1987 Larson Citation DC-175 Swim Deck?

[Michigan Laker]

Hi all!

New boat owner and newbie to the forum. I recently purchase a 1987 Larson Citation DC-175 boat, and I am interested in putting a swim deck on it. I have tried contacting local shops and various maintenance departments and have had no luck in determining whether or not my Transom can support a swim deck/platform. My dad said that I need to make sure it can support one before going down the road to building/installing one.

Does anyone have any ideas as to whether or not my boat can support a swim deck? The Larson materials that I have found don't give any indicators as to the transom, or swim decks.

My plan would be to build a platform out of wood, and either coat it with some type of sealant, or fiberglass it. Then use those stainless steel Triangle brackets to mount it to the transom using marine sealant.

Thank you for any help!

 

[cptbill]

I haven't looked yet but was that model available with a swim platform as an option? if so no worries. But most likely unless there's some underlying problem with the transom you should be ok, but check first

 

[cptbill]

Ok just looked that up, looks like the option was a small platform on the starboard side and a boarding ladder on port. Not really a lot of room to work with there

 

[Michigan Laker]

I haven't looked yet but was that model available with a swim platform as an option? if so no worries. But most likely unless there's some underlying problem with the transom you should be ok, but check first

The manual with options from Larson doesn't show it as an option on the 175. Would this suggest that it would be unsafe to add one?

Plan would be to use through-bolts with backer plates on the bolts. I don't know if that would make an difference, or why it would or wouldn't be offered as an option? Would the manufacturer make the transom any less solid on a boat that they didn't intend a swim platform to be supported?

I'm fully ignorant, and aware of my ignorance regarding boats, so I hope this doesn't come off as negative!

Page 34:

https://larsonboats.blob.core.window...bined-1987.pdf

 

[Michigan Laker]

Ok just looked that up, looks like the option was a small platform on the starboard side and a boarding ladder on port. Not really a lot of room to work with there

My idea was to build it high enough to allow free movement of the drive, but cover the drive off the back as a place to be able to put on skis/wakeboards, strap a tube to it etc.

My model has a boarding ladder on the port side like you said above. I want to make a platform to cover the span of the transom (if possible).

Thanks Cpt Bill - I appreciate the help!

 

[JASinIL2006]

Does the boat have a transom core inside that spans the entire width of the boat (or nearly so)? If it does, it's hard to imagine that a transom that can withstand the forces of an I/O wouldn't also be able to support a swim platform.

 

[Michigan Laker]

Does the boat have a transom core inside that spans the entire width of the boat (or nearly so)? If it does, it's hard to imagine that a transom that can withstand the forces of an I/O wouldn't also be able to support a swim platform.

How would I find this information? The link that I posted above is all I know [and have been able to find so far] on this boat.

I haven't had any luck with help from any local dealers or shops.

 

[Michigan Laker]

Here are a few pictures of the stern of the boat, if that helps?

Each side [where the red parts are] stick out from the flat part that the outdrive is attached to. I don't know the reason for this though? [Looks maybe?]

 

[Grub54891]

I have an 84 and an 85 like that. I can tell you there is nothing in them bump outs. Just flotation foam.

 

[Michigan Laker]

I have an 84 and an 85 like that. I can tell you there is nothing in them bump outs. Just flotation foam.

Would it not be okay to support a swim platform off of the flat center portion? Wife is gonna be bummed if we can't put a platform on lol

 

[Grub54891]

Well... There is plywood down there. Can't remember how thick, maby 1/2" . Being a 17.5 foot boat, they sit a tad low at rest in the water. Any additional weight will make it lower. Add people and well.... If you do it, lets see some pics, I'm restoring the 85 completely from the keel up. Would be interesting to see what ya come up with.

 

[Michigan Laker]

Well... There is plywood down there. Can't remember how thick, maby 1/2" . Being a 17.5 foot boat, they sit a tad low at rest in the water. Any additional weight will make it lower. Add people and well.... If you do it, lets see some pics, I'm restoring the 85 completely from the keel up. Would be interesting to see what ya come up with.

Honestly I wish the boat sat a little lower

Do you have a build/restoration thread on the forum? I'd love to take a look at the process.

I'm thinking that as long as it won't compromise the integrity of the hull/transom, i'd like to go forward with it.

This is what I anticipated - Red being the Stainless Steel support brackets [or i've seen a lot of swim decks online supported with those "poles"?] Thru bolted with backing plate/washer on the inside of the transom for support.

The black lines indicating using a couple of those poles to the lower end of the transom if necessary to support the outside.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

 

[Bayou Dave]

Try contacting Larson directly giving them the year, model and HIN. They should be able to answer any of your questions.

JSchmidtbauer@larsonboatgroup.com
John Schmidtbauer
LARSON BOAT GROUP
Larson, Striper, Triumph & Gekko Boats
Warranty, Parts, Technical Representative
1-320-632-1419
1-800-452-4834

 

[Michigan Laker]

Try contacting Larson directly giving them the year, model and HIN. They should be able to answer any of your questions.

JSchmidtbauer@larsonboatgroup.com
John Schmidtbauer
LARSON BOAT GROUP
Larson, Striper, Triumph & Gekko Boats
Warranty, Parts, Technical Representative
1-320-632-1419
1-800-452-4834

I did try contacting John, but got undeliverable from the email. I saw his info posted on another thread here.

Maybe I'll try giving him a call - thanks!

 

[sms986]

Post a picture of the inside of your transom, if you can.

 

[sms986]

Here is what mine looks like. There is a board (1") above the transom that my swimdeck bolts up into. It's a 1989 DC215.