Can I add a swim platform

[Jim Cook]

across my transom, a few inches above water level? With about 3 feet of freeboard, those rope-type ladders don't work very well. I could mount a folding ladder, but I think a wooden platform would be more esthetic and functional for swimming in the warm Gulf waters. My saildrive is far forward of the stern to be a safety problem and the platform could extend beyond the rudder to make climbing aboard even safer.Has anyone done this? How did you make it and mount it?Thanks,JimC"Dream Chaser"

 

[Don Evans]

Thinking of the Same Project

Would like to do also Jim, as I have a dog and a disabled daughter who has difficulty climbing the ladder. I wasn't thinking of across the whole transom but to the starboard side only, and I was thinking of having at least two steps up (mini platforms)to the pushpit gate. I have a link at work I'll post of a company that makes them ffrom "Starboard". A bit pricey but look well made. Wouldn't be the first time I stole an idea or 2. Gonna lay out some plans this winter. We shall see what happens.Don

 

[Don Evans]

And Further...

For those who missed this link in the "All Sailors" forum, it has to do with this plastic teak product, that by all appearences appears to be "Starboard" with colour. Looks like a well made product, though spency. Does give some dimensions and fit possibilities for those contemplating adding.Don

 

[Steven Sisak]

home made swim platforms

Jim, Greetings from Long Island Sound. I work in a machine shhop so this project was relatively simple. I welded 2 independent frames up, out of 1 x 1 stainless tubing I then mounted it to the hull then I purchased some teak and screwed that to the frames incorperating them into one piece However make sure that you do this part after you mount the frame to the hull as to take into acount the curvature of the hull then mount the wood. I also thought ahead for a ladder and fabricated the frame so that it would accept a male menber into the back of the frame, I then welded up a 5 wrung latter out of the same tubing welding on a 3/4 inch piece of stainless that slid into the swimm platform frame wella 4 steps in the water and easily storable in my lazerette you may contact me @ sfacimimo@worldnet.att.net