Building swim platform (maybe) - ideas and critiques!

[tmh]

OK, I've now officially lost my mind! 1985 new-to-me 19' BR that I'm fixing a bit. NEVER even considered a long-term project, but one thing leads to another and......well, I'm sure you guys have been THERE....

Anyways, just removed the original small platform (the one person size on the back/side) to clean behind it and re-finish the teakwood and got to thinking - why not just build a wide platform and put it on? Or buy used or whatever. I'm NOT looking to spend a ton as the boat only coast me $3,000 and all the $$$ I spendCOULD HAVE gone to buying a better boat.

The new boats with integrated platforms don't look like hard plastic to me (need to look closely one of these days), they look like they have some padding (?), It seems logical to me that I could fairly easily build one with teak or even sealed plywood (slotted for weight reduction and water drainage) then put a 1/4 piece of closed cell foam on it for comfort wrapped in vinyl to match the boat interior. It seems like an easy build that would be functional and look good.

Does this make sense or is bare plastic (I've seen this discussed here, but expensive material) or teak wood the way to go? I just don't like the look of the "aftermarket" ones I've seen done this way.

Do I run it the full width of the stern or do I make it a certain size smaller in width?

Is the ladder normally on one side or the other?

Thanks.

 

[stevieray]

Re: Building swim platform (maybe) - ideas and critiques!

tmh - swim platforms are really a matter of taste. You can look at the pictures thread down in Boat Topics & Questions & see all kinds of different types - you have to decide on the look you want & go from there. Mine has a built-in platform - that design really sold me on the boat. It has non-skid surface - I have never seen one "padded" as you say. Straight teak ones look real nice as add-ons, but are high-maintenance to keep them looking good.
Once you figure out what you want it to look like, then shop aftermarket pre-built ones or make it yourself if you can't find one you like.

 

[tmh]

Re: Building swim platform (maybe) - ideas and critiques!

S-ray, thanks. Can't find the picture thread you are referring to. Can you direct me.

 

[stevieray]

Re: Building swim platform (maybe) - ideas and critiques!

Click on this....


http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=1;gtid=1165997

 

[salty87]

Re: Building swim platform (maybe) - ideas and critiques!

i haven't seen a vinyl padded platform either. storage while under way would be a concern unless you could fold it or use it elsewhere. still though, that's a harsh spot for padded vinyl.

i've also seen after-market platforms made of tubing, powder coated your favorite color. wide flat tubes with non-skid held together by round tubes.

i've seen i/o's with platforms across the top of where the outdrive would be when lifted up, used a ladder. i've seen them notched for where the outdrive would be when up. i've also seen them where the middle section over the drive is hinged, i guess, i didn't see the bottom. the middle section is kept up while under way and dropped to make a flat continuous platform while not underway.

i have a teak platform on mine (straight inboard) with no ladder. it's real nice to be right at the water level with the platform, maybe even under an inch or two at rest. i'd shoot for that instead of up high.

i have a friend with an integrated platform that wasn't deep enough to be very usable. he added a teak platform right on top and through bolted, i think. looks great from the water.

you might have luck finding an old teak platform and modifying it. you could also get removable brackets so you can take it off, pull the pins and lift the platform off.

 

[tmh]

Re: Building swim platform (maybe) - ideas and critiques!

OK, sounds like my padded, vinyl covered idea is a bust. Teak wood may be the way to go then, I also saw one on eBay made of that plastic-wood decking material. Low maintenance I'd expect. Not sure what board sizes they make of that stuff though.

I'd have to put mine fairly high for the outdrive, but that's fine - my boys would prefer to jump off it, the higher the better.

The other thing I just thought of is the angle. I think I'd have to see my boat sitting in the water to determine proper mounting angle - parellel to water I assume is correct. I JUST acid washed the water line off the darn thing today! I could have seen just how it site with that line probably. Good wash job too! No sign of the waterling on the sides.

 

[stevieray]

Re: Building swim platform (maybe) - ideas and critiques!

One thing about teak - if you keep the boat in the water, ducks LOVE to perch on it. Whole gangs of'em. I've seen people try rubber snakes & owls as scare-ducks, but they get used to them in a couple of days & sit right up there with them. Never seen them sitting on a fiberglass or plastic one, though.

 

[Flukinicehole]

Re: Building swim platform (maybe) - ideas and critiques!

I just took a swim platform off of my boat was full width of transom.I live in N.Y. on L.I. if interested let me know and I will measure it for you.It`s nice Glass and teak.