Custom built swim platform

[Chris_94_Sprint_TX]

I am thinking of building a full width swim platform for my SR Seville but it appears to me that I will have to start about even with the outdrive and then step up over the outdrive and back down again on the other side. My questions are:
1. Has anybody here ever done this on a boat?
2. How thick does the fiberglass have to be and what is the best way to support the deck and the weight of a person standing or jumping off?
3. What is the best method for mocking up to build a frame to make form my glass over (I don't want to add un-necessary holes in the boat)?
4. I would like to add some sort of hand rail or something to make boarding from the water easier, does anybody have suggestions on what to use?

Chris

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Custom built swim platform

You first need to establish the waterline of the boat when she's in the water and the angle that the platform will need to be. Then go online and look at the ones you can buy and just "Copy Cat" what you see. Pretty much make a wood form wax it really well and start laying glass till you get about 1/4" thick. Use some Cardboard tubes for reinforcement on the backside. That's really all it takes.

 

[Chris_94_Sprint_TX]

Re: Custom built swim platform

What is a normal or standard angle? What's good way to temporarily attach it to the boat to design the frame?

Chris

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Custom built swim platform

Every boat has it's own water level. You'll have to get her in the water to find yours. Its easy to do. When you're ready I can explain how to go about it.

 

[Chris_94_Sprint_TX]

Re: Custom built swim platform

I'm going out tomorrow to teach myself to use the fish finder that came with the boat (Humminbird 4 ID). Was thinking about taking a grease pencil or regular pencil. But if you have an easier way.

Chris

 

[simcole]

Re: Custom built swim platform

Grease pencil sounds like a good idea to mark the water line and attachment point. For the angle I'd use this: General Tools 29 Plastic Protractor and Angle Finder with Articulating Arms - Amazon.com

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Custom built swim platform

You can use that protractor but no need to buy anything. Just get two pieces of wood and screw them together at the ends. Get in the water and place one board on the transom and bend the other till it's level with the water That's your angle.

 

[bekosh]

Re: Custom built swim platform

Another way to build one is fiberglass over plywood. That's how I did mine. Very heavy duty.
http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...ue-extended-swim-platform-rebuild-548797.html

For a grab handle, one of these mounted on the transom should work. I would go with the 18" or 24".
Stainless Steel Handrails - Jif Marine Products - iboats

 

[Chris_94_Sprint_TX]

Re: Custom built swim platform

Bekosh that one looks great. Mine I am going to have to do a step up and over the outdrive because I want to put it a little lower then the one that is on there from the factory since its kind of a stretch to and even a little tough for some people to board the boat from the water.

Chris

 

[Chris_94_Sprint_TX]

Re: Custom built swim platform

As far as angle goes, the one that is currently on the boat seems to have no angle at all. I just don't like the design, I like the full width platforms better (just think they make the boat look better then just a piece that seems out of place on one side only.

Chris

 

[Chris_94_Sprint_TX]

Re: Custom built swim platform

Water line appears to be right about here. But my other swim platform is higher than this. I was hoping to lower the platform to make boarding a little easier.

Chris