Custom Fiberglass Extended Swim Platform

[MTboatguy]

Damn good looking work you have done there.

 

[oldrem]

That's not moving

 

[tpenfield]

Quick Update . . .​

I've got most of the remaining hardware and necessities on order. Things remaining on the platform to be completed before boat launching are:​

Fasten the 4 struts to underside of existing swim deck​

Install rubrail w/ stainless steel insert​

Install ladders​

Install hatches​

Install pop-out cleats​

Install cupholders​

I also plan to re-coat some areas of the gelcoat that needed a bit of fixing. I am thinking I can do some "roll & tip" application of the gelcoat. We shall see how that goes . . . ​

 

[Scott Danforth]

Install cupholders​

​

Most Important.

Quick Update . . .​

I also plan to re-coat some areas of the gelcoat that needed a bit of fixing. I am thinking I can do some "roll & tip" application of the gelcoat. We shall see how that goes . . . ​

​

add some dura-tech gloss additive and it will make your repair go almost seamless​

​

 

[mickyryan]

looks real nice man!

 

[tpenfield]

Big weekend planned for the boat to finish off the extended swim platform.

I've got to finish off the mechanical fastening underneath and attach the hardware topside.

Then I still have a bunch of regular boat prep to do . . .

Finish the hull antifouling paint
Outdrive Anti-fouling Paint
Oil change
Fueling
Cleaning

One thing that I have been contemplating is whether (or not) pull the outdrives for u-joint lube and general inspection, alignment check, etc. Typically, I do that every year, but I think I have skipped a year once in a while.

I'm just thinking if I get short on time, should I skip the u-joint lube this year :noidea:

I know it is better to pull the drives, but just looking for input either way. The bellows are only a couple of years old and the u-joints and gimbal have been greased every year.

My boat launch is schedule for 9:30 AM on Monday. Just not sure I can get all of the work done in 3 days.

Thoughts?

 

[Scott Danforth]

pull the drive, sleep a little less Friday night, sleep better Monday night

 

[tpenfield]

pull the drive, sleep a little less Friday night, sleep better Monday night

Very true . . .

 

[AShipShow]

I've started to make sure I always have at least one spare outdrive gasket set cuz I find I always use that as an excuse to not remove mine when i know I should lol...

Its one of those things that after you're done, you wonder why you ever procrastinated about it.

 

[tpenfield]

OK guys, thanks for the input. Looks like I'll be safe rather than sorry.

I have been out in the rain this morning moving boats stands and blocks. My boat hauler set the boat too low this year for my outdrive dollies to work properly. So, I had to lift the boat up about 6" to get another block under the keel.

I have the engines running and will be changing the motor oil first, then pull the outdrives.

 

[tpenfield]

It's a good thing that I pulled the outdrives . . .


.
A barnacle had lodged in the water passage at the bell housing. A similar thing to an issue I had a couple of years ago. The other outdrive was fine.

 

[Scott Danforth]

it looks like a sea-turd

too bad the first real strainer on these boats is the power steering cooler (smaller passages than the pickup grate)

 

[Scott Danforth]

actual picture of Ted's provisioning s for his inaugural use of the swim platform

 

[oldrem]

actual picture of Ted's provisioning s for his inaugural use of the swim platform

I was thinking more Champagne

 

[tpenfield]

That's only about 1/2 of the stash . . .

Anyway, a bit of a progress update :

I have been working on the hardware lots of drilling and cutting. (measure 2X, cut 1X)

 

[kcassells]

Sweet Ted!

 

[blamtro]

That looks awesome and factory!

 

[mickyryan]

damn it man that looks awesome!

 

[Timr71]

It looks fantastic!

 

[tpenfield]

Thanks everyone for the accolades :thumb:

I'm a bit behind my schedule, so I waived off the launching for today. I am still working on the hatches to get the hinges installed.

The fasteners for the struts took quite some time. I am using SS 'squared' u-bolts with a spacer that I made.
.

.
The Duratech hi-gloss additive worked out pretty well as I put a topcoat on the over the gelcoat. A few brush marks, but I'll probably do some wet sanding/polishing.

I hope to be pretty much finished up today