DIY Swim Platform?

PairADice

Has anyone added a DIY swim platform to their boat? Just wondering how it would mount. I know to use 316 SS tubes, just wondering.. I am not spending $1700 on a swim platform, and I want to say that i made it.. I was thinking King Starboard, or PVC board. I would like to see some pictures if anyone has any. 

grobison

Great question. I have a new Captiva 186 2015 and am in Australia. I have been quoted $2500 for a custom swim platform from our Rinker dealer. Has anyone done their own as Rinker does not have one as an option.
Greg

Handymans342

Seems those home made things never holds up

Britinusa

I have seen one using stainless steel brackets like big shelf brackets that in guessing was bolted through the transom, they built a teak platform on top.

Capt Ron

grobison said:

Great question. I have a new Captiva 186 2015 and am in Australia. I have been quoted $2500 for a custom swim platform from our Rinker dealer. Has anyone done their own as Rinker does not have one as an option.
Greg

Greg, That doesn't sound too outrageous. I was quoted the same thing to add a swim platform to a 26 ft Chaparral quite a few years ago.

PairADice

Does anyone have a teak platform? just curious how it would look on a cruiser

06Rinker270

I do.  Looks great.

PairADice

Patrick, any pictures?

06Rinker270

These are screen grabs from a video I took when I was looking at boat for first time so not the best pics.  I can send you video or I can take more next weekend. 

PairADice

is that a teak dek laid on top of fiberglass? Or actual teak?

06Rinker270

believe its laid on top...previous owner did it.  

06Rinker270

http://www.powerboattv.com/design-and-build-your-own-swim-platform-video_9e61ca7a2.html

jhofmann

I have seen used teak platforms on ebay and craigslist that were taken off boats that were that were damaged (damage to the boat, not the platform). While you won't be able to say you made it, this could be a cheaper alternative to a new custom platform.

PairADice

Jofmann, I have too and am considering going that route, just had a few concerns.. 1) how to attach it 2) how do I get the angle off of my stern and match it to the new platform so it is sort of "custom"?

jhofmann

ParaDice, You would have to bolt it to your transom, which means drilling holes in your boat. While that may make you uncomfortable, if you take your time and do it right, there should be no issues. What I do is drill through the transom using a drill slightly larger than the bolt your using, then mix up some fiberglass resin and using a small brush, coat the inside of the hole with the resin. Once the resin has hardened your transom core (usually wood) will be will be sealed. There are other ways such as drilling an oversize hole and gluing in a piece of pvc pipe. Google it for other ideas.

You can then "tweak" the support poles ends where they bolt on by slightly bending so your platform sits level, or get new poles that match the angle. Just remember to use "marine grade" stainless steel hardware, and a good silicone around the mounting holes.

PairADice

I bought this beauty for $150 yesterday.. in great condition, measures 7'7'' length and 21" width. just have to add some wood and curve it to match my current step, and figure out how to mount it... 

PairADice

So, here are a few updates..The "new" platform sanded and installed. the custom brackets I had made for the platform. Also the new v-berth floor, which now has a compartment attached with hinges (storage for life jackets and towels). The cabin sole will be gel coated Monday.  

Speedracer

I have a 272 Captiva and a couple of years purchased from swimplatforms.com.  Installed myself but did require some shaping of the platform toward the corners where it meets the stern of the boat.

PairADice

Speedracer, The swimplatforms.com platforms ARE nice, but they are way too expensive