Swim platform ideas for older Sea Ray

[Danny Troy]

Fantastic job, but you opened up a can of worms now. I have about 50 questions to ask you....but I'll start with just several. Funny, I was bouncing around the idea again today of doing it myself using Starboard. I called King, and a local distributer, and the standard 3/4" piece I need is about 440.00. They would cut it to shape and route the edges (I could do it but they're experts and will be worth the extra $$$) and that will add about another 65.00. The good part is there's no delivery charge, since it's an item they usually stock.

OK... now the questions....

1. Did you use 3/4 or 1" Starboard. I see you used 6 braces, and I know they recommend bracing every 18 inches. King told me today that 3/4" would be ok for my application, using the proper bracing.

2. Did you use the standard Starboard, or go with the non-slip Star board AS?

3. What size braces (stainless or aluminum)? I'm on a lake, so I could save money there with aluminum I think. I guess you cut the length you needed and bent the ends....or where they ready made?

4. When bolting on from the bottom of the existing platform, is you platform level, relative to the existing platform? It looks like it's the same top and bottom on mine, but I haven't measured it yet.

5. Looks like you went out quite a bit on it. A nice size platform, but I was thinking of keeping it to 24" from the stern rub rail. Will that factor in deciding to go with the 3/4" and only 4 braces? It would make sense that I wouldn't need as much bracing.

Well, sorry to bombard you with lots of questions, but you will be a big help if I decide to go that route.

 

[shore]

Fantastic job, but you opened up a can of worms now. I have about 50 questions to ask you....but I'll start with just several. Funny, I was bouncing around the idea again today of doing it myself using Starboard. I called King, and a local distributer, and the standard 3/4" piece I need is about 440.00. They would cut it to shape and route the edges (I could do it but they're experts and will be worth the extra $$$) and that will add about another 65.00. The good part is there's no delivery charge, since it's an item they usually stock.

OK... now the questions....

1. Did you use 3/4 or 1" Starboard. I see you used 6 braces, and I know they recommend bracing every 18 inches. King told me today that 3/4" would be ok for my application, using the proper bracing.

2. Did you use the standard Starboard, or go with the non-slip Star board AS?

3. What size braces (stainless or aluminum)? I'm on a lake, so I could save money there with aluminum I think. I guess you cut the length you needed and bent the ends....or where they ready made?

4. When bolting on from the bottom of the existing platform, is you platform level, relative to the existing platform? It looks like it's the same top and bottom on mine, but I haven't measured it yet.

5. Looks like you went out quite a bit on it. A nice size platform, but I was thinking of keeping it to 24" from the stern rub rail. Will that factor in deciding to go with the 3/4" and only 4 braces? It would make sense that I wouldn't need as much bracing.

Well, sorry to bombard you with lots of questions, but you will be a big help if I decide to go that route.

1..I used 2 3/4" sheets of non-skid.I 5200 them and pre-drilled all the holes.The starboard does not take well to adhesive but with the screws it is solid...like one sheet solid.You could do one of two ways with the thickness.If you used one sheet of 3/4" then you would need to make some aluminum braces underneath.It wants to sag with anything over 18" or so.1.5" is ideal but big money.I found both of my sheets leftover for $500 total.I bought 200 SS screws and used most of them.Pre-drilling is a MUST using this stuff.Countersink everyone.

2.It is the non-skid with the smooth side glued to each other.It is nicer when done than the smooth.

3.I used SS poles and cut them to size and used a pipe bender to get them at the right angle.The bender is cheap at HD or Lowes.

4.It is level to the underside of the stock swimdeck.It also goes all the way back to the transom.I used aluminum braces underneath to hold it to the transom.All those are thru-bolted to the inside of the boat.The lower attachment points are just screwed in and 5200'd.

5.Mine is wider and deeper than anything made.It is over 30" aft of the deck.It is nearly as wide as the boat.It is almost an entire sheet.The sheets come over-sized.

