I took advantage of a day off to do a shakedown installation of the swim platform I made for my 26S and everything went practically without a hitch. Prior to today I had only installed it on dry land, and wanted to work out the process of installing it on the water from the boat.
I tied a rope to each of the two eyebolts I had installed at the port and starboard forward corners, and one to the grab handle at the aft edge and lowered it into the water using the grab handle. As expected, it floats. I led it around to the stern and lifted it into the C-channel supports tying the ropes off at the mooring cleats on the port and starboard coamings. I took the rope tied to the grab handle and looped it around the topping lift where it attaches to the boom, lifted the platform up into position and tied it off, then attached the support lines to the U-bolts I had installed in the transom for that purpose. I had to back up a few steps when I realized the ladder support would not swing clear of the rudder with the platform in place, but that was simple enough to do.
I switched the boarding ladder from the transom to the platform and that was that. Done!
All my standing tests had been done on land, so with taking an unplanned swim the only real risk, I gave it a good, rowdy bounce and rock test. Nothing broke, creaked, or cracked, so I think I am good to go.
I considered taking it out for a test cruise, but decided to save it for a less windy day. I plan to add some kind of floatation to the ladder. That does NOT float!
Overall VERY pleased. Can't wait to start using it!
More details of design and process can be found at this thread:
I tied a rope to each of the two eyebolts I had installed at the port and starboard forward corners, and one to the grab handle at the aft edge and lowered it into the water using the grab handle. As expected, it floats. I led it around to the stern and lifted it into the C-channel supports tying the ropes off at the mooring cleats on the port and starboard coamings. I took the rope tied to the grab handle and looped it around the topping lift where it attaches to the boom, lifted the platform up into position and tied it off, then attached the support lines to the U-bolts I had installed in the transom for that purpose. I had to back up a few steps when I realized the ladder support would not swing clear of the rudder with the platform in place, but that was simple enough to do.
I switched the boarding ladder from the transom to the platform and that was that. Done!
All my standing tests had been done on land, so with taking an unplanned swim the only real risk, I gave it a good, rowdy bounce and rock test. Nothing broke, creaked, or cracked, so I think I am good to go.
I considered taking it out for a test cruise, but decided to save it for a less windy day. I plan to add some kind of floatation to the ladder. That does NOT float!
Overall VERY pleased. Can't wait to start using it!
More details of design and process can be found at this thread:
