Swim platform lower brace through aluminum transom

sickest16

Recruit
Joined
Jul 8, 2020
Messages
2
Hi Everyone,
I'm thinking of adding a swim platform to my 1987 Blue Fin Sportsmen - 19' aluminum hull

I'm looking at this Garelick model specifically - https://www.garelick.com/Outboard-Transom-Platform-Telescoping-Ladder

I can mount the handle and the platform to the section of my transom that has wood, but the bottom third or so of the transom is just thinner aluminum.

Should I be concerned with the bolt connecting lower brace of a swim platform only running through only the aluminum? I'm worried that the weight of those climbing in and out leaning on, essentially, a single bolt, will eventually cause damage to the thinner part of my transom.

In the attached picture, I tried to diagram the issue. The red is the handle, platform, and lower support, all labeled The green area is where the transom is just thinner aluminum, and the shaded gray is where the wood is.

Should I create an aluminum plate that is bolted to the transom with four bolts, and one of the bolts holds the swim platform lower support? Would this help distribute the weight? Better idea or approach?
 

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roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,746
Definitely reinforce it.
Aluminum, not my first choice.
a 4" x 10" piece of starboard, mounted vertically on the outside.
And a similar piece mounted horizontally on the inside.
 
Joined
Mar 1, 2005
Messages
956
Either that or find a swim ladder/platform that will attach to the wood-reinforced portion of the transom.
 
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