The stuff is HEAVY.It's a 2 person job for sure.We made a template out of backerboard and then transferred it to the starboard.When we got it cut-out we put it up and held it in place with saw horses and bottles jacks to level it.Made what little adjustments where needed and marked off where the transom supports needed to be put.Not the poles but the long aluminum braces.The last thing we did was put the poles underneath.2 held it.4 poles and I could walk it.6 poles and you could jump on it with no movement.The width required the last 2 support poles.

I bought a router and just ran it around the edges then sanded them smooth and shiny.It's fairly easy if you are careful.I then mounted my SS swim ladder last by countersinking from the top side.These are the only visible screws from the topside but the are flush.

There is vertical and lateral pull on a swimdeck.The aluminum braces on the transom hold the deck against the transom along with holding it up.

 

[Danny Troy]

Ah yes, now I'm getting a clearer picture of the installation. I didn't realize you used two pieces. I thought it might have been a 1" sheet and the line across the side was made by the router.

You got a great price on those sheets. I believe one 96x48 piece runs about 675.00 (list price) for the non-skid AS.

And yes, I see where you secured it to the transom. Definitely would not be enough to just fasten it to the upper platform. Even with a lighter, smaller platform, I think that is necessary. Interesting that you didn't use bolts into the upper platform. I was wondering if there's access to that compartment, and since the boat is covered for the winter I haven't had a chance to see about that. The transom mounts are doing most of the work anyway, so I'm sure you're fine with wood screws into the upper platform.

After seeing how you made your's, now I'm thinking I should go slightly larger. I can see that you went past the width of the upper platform. The fiberglass unit from swimplatforms.com is the same width as the upper platform.

Any good (read inexpensive) online vendors for the stainless bracing? I didn't look close enough the first time. Now I see how they are secured. I'm thinking I'll do it quick and easy and just flatten the ends and make the necessary bends to secure to the platform and transom. BTW, did you use bolts into the transom on the braces? Did you have inside access that low on the transom?

 

[shore]

No access on the lower transom....not even if you used 1' bolts.The SS screws in the lower legs are BIG.I'll be checking them periodically though.

As far as the starboard to swimdeck goes I could only thru-bolt at the back.Long bolts/nuts fender washers.No way you can get inside that stock swimdeck farther than I did.I had the nut wedged in the wrench and threaded the bolt up through it...very tedious but very worth while.

Like I said before, you have two main forces to fight.Vertical and lateral so to speak...the deck wants to drop down and it wants to pull straight back from the boat.

The best and worst quality of starboard is its firmness....it is soft but very comfy to walk and sit on.It does not crack or split though.

I got all my SS supplies at a local surplus marine store.

 

[Danny Troy]

Well, knowing I won't have to worry about using bolts on the lower screws is a plus, and will speed installation. Have you used your's for a season yet, and confirmed the screws stay watertight?

Your platform won me over and I decided to do it myself, instead of buying one ready-made. Wound up ordering a 96x48" sheet of 1" Starboard-AS, with diamond finish (I'll have some leftover). They also have the dot pattern, but I think the diamond looks a bit nicer. I'll order a 4-step under-platform mount ladder. I think Windline is the company that makes very nice ones, and I've used them on other boats. although I don't know if they make a 4-step version. Windline ladders are expensive, but a nice product. Then I have to decide on SS or aluminum for the bracing.

Silly question....should I use bolts going up into the platform from the braces, or go with wood screws? It's 1" material, so I can use 1" screws. Will that be secure enough? If you recommend bolts, should I countersink the heads, and if I do is there any way to seal the countersunk hole to make it flush. I know I'll have to use bolts for the swim ladder. I just didn't want about 12 or so bolts heads showing on top of the platform.

 

[Ka1oxd]

I just ordered my replacement platform from swimplatforms.com for my 340 DA. A little more costly than yours, but it will be here on March 22. I could have it sooner, but the weather in Connecticut right now is not conducive to be doing the work. Adding that platform on my boat will make the step from the cabin to the platform shorter by 4.5 inches. Well worth the money.

