swim platform..

groundhog · #1 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008

Hi all,

One of the things on my list is a swim platform and a step on the back of my sailboat. This would help in deploying and getting in/out of a dingy, as well as getting people into the boat from the water. Pets might like it too..

Anyway, after I read a recent post about someone getting their outboard engine whacked by a big wave. I have been wondering about the swim platform.

So my question is..
In big water, how would a swim platform do? Would it affect seaworthyness? Get ripped off the back with a big wave?

Thanks,
groundhog

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008

GH—

It would really help if you said what boat you're thinking of adding a swim platform to... since some boats would look okay with an added platform and others not so good... Also, a swim platform adds a fair bit a weight aft...and that can cause a boat to squat or hobby horse.

The construction of the swim platform and how you're going to secure it to the hull is also something to consider. It has to be attached in a fairly robust way if you don't want it getting ripped off the hull when the boat gets pooped or if the platform gets hit. The worst scenario would be it getting ripped off and tearing big holes in your transom...

That would suck... and we'd probably not hear from you again if it happens.

LittleWingCA · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008

Most swim platforms I see on sailboats near me are integrated into the hull like on late model Island Packets. Are you looking to add one via a fiberglass hull extension, or some kind of bolt on platform? If it is bolt on, then you might want to consider making it a fold up or down for the reasons mentioned above. Maybe some kind of hybrid device that when folded up acts like a teak covered stern life line rail / backrest, but when folded down is a platform.

HARDWORK · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008

I have a Catalina 30 MK I onto which I have added a swim platform. The stern is solid with no walk thru. The stern rail was cut to make an opening. I build the platform at of 2x2 teak with 2 inch spacing to allow water to flow thru in the event that it was to catch water. I used stainless all-thread to bolt the platform togeather with. On the outside edge is stainless tubing of 1 inch diameter that is thru bolted with the all-thread. To this is attached a swim- ladder that folds up to the stern rail to close the opening. Also from the tubing to the base of the down tubes, or stantions ? , is another 1 inch stanless tube on each side to facilitate hand rails (as well as bracing)
The attachment to the stern is with stainless table brackets that are thru-bolted with backing plates.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008

Do you have a photo of your boat and the swim platform???

HARDWORK · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008

I will try to get a photo posted by tomorrow.

sailingdog · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008

Hardwork-

Your best bet would be to post in the Song Chain thread about six times, so that you can put the photo up on a Flickr.com or photobucket.com account and then link to it. You can't link to an external photo site until you have TEN POSTS.

FarCry · #8 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008

In addition to the good suggestions that have already been made...Does anything exit the stern of your boat? Exhaust, bilges etc...that would need to be rerouted.

I saw a very interesting custom swim platform on the stern of a larger boat that had a near vertical stern. The owner installed a couple of padeyes above water line to act as hinges. The actual platform was supported from above via some stainless chain attached to other padeyes high on the stern. When not in use it was raised and tied off to the stern rail. The platform had one of the small two step collapsable ladders on it. The platform was not as pretty as a factory sugar scoop but seemed very funtional and sturdy enough for two people. It looked like it was made out of pieces of teak wide enough for the water to easily flow thru.

sailingdog · #9 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008

The advantage of what FarCry is describing is that it could be lifted up when in the slip and not count as part of the "length" of the boat when the boat is being measured for slip fees. Remember, a fixed swim platform is going to generally be counted against you when it comes to the marina fees.

groundhog · #10 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008

Yes, I was thinking along the lines of what HardWork described. Where the slats would drain easily.

My transom is slightly angled forward as you go down to the waterline which is the worst angle to have. That is why I will need a single step between the swim platform and the top edge of the boat transom.

Sailing dog.. thanks for that insight on the length. Didn't think about the extra $$.

I have an Albin Vega 27'. It has 4 cockpit drains and an exhaust port on the back.

I will definitely think along the lines of a hinged unit. But if I was to make it a fixed unit and very sturdy, and wide spaces in the slats, what of a large wave then?