Swim/dive platform holes? Why?

[snapperbait]

Ok... One thing I've always wondered about is, why does a swim platform have holes? Why are they made that way? Ever got your big toe stuck or twisted in one of them holes? I have.. Hurts like a SOB. <br />

<br /><br />Back to topic... The only reason for the holes I can think of is they might be there to to help equalize the effect of a following sea or when backing down in seas, or am I totaly missing the boat on this?... <br /><br />I want to build a platform without holes, but don't want to cause any adverse effects... <br /><br />My plan is for the platform to be about 52"LX24"W on a 80+" wide transom and will sit roughly 3 inches above the waterline with the boat at rest...<br /><br />Any and all thoughts and suggestions welcome..

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Swim/dive platform holes? Why?

I see plenty of new boats with solid swim platforms, so I say build it the way you want it. In my opinion, any following seas or backswells can flow off to the sides just as easily. I think maybe there were holes to prevent standing water and slippage, but nowadays with all the no-skid stuff you can apply, they just make 'em solid. Good luck....

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Swim/dive platform holes? Why?

Hey Snapperbait, I agree with Jason, I think the holes were originally there, because when a swimmer came out of the water dripping heavily, the water could run back through the holes, and give something a little extra to grip to when slipping. If your not going to use one solid board and plan on using a few, you may consider a small gap between them, use a nail or pencil as a spacer when building, which will allow water to run off between the boards, and also allow the boards to dry, and not build up mildew between them. Just a thought if your going to use more than one board as stripping. If your going to use one solid board, I would, as Jason mentioned, use some type of non slip preventitive. Just a safety suggestion!

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Swim/dive platform holes? Why?

I have a slightly different view. I have a swim paltform like that shown. I covered the holes. The darn thing made it difficult to plane and caused a cavitation. I cut the holes back out and the problem disappeared.<br /><br />I think they are there to allow the water to flow back through quickly when climbing out of the hole. Otherwise you have to lift that large volume of water when the stern dips before rising.<br /><br />The newer boats have the swim platform as an part of the transom. They are not a couple of inch think flat plane sticking off the back of the transom like the one above.<br /><br />JMO

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Swim/dive platform holes? Why?

If the platform is fitted high enough to stay out of the water at takeoff, it can be designed in any way.<br /><br />Look at boats with integral platforms: Most often GRP and no holes.<br /><br />Could it be, that making it from smaller boards is easier/cheaper? This world has plenty more small boards than big, and making platforms to certain size or design is easier this way. The design is lighter with the holes too.<br /><br />I have a big platform (not in use, sitting in the back garden), made of a stainless frame & fittings with slim teak boards.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Swim/dive platform holes? Why?

Most platforms are right on the water line to make it easier swim off and get back on. If it's not right on/in the water you might as well just have a ladder.<br /><br />The integrated platforms are part of the transom - they have some keel under them so it not a flat 2-ft plane simply sticking off the back.