Looking for DIY Outboard Swim Platform Pics

[seedlings]

The swim ladder on our 14' Open bow tri-hull has been repaired twice, and I don't know if it will survive this season. So, I'd like to make a pair of swim platforms for either side of the outboard. In searching I've seen where several people have used a transom extension motor mount and put a swim deck on top. I don't want to get that fancy, just a couple of 16" x 16" platforms on either side of the motor would do nicely. The pre-fabricated platforms available here and elsewhere seem very small.

If you have a picture or thread of some DIY outboard platforms, they'd be inspirational. Thanks!

CHAD

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Looking for DIY Outboard Swim Platform Pics

Here's a couple photos of what I did for a small swim platform on the Checkmate I rebuilt. I'm fortunate to have access to a water-jet, so went fancy with the design - I cut the Checkmate logo into the center of the platform. I was able to use part of the original swim ladder, the rest of it is pretty basic stuff. It just took some time with test fitting etc.

 

[seedlings]

Re: Looking for DIY Outboard Swim Platform Pics

That looks very nice. Any trouble scratching legs on the exposed brackets on top? Also, did you use aluminum or SS? Oh, and one more - did you use similar angle brackets to mount under the platform to the transom?

CHAD

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Looking for DIY Outboard Swim Platform Pics

So far there have been no complaints about torn up legs (and my kids will complain given the slightest motivation to do so). The only parts exposed on top are pan-head screws, and they're so close to the side that it's not an issue. All the socket head cap screws are totally recessed. The brackets etc. that I made are all aluminum, with s/s hardware. For mounting to the transom I used the plastic wedges which were part of the original ladder in order to get the proper angle and fastened some alumimun angle brackets to them to mount the platform to. The angle brackets I just made from extruded aluminum angle.

 

[seedlings]

Re: Looking for DIY Outboard Swim Platform Pics

So far there have been no complaints about torn up legs (and my kids will complain given the slightest motivation to do so). The only parts exposed on top are pan-head screws, and they're so close to the side that it's not an issue. All the socket head cap screws are totally recessed. The brackets etc. that I made are all aluminum, with s/s hardware. For mounting to the transom I used the plastic wedges which were part of the original ladder in order to get the proper angle and fastened some alumimun angle brackets to them to mount the platform to. The angle brackets I just made from extruded aluminum angle.

Thank you very much for the pics and insight!

CHAD

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking for DIY Outboard Swim Platform Pics

Nicest DIY outboard platform I've ever seen was done here http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=364284&page=79 check the previous page also for his mock-up and construction.

For my boat, I just plan on getting something like this: http://www.iboats.com/Garelick-Outb...48086870--**********.033335571--view_id.38753

 

[seedlings]

Re: Looking for DIY Outboard Swim Platform Pics

Nicest DIY outboard platform I've ever seen was done here http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=364284&page=79 check the previous page also for his mock-up and construction.

For my boat, I just plan on getting something like this: http://www.iboats.com/Garelick-Outb...48086870--**********.033335571--view_id.38753

Agreed! Archbuilder's platform is wicked perfect.

Now, about the pre fabricated platforms... I'm one of those (to steal from Einstein) "as simple and as cheap as possible, but no simpler, no cheaper" kind of guys, which means two pre-built platforms would stretch $300+. I'd rather save a couple of hundred bucks as long as it's safe and solid. Teak would look awesome, fit with the boat, but.... price... I will have to look into some. Meanwhile we take the boat out for the first trip this year so the multi-epoxy-repaired ladder will have to do for now.

Thank you emobee! This is exactly the content I'm after.

CHAD

 

[seedlings]

Re: Looking for DIY Outboard Swim Platform Pics

I'll bump this once just in case anyone else is willing to add pictures and advice.

Thanks again,
CHAD