Custom Fiberglass Extended Swim Platform

[chevymaher]

That is really looking good congrats.

 

[oldrem]

Getting exited for you

 

[steve_h7]

Incredible craftsmanship! :thumb:

 

[Scott Danforth]

When finished, i am sur WOG will post the iBoats seal of approval...

 

[tpenfield]

Quick update . . .

I found a few 'voids' under the gelcoat, some by 'tapping' and others by using a jet spray from the garden hose. Basically, these spots are where the resin did not soak enough through the 1708 and into the CSM layer that is up against the gelcoat.

So, far I fixed a few by opening them up and applying resin and gelcoat. Still have to open up the remaining ones. Before I do that, just wondering if anyone has any ideas/tips/tricks on repairing them.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I got a large hypodermic needle from a farm goods store (we have a lot of them in the Midwest!) and drilled a tiny hole in the 'glass, into which I injected the resin. I wouldn't use it for large voids, but for small bubbles, it filled them right up and required minimal sanding, etc. to repair the hole.

 

[tpenfield]

Test Fitting . . .

I did a test fitting of the platform to see if it needs any trimming or adjustments prior to applying the 4200 UV adhesive.

I had to make the holes in the existing swim deck elongated since the sides are a tight fit. Here are a couple of pictures . . .


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I was about 1/4" off on the side trim. So I'll cut a little bit away
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The underneath clearances look fine. . .




I'll probably secure the platform for real tomorrow.

 

[Timr71]

Wow! This is exciting!

 

[Scott Danforth]

looks great

I would fair and gel the underside.

 

[tpenfield]

I still have some epoxy left . . . wondering if I should use it for the underside? :noidea:

 

[chevymaher]

That looks super nice.

 

[oldrem]

Fantastic work. Looks like it belongs there.

 

[tpenfield]

It's installed . . .

At least the adhesive is done. Still got to do the hardware and fasteners underneath.

Here are a few update pictures . . .


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Here is a close-up of the seam where the platform meets the stern of the boat.


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I have about 200 lbs of water and other stuff holding the platform down for the next few days until the 3M 4200 UV cures.

 

[tpenfield]

Here is a better picture of the seam . . .

 

[sopwithcamel74]

Fantastic. Have enjoyed watching this one come together, and looking forward to you putting it through it's paces!

 

[sphelps]

Really nice ! Congratulations on the install !

 

[Scott Danforth]

Ted.... Getting closer to that selfie of you enjoying an adult beverage while sitting on it in the water....

 

[Sea18Horse]

Very impressive accomplishment.:yo:

Cheers...............................Todd

 

[JASinIL2006]

Very, very nice work! Wow.

 

[tpenfield]

Mechanical fastening update . . .

There are a total of 26 bolts which will hold the swim platform to the boat, along with the adhesive.

I got 18 of them done today, so 8 more to go.

Here are a couple of pictures of the underside where all the support hardware resides.

Here are the 8 fastening bolts for the 4 main struts that will support the platform. Also the side strap in the distance.


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Here are the struts fastened to the platform.
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I had to offset them from the platform with the white spacers you see, because the studs were not 100% threaded and needed a standoff. There will be 8 (or maybe 12) mating bolts on the underside to the boats swim deck/transom area. I need to make some similar spacers, but they vary in thickness from 11/16" to 7/8". I might try to find some 1" thick synthetic trim board and use my planer to fine tune them.

Getting the bolts in there is going to be tricky. I may decide to cut a deck plate for access and then to seal it up.