Swim Platform Evolution

Article by Swim Platform Guy

Swim Platform installation on new boats is increasing but there are thousands of older ski boats out there with undersized, Teak swim platforms that have several common swim platform problems.The platforms sit either too close to the water or actually sit in the water when the boat is parked. I’ve seen these swim platform problems on older MasterCrafts, Malibus, Supras and Moombas.My answer for these Teak challenges? A custom fabricated fiberglass extended swim platform. I own Contemporary Fiberglass in Spokane, Washington. I’ve been making custom extended swim platforms for 10 years.The fiberglass reinforced plywood swim platform solves several problems for the customer. First, it gives him 11 inches that he did not have previously.Most of the Teak swim platforms on older ski boats are only 19 inches wide. I make a new extended swim platform 30 inches deep and the full width of the boat. If you think about it the increased size just makes sense for better safety and more comfort.Unlike Teak, a fiberglass swim platform is a nearly maintenance-free product, whereas before you had to treat the Teak several times every season or end up with a greyish, ugly swim platform that was guaranteed to give you slivers.I glassed in four by fours under the swim platform where the brackets mount so the swim platform is raised up where it should rightfully sit.Fiberglass swim platforms have other advantages. A custom fiberglas swim platform normally enhances the beauty of your boat, because of the perfect fit. When done right, an add-on swim platform will look as though it came from the factory. The safety factor of a modern swim platform is the primary reason that most boat owners initially consider a swim platform. Once they get a new fiberglass swim platform and have a chance to use it, they discover many other “functional” extras and bonuses. The swim platform is an excellent place to -

strap your cooler and other cargo – it frees up a significant amount of room inside the boat!set your lounge chairs there and enjoy a book or cocktail! When you get too hot, just roll off your chair into the water, then easily climb back into your chair!strap your tube or other toys back there.clean your fish on the platform and keep the mess out of the boat!Some construction details to be aware of for your next swim platform. Make sure they are constructed of fiberglass reinforced plywood, and 100% sealed with a gel coat finish. The base price should include the finish color to match your boat, plus a second color to match a feature stripe!Weight to strength ratio is another factor to consider – of course the lighter the better. For safety, does the top surface have a non-skid material rolled into the gel coat. Make sure you can also choose the foam mat type of non-skid surface.A heavy rubber molding should trim the top edge, both to make the swim platform appear as if it came with the boat, and to protect the boat from any light “bumps”. One final check, does the underside of the platform have an easy-to-keep-clean gel-coated surface?

Related Swimming Articles