets with some heavy screws (with an agressive thread) or do they have to have a nut on the other side of the transom. When you say reinforce the transom what do you have in mind?

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

Ya get that manual yet Popeye? I believe it was tuesday it went out in the mail. You gave me a good idea on the manuals. I dug out all the old ones under the counter and stuck them on E bay. So far I've made $268 on the sales.

 

[popeyefoghorn]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

Hey good work Capt Ken No sign of it yet. I'll let you know.

 

[boater4life]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

Make sure your plaform is big enough for your inflatable. This what I use and you only need about 4 inches more than half the width of the inflatable for mounting.<br /><br />

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

Sorry, Popeye. Just re-read this thread and I did give you a dumb answer. The right answer depends on actually knowing what the question is and I obviously wasn't paying enough attention. Good luck on your project.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

Popeye: The transom on my Chris is only the fiberglass, no frame. This isn't enough to hold the platform, on my view. I think I'm going to need some plywood backing (at least) across the inside. It's not just holding the screws; I don't think the transom will hold the weight without reinforcement.<br /><br />Capt Ken -- Got any manuals for the '77 Chris Craft (25' hardtop express)? Engine is the 305 Chev.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

PopeyeFoghorn...this is the picture I wanted to show you. This platform is all teak 1 3/4" thick, screwed together. 10'-0" wide. A lot of lumber. It's supported with four SS supports that are thru bolted with a backing plate. (4" x4") Be sure to seal holes, 5200 by 3M is good. Keep in mind that on a platform most of the load is in sheer (downward). That is a SS guard around it too, with SS trim. We felt it was a little vunerable...great handhold when swinning. The hard part was that the transom had a curve, we built a rathe substantial jig. This was done 15 years ago and has held up very well. We haven't whacked it yet.

That's my other boat in the background?

 

[popeyefoghorn]

Re: Advice on building swim platform

Mumblerone & Oldboat1, Thanks for the input, thats just what I was looking for. Just need some guidelines to go by and things to lookout for. I have found a used plateform (teak) for $150can(about $30us ) and so I just want to make sure it is mounted properly now. Thanks again.