Swim platform question

[EllisTN]

I've got a fiberglass swim platform with some cracks in it (not repairable), and I was thinking about replacing it with a teak one. Thoughts? Opinions? The platform goes on a maxum 2400 sc.

 

[emoney]

Re: Swim platform question

I think a teak swim platform looks good on any boat. Have you found one or are you going to be building your own? I'd think it safe to say that the reason a lot of manufacturer's got away from teak swim platforms is purely economical. Teak's not cheap.

 

[EllisTN]

Re: Swim platform question

I've found one, but my biggest concern is how the teak platform is mounted compared to the fiberglass one. Are bolts from the fiber one going to show after I mount the teak one? Or can I use those bolts to mount it?

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Swim platform question

Unless your ready to put a lot of time into keeping it looking good i wouldn't have teak. Had one on another boat and all it is maintenance.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Swim platform question

I think teak looks good on classic boats where it was original equipment, or when teak is used as an inlay on modern boats. It is more maintenance intensive, but an annual cleaning/re-oiling keeps teak looking new with very little work. I don't think I'd go and bother with teak if you already have a fiberglass swim platform. Also, what cracks aren't repairable with fiberglass, unless you completely demolished it?

 

[EllisTN]

Re: Swim platform question

It's destroyed. If I decided to build my own, how difficult would that be?

 

[sktn77a]

Re: Swim platform question

Well, it's kinda like building your own fiberglass kayak - not too difficult if you have a mold. You alse need a design spec sheet (where to place reinforcements, etc). This will make all the difference between a seviceable swim deck and a flimsy fiberglass pad that will break in no time.

 

[emoney]

Re: Swim platform question

Teak isn't THAT much work, lol. I've had plenty of teak on sailboats, and if you start with it right and don't ignore you, you'll love it. As for mounting, I'd just use the holes that are in place, assuming they will work with what you found. Measuring is the only way to know for sure.

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: Swim platform question

If you're buying a pre-made teak platform, the chances of the supports lining up are almost nil.So, you'll have to fill in the old holes (needs to be done properly) and then make new ones.

I have to go back to the old one. One of our resident fiberglass experts (oops! - that's his screen name) says any fiberglass thing can be fixed. Can you post pics of the boat and the old "destroyed" platform? At a minimum, you may be able to use it as a template for the new one.

When you say one option may be to make a new one, are you saying you are prepared to learn some new skills and put in significant time on the project? It will take both.

Please, post some pics. Very interested.

Sea ya...