Swim Platforms

[raven1978]

Hi, i am looking at replacing my swim platform. Fiberglass is not an option right now due to cost factor. I am wondering if it is possible to use something other than teak? Can i use a hardwood with some sort of sealer that wont be slippery? It looks like the PO used regular old pine and then urethaned it. It works fine like that but it is rather slick when wet. I want to make it a bit bigger and looking for options as to what wood and sealer would work.

All input is appreciated

 

[Three08]

Re: Swim Platforms

What was the old one made from? You need to think about the extra weight if your changing from a fiberglass with wood or foam core to straight wood. I think you would be surprised at how cheap you could build a fiberglass swim platform. Take a look at this bracket build to give you an idea of what would be involved.http://www.classicseacraft.com/community/showthread.php?t=14261&highlight=Bracket

If you go with just a wood platform I would be using epoxy to seal the wood. Some paints claim to be non slip but you're better off using an additive, it's normally like a very fine sand that you add to the paint and I seen one that's the same but made of rubber. You can also buy adhesive no-slip tape but I don't know how well it would stand up the the weather.

 

[BansheeVision]

Re: Swim Platforms

There are no-slip applications that are designed to be used in bathtubs to prevent falling. I assume the stuff can be purchased at the 'hardware mart'. I have no experience with the stuff but I don't see any reason why it could not be painted and/or urethane over. If it's purpose it to be installed in a tub then I would assume it would be weather resistant especially if embedded in urethane.

Another option to wood or glass may be the composite material that is used in some home deck construction. You may be able get a 1"X4" flooring piece at the mart and make your platform the same way as if it were wood. You would not have to finish it or do maintenance because the color is infused within the material, and it could be inherently non-slip because they mold a wood grain pattern into it. Per liner foot it is probably lighter than wood. I think I just sold myself on this!

 

[oops!]

Re: Swim Platforms

you can use plywood if you want......heck... a plastic table top.

but what kind of look do you want?

how long do you want it to last?

btw....you say that you cannot afford to get teak.....
yes you can.
auctions around the globe are selling solid teak furniture....table tops....5 bux a table
i take it that you are willing to build your swim grid....

there is really cheap wood for you

 

[Bondo]

Re: Swim Platforms

btw....you say that you cannot afford to get teak.....
yes you can.
auctions around the globe are selling solid teak furniture....table tops....5 bux a table
i take it that you are willing to build your swim grid....

there is really cheap wood for you

Ayuh,.... Or salvaged Mahogany....

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Swim Platforms

btw....you say that you cannot afford to get teak.....
yes you can.
auctions around the globe are selling solid teak furniture....table tops....5 bux a table
i take it that you are willing to build your swim grid....

there is really cheap wood for you

Ply with some few coats of Sikkins would do you well for a Custom SP..

I dont think your going to get long Teak off of table tops .. and Not on the cheap.

oops..gimme your contact on 5 bucks for a teak tabletop please .

YD.

 

[PYS]

Re: Swim Platforms

Swim platforms are traaationally made from teak 1x1 slats. Teak prices have skyrocketed. A suitable replacement is mahoganey and spanish cedar. Both woods are water species.

 

[BansheeVision]

Re: Swim Platforms

If there is a marine salvage yard in your area you may get lucky. If you scour enough yard sales you may find some suitable patio furniture to re-purpose. If it's teak I doubt it would be selling cheap.

1X1 inch teak from marine lumber suppliers is around $4.50 per liner foot. http://www.buckwoodcraft.com/marine_lumber.htm
A modest platform 4 foot wide would be $18 a slat. Using 10 1X1 slats with 1" gaps would build out 19 inches for your $180 investment. That's some pricey real estate. Composite materials run about $1.35 per liner foot for 2X2 which is actually 1.5X1.5.
http://www.maclumber.com/ILP.html

Composite as an inexpensive alternative material? The puritans say nay. (I would rather have the real stuff as well) Though look at what very high-end decks are being made out of now, and why. Then again granny may never notice her mahogany dresser missing.

 

[oops!]

Re: Swim Platforms

I dont think your going to get long Teak off of table tops .. and Not on the cheap.

LOL....every day... you gotta remember ....when i started the hull extension i owned a chain of furniture stores. i started them out of the auctions......spent many many a day at the auctions......BTW the guys on storage wars are all freekin rookies.

oops..gimme your contact on 5 bucks for a teak tabletop please .

YD.

lol....here is just a start.....spent each and every day for 5 years at these places....i passed on so many teak and maghoney tables and chairs.....no one wants them as furniture.
especially now that the formal dining room has been replaced by a great room

western star auctions Kelowna....Jim lessard owner
cody auctions Kelowna- Peter cody- owner
valley auctions armstrong bc. (cant remember the familys name)
big valley auctions ...chillowack bc. Dennis padgim owner
valley auctions. aldergrove bc. Tony charbenau owner
loves auctions.....richmond bc. Don love owner

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Swim Platforms

lol....here is just a start.....spent each and every day for 5 years at these places....i passed on so many teak and maghoney tables and chairs.....no one wants them as furniture.
especially now that the formal dining room has been replaced by a great room

western star auctions Kelowna....Jim lessard owner
cody auctions Kelowna- Peter cody- owner
valley auctions armstrong bc. (cant remember the familys name)
big valley auctions ...chillowack bc. Dennis padgim owner
valley auctions. aldergrove bc. Tony charbenau owner
loves auctions.....richmond bc. Don love owner

Ok..thank you for your contacts

BTW .. that was NOT my quote.

You should at least make a reference to interjecting in my quote ( not just red fonts ) .. Looked to me that it was my quote and not an amended quote with answers inside of it..

Peace.

YD.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Swim Platforms

If you use any type of composite material keep in mind the structure holding it up needs to be spaced close togather. Most mfg. of composite recommend spacing at 16"O.C. at a maximum. Hate to see you step out on to a sun warmed swim deck and have the decking snap in the middle because it wasnt properly supported. Once warm its very flexable and really not all that strong. plus it is way heavier than wood. I'm sure you could use real wood, seal it well with epoxy, then put a final coat of epoxy that had silica sand in it for anti-slip.

 

[JBF 1962]

Re: Swim Platforms

I made a really nice swim platform for a boat several many years ago out of mahogany, used Cetol to finish it and it weathered the seasons rather well, slipperyness was not an issue either.