Conference vicki::boats

Steve,
Assuming the screws you're referring to are regular wood screws, I
would change one thing.  The platform should be thru-bolted with
machine screws instead.  Inside the transom you should use backing
plates made of either aluminum plate, plywood, or large washers,
in that order of preference.

That they should be stainless is obvious, but you should also use
the self locking nuts with the nylon insert (they have a name but
I forget what it is...).  To prevent the transom from absorbing
water, goop up the holes and the bolts real well with a polysulfide
sealant such as Life Caulk.  Don't use regular silicone below the
waterline.

RE:  >> Is there a minimum height I need above the water to avoid this? 

  The platform on my outboard boat sits about 2-3" inches above the water
  at rest.  I would mount it high enough so that you can sit on the
  transom with your feet on the platform and not get your feet wet.

  Rick

    
    Rick means   "nylock" nuts, as they are commonly referred too.
    
    As for the backing plate, since you have an outboard rig,
    my guess is the platform will be on either side of the
    motor, in this case make the backing plate long enough to
    go the entire horizontal distance, i.e. one piece, this
    will distribute the load across the entire with of the 
    fiberglass.  
    
    As for the rest of what Rick said, I definitely agree..
    
    JIm.

    Moved by mod...
    
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Note 842.0                Help repairing swim platform.                  1 reply
AKOCOA::DHAMEL                                       26 lines  21-MAY-1991 15:39
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    I've got a 1980 Mastercraft.  Its got a fiberglass swim platform
    screwed into the transom.  I am now faced with the following problem:

    Seems as though several of the holes are stripped, allowing the
    platform to partially come away from the transom.  Not too useful
    for a boat full of skiers.  We spent the last few weeks of last 
    season avoiding the platform altogether.  Now I'd like to fix the 
    problem.

    I made an attempt with "Marine Tex"; filling the holes, and replacing
    the screws.  The Marine Tex dried but had no positive effect on 
    setting the screws into the transom.  The problem remains.

    My questions:

            1.  Any recommendations on how to best solve this
                problem?

            2.  Or is it a better idea to have a professional take
                care of it?

    Thanks.


                                Dean 

    Moved by mod...
    I agree with Doug, don't 'screw' around, it should be thru-bolted.
    
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Note 842.1                Help repairing swim platform.                   1 of 1
SITBUL::FYFE                                          5 lines  21-MAY-1991 15:46
                        -< Use the same holes too .... >-
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    Put mounting bolts through the transom with aluminum washers and a 
    marine sealant.
    
    Doug.

    Second the through bolts.  Just don't use AL washers and stainless
    steel bolts and nuts.  Use all stainless.  The AL washer becomes the
    sacrificial anode and will be useless in a few days near salt water.
    
    I did my platform this winter.  No big problem just used several of the 
    biggest stainless washers I could find at E&B that would fit a 3/8"
    bolt.
    
    KC
    

    so far so good, but you don't need 5" washers. do use one,
    but use a "backing plate" of plywood it does a better job of
    distributing the load..
    
    
    JIm.