to support or not?

[69mastercraft]

I have recently put a home made full length swim platform accross my transom. With the brackets I bolted to the transom. Would it be a smart move too put some supports on the inside of the hull. lets say from the thru hull swim platfrorm bracket bolts too the floor on about a 45 degree angle? just too support the transom that wasn't designed for a platform.. thanks

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: to support or not?

Any extra support would be good...and you could sleep better.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: to support or not?

When in doubt SUPPORT..

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: to support or not?

Here's a distillation of 30 years engineering experience in Strength of Materials: If it LOOKS strong enough, it usually is.You don't sound too sure, but are wise enough to be concerned. Definitely go the whole route: backing plates, external and internal braces, anything that makes the structure rigid. Remember, someday someone is going to climb on the platform while the boat is on the trailer. Without the cushioning effect of the water, ssome BIG forces are going to be generated. Good luck.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: to support or not?

Jack, I am happy to see that someone has SOM experiance here (I took an engineering course in it almost 30 years ago ). I agree without the water buffering the load the extra support will help.<br /><br />I would suggest a few bearing plates inside the transom at each bolt point. I would keep the plates as large as possible (say 6" square X 1/8" plates of stainless steel).<br /><br />69Mastercraft, what materials did you use to construct the platform? I have been considering the same add on.<br /><br />Bob