 

[Danny Troy]

March 22nd. That's about when my Starboard will arrive. Out of stock now, and the local company will piggyback my order on their next order from King, saving me all shipping charges. Downside is I have to wait 5 or 6 weeks. But, it's almost as cold down here in NY as it is up there for you in CT. Definitely don't want to be installing anything in this weather.

From all accounts, you should be well satisfied with swimplatforms.com product. Let's post photos or our completed projects in April!

 

[Ka1oxd]

I am planning to take many pictures of the process. Some I am going to send to swimplatforms. I feel that I made a good choice. This is my retirement boat. 9 years and counting to retirement. Lets see if I can get this done in 5 to 6 hours as they state. I also ordered strut-pro cutless bearing puller. That should be here next Wed. I am heading down to the boat today and pull the prop off to get ready.

 

[Danny Troy]

Yes, I'm retired almost 3 years, and enjoying it. Although I'm back to my original profession (musician) and working almost as hard as my old job!

If you're ever at Candlewood Lake I'm at Echo Bay Marina. Easy to spot me....I'll be the one with the 220 with the homemade swim platform!

One thing I'd like to know when you get yours, is if they are using screws or bolts for the lower braces. I know swim platform.com uses two braces for the 220, but I'd bet four braces for your's because of the larger size.

 

[shore]

Well, knowing I won't have to worry about using bolts on the lower screws is a plus, and will speed installation. Have you used your's for a season yet, and confirmed the screws stay watertight?

Your platform won me over and I decided to do it myself, instead of buying one ready-made. Wound up ordering a 96x48" sheet of 1" Starboard-AS, with diamond finish (I'll have some leftover). They also have the dot pattern, but I think the diamond looks a bit nicer. I'll order a 4-step under-platform mount ladder. I think Windline is the company that makes very nice ones, and I've used them on other boats. although I don't know if they make a 4-step version. Windline ladders are expensive, but a nice product. Then I have to decide on SS or aluminum for the bracing.

Silly question....should I use bolts going up into the platform from the braces, or go with wood screws? It's 1" material, so I can use 1" screws. Will that be secure enough? If you recommend bolts, should I countersink the heads, and if I do is there any way to seal the countersunk hole to make it flush. I know I'll have to use bolts for the swim ladder. I just didn't want about 12 or so bolts heads showing on top of the platform.

I used SS screws in everything except for the swim ladder and the upper transom supports.Those got SS thru-bolts and nuts.

Mine is the diamond pattern also and yes we used it last season.I'll put out tester pic up.All my lower transom screws are pre-drilled and then 5200'd when they got sunk in.Highly unlikely they will leak.Even so it is all fiberglass down there.

Go on Ebay and Craigslist for those ladders...They run about $80 or so.I found several in the Florida area CL.I will tell you one thing to look out for with the ladders.They are deceptive in there looks about the size...what I mean is they all look the same.They are not.Make sure you get a wide one.

 

[NorCal Boater]

I just ordered my replacement platform from swimplatforms.com for my 340 DA. A little more costly than yours, but it will be here on March 22. I could have it sooner, but the weather in Connecticut right now is not conducive to be doing the work. Adding that platform on my boat will make the step from the cabin to the platform shorter by 4.5 inches. Well worth the money.

James,

You will be very happy with your new platform. It will be a beautiful fit and color match. I have included a few before, during and after pictures for you.

Besides improving that step down you will get rid of the old ladder that is always in the way. I also mounted a table pole base under the ladder cover and between the ladder. I screw the pole in and I can put a table on top or my BBQ.

If you get the chance be sure and tell Scott that you saw pictures of a platform on his old boat. When he worked for Sea Ray he ordered a new (then) 1989 340da. He used it for a few few years in the Phoenix area and then moved it to Sacramento when he was transferred there by Sea Ray. He sold the boat there and a couple of owners later I bought it. When I sent a picture of the boat and a request for a quote he recognized his old boat.

Again, you will love this platform. It has totally changed how we use our boat. Have fun!

 

[Danny Troy]

Shore..... nice photo. I'd use that photo if you decide to start manufacturing platforms commercially. I like how no one is hanging out on the boat anchored next to your's.

