DIY Swim Platform?

PairADicePairADice Member Posts: 74 ✭✭
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. 

Comments

  • grobisongrobison Member Posts: 2 ✭✭
    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
  • Handymans342Handymans342 Member Posts: 10,375 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Seems those home made things never holds up

  • BritinusaBritinusa Member Posts: 306 ✭✭
    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 RonCapt Ron Member Posts: 217 ✭✭✭
    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.
  • PairADicePairADice Member Posts: 74 ✭✭
    Does anyone have a teak platform? just curious how it would look on a cruiser
  • 06Rinker27006Rinker270 Member Posts: 1,277 ✭✭✭
    I do.  Looks great.
    Patrick
    06 Rinker 270
  • PairADicePairADice Member Posts: 74 ✭✭
    Patrick, any pictures?
  • 06Rinker27006Rinker270 Member Posts: 1,277 ✭✭✭


    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. 
    Patrick
    06 Rinker 270
  • PairADicePairADice Member Posts: 74 ✭✭
    is that a teak dek laid on top of fiberglass? Or actual teak?
  • 06Rinker27006Rinker270 Member Posts: 1,277 ✭✭✭
    believe its laid on top...previous owner did it.  
    Patrick
    06 Rinker 270
  • jhofmannjhofmann Member Posts: 430 ✭✭✭
    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.
  • PairADicePairADice Member Posts: 74 ✭✭
    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"?
  • jhofmannjhofmann Member Posts: 430 ✭✭✭
    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.


  • PairADicePairADice Member Posts: 74 ✭✭
    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...  :#
  • PairADicePairADice Member Posts: 74 ✭✭
    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.  
  • SpeedracerSpeedracer Member Posts: 35 ✭✭
    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.
  • PairADicePairADice Member Posts: 74 ✭✭
    Speedracer, The swimplatforms.com platforms ARE nice, but they are way too expensive
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