swim platform

[Jed]

Pulled the swim platform off of my 91 Advance.  Appears to have a fiberglass pan, filled w/ wood then glassed over for the top surface.  The wood is deteriorating causing the screws securing the platform to the brackets to fall out and the rub rail to separate.  Has anyone re-done one of these.  Thinking I can just cut another piece of wood, glass the top to seal it, then re-install the carpet and rail. Any suggestions?

[Marko56]

I have a similar issue.  My platform is more waterlogged then rotted.  I was looking for a used teak deck on E-Bay, but I like your idea.  If I understand it, you are thinking of separating the top and bottom, replacing the core, and then glassing it shut.  If you attempt it, please post your results and photos.

[RonT]

More "off-season" projects. I would rebuild with high density foam core, never rot again.

[Jed]

That would take care of the deteriorating wood problem.  I'll just have to figure a way to anchor the platform bracket screws in the platform.  Probably a couple of layers of glass around the perimeter would be enough for the rub-rail screws to anchor in.

[Mike Harry]

On a seperate note, where are you in Florida? Close enough we might be able to get together........ Im in Saint Cloud

[Jed]

In Clermont.  Usually out on Lake Minneola.

[Mike Harry]

Ill have to get over that way sometime.

[RonT]

If your into composites these are easy to correct, if not, ship it to me in the fall.

[Jed]

Ok , got the wood core removed from the platform.  Was quite a bit more of a job than I thought.  Had a layer of glass on top, then a piece of wood, then more glass, then the bottom piece of wood with resin adhering it to the bottom.

[Marko56]

Thanks for the photos, it's always helpful to 'see' what a project may involve before deciding to undertake it.  Question:  What was between the wood and the carpet?

[Jed]

The top of the platform was a layer of fiberglass that had mostly separated from the wood.  Checking on a product called "starboard" to use in place of wood.  Its a solid plastic type material.  Looks like I will need a 1" thick piece.

[Mike Harry]

Starboard is some good chit. Wont rot, it should world perfectly for you.

[RonT]

Avoid Starboard, it's a great material for many marine applications, I use Starlite (lighter version) for upholstery boards. The drawback to Starboard is hardly nothing out there sticks to it. I have used it as temp. molds because the cured resins release easy! I  use 9# closed cell structural foam for a core but where the brackets attach I reinforce with laminates of Trevira.

[Mike Harry]

Says the man who knows what he's talking about 

Thanks for setting it strait Ron. I have used it but was unaware resin wouldn't stick to it.

[Marko56]

Has anyone used Brazilian Walnut (Ironwood) for a swim platform?  It's a popular outdoor decking material and costs far less then teak.