Thanks for that info on the ladder. I was about to order one that was a 4-step, but probably one of the too narrow ladders you spoke about. I think this one might be better, and is similar to your's: http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=198744F

NoCalBoater...... looks great. I like the shape of the new platform also, and might use that as a templete for mine.

 

[Danny Troy]

After some searching it looks like the Windline 3-step ladder is the way to go. It has good width, and the push-button release mechanism. I believe that's what is on Shore's boat.

As far as bracing, I'm going to go easy and do similar to what is in the photo. I'm using polished SS tubing though....1 inch. I have an online outlet that has fair pricing. I figure on 20 ft. section, cut in four pieces, will give me plenty to play with.

Shore, the aluminum bracing against the transom, is it the 90 degrees "L" type, or did you have it custom made? I know the transom is not exactly 90 degrees relative to the bottom of the existing platform. Definitely about 10 degrees off.

 

[Ka1oxd]

When I used to trailer, I go to Candlewood lake every now and then. Now I just run the CT river and the sound to Block Island.

Yes, I'm retired almost 3 years, and enjoying it. Although I'm back to my original profession (musician) and working almost as hard as my old job!

If you're ever at Candlewood Lake I'm at Echo Bay Marina. Easy to spot me....I'll be the one with the 220 with the homemade swim platform!

One thing I'd like to know when you get yours, is if they are using screws or bolts for the lower braces. I know swim platform.com uses two braces for the 220, but I'd bet four braces for your's because of the larger size.

 

[shore]

this is to shore . love your platform . my friend and i are going to install similar on his boat. how did you determine what deck mounts for installation 60 45 or 30 degree. have got everything ordered except this.thanks for your help

We had the same question so I bought both the 60 and 45 and returned the wrong ones.It all depends on the final angle.Bending the pole makes a difference also.I don't have the boat here at home but I want to say the 45's.

I'm assuming these are what you are talking about.The end caps for the SS poles that attach the pole to the transom and swimdeck.

 

[shore]

After some searching it looks like the Windline 3-step ladder is the way to go. It has good width, and the push-button release mechanism. I believe that's what is on Shore's boat.

As far as bracing, I'm going to go easy and do similar to what is in the photo. I'm using polished SS tubing though....1 inch. I have an online outlet that has fair pricing. I figure on 20 ft. section, cut in four pieces, will give me plenty to play with.

Shore, the aluminum bracing against the transom, is it the 90 degrees "L" type, or did you have it custom made? I know the transom is not exactly 90 degrees relative to the bottom of the existing platform. Definitely about 10 degrees off.

It was standard 2x2 or 2x3 90 angle aluminum and it's flush on the transom but not on the swimdeck.You would need some type of very large brake to open the angle.When we thru-bolted it down it closed a little.I think moreso because of the starboard giving and squishing.

 

[Ka1oxd]

NorCal, I did talk with Scott and told him I saw the pictures. I am glad that you sent a few more. I was thinking of using the jack stands to hold the platform in place. I was also thing about using chalk lines from the old to make sure the new was level.

I am glad I made the choice. Thanks for the good tip about the table mount.

 

[Danny Troy]

It was standard 2x2 or 2x3 90 angle aluminum and it's flush on the transom but not on the swimdeck.You would need some type of very large brake to open the angle.When we thru-bolted it down it closed a little.I think moreso because of the starboard giving and squishing.

Yes, I can see that even if it's off a bit, it will still be locked in place both vertically and horizontally, which is all that matters. And the fact that it's thru bolted into the upper platform, I'm sure it's super solid and will withstand anything you can throw at it.

 

[shore]

I'm not sure on the thickness of the SS poles but they where rather hard to bend even with the 3' pipe bender.Somewhere in between 1/4" and 1/8".

 

[Danny Troy]

I'm ordering the stainless tubing tomorrow, but first I'm going to question the company as to how easily it will be to mash down the ends in a large vise. If 1" .065 isn't doable, I'm going with the 7/8" .049 wall tubing. Hopefully I'll get some feedback that will be helpful from their tech support. Looks like rockfordsupply.com has what we need, at the right price.