Blkbird
Active Member
Well for those of us without fancy hydraulic swim platforms (read jealous), here is a nice alternative. Didn't take that long to install but it does call for careful measurements.
1) make a template! Time spent working on a template in the garage is a lot easier than guesstimating a location for a hole on the boat.
2) make sure you have space under the swim platform for the backing plates - in my case there were ribs underneath strengthening the swim platform. Chances are high a rib will be in the way and you may have to “modify” the backing plate.
3) fiberglass is a pain in the tush. Makes everything itch so wear gloves if you can.
4) you will want to seal the wood holes after you cut the 1 5/8” plugs out. Which means using resin and fiberglass to make the hole waterproof. Wear gloves!
5) attach the supports with liberal amounts of silicon caulking. Messy! Did I mention wearing gloves?
6) be prepared to spend a lot of time getting to know your swim platform. Your dock neighbours will think you odd. But be ready to hug the swim platform as you reach underneath to secure the backing plate with washers and nyloc nuts. Have extra in case one washer or nut decides to go swimming.
7) once all the mounts are solidly attached and the fiberglass and silicon seal are dry, install your new swim handles.
ignore those who call you an old man as they’re just jealous. They probably don’t have a bow thruster either. And now you don’t have to make that dramatic lunge off the ladder to get your butt back on board.
1) make a template! Time spent working on a template in the garage is a lot easier than guesstimating a location for a hole on the boat.
2) make sure you have space under the swim platform for the backing plates - in my case there were ribs underneath strengthening the swim platform. Chances are high a rib will be in the way and you may have to “modify” the backing plate.
3) fiberglass is a pain in the tush. Makes everything itch so wear gloves if you can.
4) you will want to seal the wood holes after you cut the 1 5/8” plugs out. Which means using resin and fiberglass to make the hole waterproof. Wear gloves!
5) attach the supports with liberal amounts of silicon caulking. Messy! Did I mention wearing gloves?
6) be prepared to spend a lot of time getting to know your swim platform. Your dock neighbours will think you odd. But be ready to hug the swim platform as you reach underneath to secure the backing plate with washers and nyloc nuts. Have extra in case one washer or nut decides to go swimming.
7) once all the mounts are solidly attached and the fiberglass and silicon seal are dry, install your new swim handles.
