fiberglass question?

S

Steev-oh

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I have a 97 four winns 180H and I have been calling around to get an extended swim platform for it, I had a dealer tell me that they wouldn't sell me one for any boat that is more than 10yrs old. He reasoning behind that was the fiberglass is not as strong due to the age and if I put one on it i will be in for some big structural problems.
My thought is that if what he says it true any boat that is 10yrs or older would have major transom issues around the gimble houseing due to the engine twisting on excelleration. Anyone have some thought on this?
i really want to get a extended swimplatform but if it is not a smart thing to do well i will make due with out it.

any thoughts or comments from experience would be very helpfull.

Thanks Steve
 
Bob_VT

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
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Re: fiberglass question?

Well he sounds smart and gun shy.

Most of the transom rot or deterioration happens around the outdrive , near the bottom of the transom and around the edges.

I would do bore holes or test holes from the inside to make sure rot is not present........ and find another swim platform dealer.

With the proper installation and bracing you should be fine.

Grrrrrrrr I am a little frustrated....... I have seen a swim platform advertisement on the forum but now I can't find it..... hopefully it will pop up soon ;)
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: fiberglass question?

I had a dealer tell me that they wouldn't sell me one for any boat that is more than 10yrs old. He reasoning behind that was the fiberglass is not as strong due to the age and if I put one on it i will be in for some big structural problems.
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... It ain't the fiberglass that weakens, it's the Wood support that Rots is probably his concerns...

Or maybe he'd rather sell Boats than Parts,....

Like Bob says, it's easy enough to be a DIY thing....
Do some readin' in the Restoration Forum to see what might be encountered,+ how to Deal with it...
 
S

Steev-oh

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Re: fiberglass question?

I thought he was a little off, but you never know.
I will do like you said and do some checking from the inside, i figured if I made up some 6" round SS plates for on the inside it would help spread the load.

I will watch for the swim platform add, not sure if they will ship to Canada but you never know. It will probably cost me a fortune to have it shipped, I got an alignment tool on Ebay and the shipping was $35 which was what I got it for still $75 is better than the $120 everyone around here wanted.

Thanks for your help guys.
 
S

Steev-oh

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Re: fiberglass question?

That is awsome, thanks alot. I just requested a quote, looking at the picks they do a pretty good job.

I will post my results
 
F

Fordiesel69

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Re: fiberglass question?

Dealers are overly cautious, but yes a poorly cared for boat will be rotten in 10 years. I see it all the time at the marina, a boat with absolutly NO COVER. Filled with water.

For what its worth though, find another dealer. Or if you really like the dealer and have been a long time customer, ask to sign a waver to releive them of responsiblity. If they still refuse, then you know it was there way of saying "not interested".
 
redone4x4

redone4x4

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