Swim Platform Replacement

[DrBones]

I have a 1988 Weekender with a swim platform that won't last this upcoming season. It's the original 82" by 24" 3/4" plywood encased in fiberglass. <br /><br />I want a easy care replacement but "Starboard's" are too expensive and Teak is out for maintenance (time) reasons.<br /><br />If I glued with Gorilla or other waterproof glue, two sheets of 1/2" marine ply (more plys for strength over 3/4"), enclosed it in fiberglass, will it work? How hard would it be to do? I have the knowledge of woodworking but not much fiberglassing.<br /><br />Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Swim Platform Replacement

AAaahhhh Doctor Bones,<br />Sounds like you're on the right track, o-k but you might think of something other than plywood for a core 'cause that's gonna be real heavy. You might look into some other core materials like end-grain balsa wood honeycomb,etc. and beef up hard points (mounting points) with plywood. Encapsulate the whole thing with 2 oz. mat and a medium weight cloth and it's done, Use plenty of resin to get good penetration into core material. Keep us posted.<br /><br />G'luck & c/6<br /><br />hooty

 

[Hooty]

Re: Swim Platform Replacement

Shoulda been a comma (,) between balsa wood and honeycomb<br /><br />hooty

 

[DrBones]

Re: Swim Platform Replacement

Well...here's my plan...<br /><br />Having never glassed before, and looking at end-grain balsa sheets that are 2' x 4'and plastic lumber, I've opted for a different solution. <br /><br />I'm thinking of using 4 Architectural grade clear cedar 2x6x8'boards. They will be tongue and grooved on the edges, glued and clamped together, with G2 Marine Epoxy Glue by Industrial Formulators of Canada. The tongue and groove is necessary so that the 25" center-to-center supports can be spanned sufficiently enough for proper support strength. Once the glue is cured, the entire "platform" will be sanded to remove any excess glue. <br /><br />The next step will be to plunge route, through the entire 1 1/2" thickness, 12" x 1" drainage holes spaced evenly between the supports. <br /><br />Then, the "platform" will be cut to length, sides angled in for appearance, and corners rounded with a jig saw for safety. Once that is done, the entire ball of wax will be sanded smooth.<br /><br />The next step will be, to seal all surfaces with Gluvit Waterproof Epoxy Sealer. Gluvit can be pigmented for color. I'm looking for a white completed swim platform. A few coats should be sufficient. <br /><br />Now comes my dilema. I need a surface that is not slippery. Can I mix sand into the final surface coat? Or, should I cut some heavy woven (24oz or better) glass mat and lay that on? Does anyone have any ideas?<br /><br />Any suggestions/advice good or bad, would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />DrBones