Wood for Swim Platform

[Robert4Winns]

I want to build a full-width swim platform for my boat, but I am having problems finding teak locally or for a reasonable price. Has anyone used other wood species with success. I was considering using Ipe.

 

[Spinnaker]

Re: Wood for Swim Platform

I want to build a full-width swim platform for my boat, but I am having problems finding teak locally or for a reasonable price. Has anyone used other wood species with success. I was considering using Ipe.

Never heard of Ipe. Have you considered making one from fiberglass? We're building a mold for one this week. The good thing for you is you can just make a one-off. I will be putting our mold into production for platform sales. I could document the process and share it if you are interested?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Wood for Swim Platform

I was considering using Ipe.

Ayuh,... It's oily like Teak,+ don't take vanish, paint or stain, muchless resins...
And,...
It's Heavier than 'ell....

Mohogany is rot resistent,+ much lighter,+ takes stains or vanish nicely...

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Wood for Swim Platform

I vote for mahogany too... it doesn't have the classic teak orange glow, but then it's less than half the price of teak and it's grown in the US sustainably instead of imported from the tropics.

I didn't used to like teak in boats... too old fashioned looking. But it really dresses up the interior if used sparingly here and there...

Erik

 

[Robert4Winns]

Re: Wood for Swim Platform

Never heard of Ipe. Have you considered making one from fiberglass? We're building a mold for one this week. The good thing for you is you can just make a one-off. I will be putting our mold into production for platform sales. I could document the process and share it if you are interested?

I would love to see how you do this. I have considered trying a fiberglass platform, but it seems like it would be a lot more involved than using wood, which I am very comfortable with.
On the other hand, I like to learn by trying new things.

 

[iqxoqlms]

Re: Wood for Swim Platform

Have you searched for a teak platform for sale? I saw one last week on CL for $300. Wouldn't be too difficult to fab up some brakets for your application. Teak is stoopid expensive. The PO of my boat must have backed it into something. The aft most boards on my nice teak platform were REDWOOD! Cost me $80 for the material to make it right again.

 

[Robert4Winns]

Re: Wood for Swim Platform

Have you searched for a teak platform for sale? I saw one last week on CL for $300. Wouldn't be too difficult to fab up some brakets for your application. Teak is stoopid expensive. The PO of my boat must have backed it into something. The aft most boards on my nice teak platform were REDWOOD! Cost me $80 for the material to make it right again.

I check CL periodically, but no luck so far. I've also checked ebay, but I am leary about buying things like this from just a photo, without the opportunity to inspect it.
I found "Plantation Teak" for $10/board foot, as opposed to $26. I think it would take about 15 board feet; so $150 for the lumber.
Anyone have any experience with Plantation Teak?

 

[iqxoqlms]

Re: Wood for Swim Platform

If you want to check it out the one I saw is on CL in Madison, Wisconsin. Posted on March 3, 2010. There are a couple of pictures. Seller is in Illinois.
Completely understand about not buying sight-unseen. At least this might give you an idea of what can be found...

 

[jroddvette]

Re: Wood for Swim Platform

how about Trex decking?
http://www.trex.com/

 

[Robert4Winns]

Re: Wood for Swim Platform

how about Trex decking?
http://www.trex.com/

I think the strength to weight ratio of Trex is too low. It flexes too much.
I ended up finding just what I needed on Craigslist. I'll post photos in my resto thread when I get to that point.

 

[coolbikeguy]

Re: Wood for Swim Platform

how about cypress ?? theres an amish guy locally that builds outdoor lawn furniture out of the stuff ... rot resistant to as far as i know ... ?????

 

[QC]

Re: Wood for Swim Platform

Does that same guy ^^^^^ make the magic heater? I was wanting to talk with him