Swim Platform Idea

1BadTitan · #1 09-01-2012, 11:06 AM

Hey guys, I've been tossing an idea around of building a full swim platform for my boat... But I have an outboard. I wanted to cut around it and have the center hinged so I may flip it up to tilt the motor up for transport or service... any ideas, or thoughts on this?

macojoe · #2 09-01-2012, 03:53 PM

its been done before. i would just put 2 platforms one on each side, be easier then the hing thing. but do as you want.

jasoncooperpcola · #3 09-01-2012, 04:51 PM

Make a mock up with cardboard and duct tape. You will have to allow for full lock to lock steering at all trim levels, not sure how much space that will take away. How much setback are you thinking? It can be done as easy as buying a couple old swim platforms for the stainless tubing or using aluminum angle welded and painted. But I see no problem with the platform having a hinged section for the outboard. Like I said how much setback and how far your outboard sticks out will determine the usefulness of the hinged section. I know i enjoy fishing off the swim splatform on my V. Until a remora grabs your toe......

1BadTitan · #4 09-01-2012, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasoncooperpcola

Make a mock up with cardboard and duct tape. You will have to allow for full lock to lock steering at all trim levels, not sure how much space that will take away. How much setback are you thinking? It can be done as easy as buying a couple old swim platforms for the stainless tubing or using aluminum angle welded and painted. But I see no problem with the platform having a hinged section for the outboard. Like I said how much setback and how far your outboard sticks out will determine the usefulness of the hinged section. I know i enjoy fishing off the swim splatform on my V. Until a remora grabs your toe......

I havent given alot of thought to the size... I just like the look and functionality of these decks, just hoping I can put one together.

jasoncooperpcola · #5 09-02-2012, 09:04 AM

That is the glory of a cardboard mockup. Lets you figure out what looks good and suits your needs before cutting.

1BadTitan · #6 09-02-2012, 11:11 AM

Cool... Thanks for the input guys.

macojoe · #7 09-03-2012, 09:56 AM

I tried looking up hammers that he did for his air tanks, but had no luck?? But he had a pretty good size one on there!!

reelapeelin · #8 09-06-2012, 03:26 PM

I would be concerned about weight...seems like if you make a full platform on both sides w/a tilt up section in the middle...all robust enough to safely hold any number of people who might sit, stand, walk or whatever on that size platform, it's gonna be right weighty...

1BadTitan · #9 09-06-2012, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reelapeelin

I would be concerned about weight...seems like if you make a full platform on both sides w/a tilt up section in the middle...all robust enough to safely hold any number of people who might sit, stand, walk or whatever on that size platform, it's gonna be right weighty...

Think so? Its becomming more and more of a pipe dream anyway. I lack the resources to do a neat job. I can weld the aluminum, but I'd much rather do a stainless tube frame. I dont have a decent bender at work, and the pipe and teak would cost as much as a prefab store bought piece finished anyway. Oh well, it would've been cool.

RidgeRunner · #10 09-13-2012, 06:37 AM

I have a friend with a Aquasport that has a walk around platform. It isn't as snazzy as the one you described, in fact I think the outside corners are held up with chain to the stern eyes, the lowers of the outboards hit the bottom of the platform when he trims up his motors which allows his platform to fit very tight around the motors so he has a virtual dance floor behind the transom. Not sure if it was ever load tested.