MacGregorSailors.com

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We have been looking for a swim platform for several years now.... haven't seen quite what we want, so plan to make one... Rather than start with a copy of some other platform (of which there are a LOT of really good, clever designs), we started with a list of our own.

First... (although this may not seem related....) we put two reflective strips - mounted vertical - on the left and right sides of the transom... When trailering - it just seemed like a reasonable idea....

Second.. we came up with a list of items.... Since we have a 26D, the engine mounts off center - and that is the source of a "unique design"...

a - use composite deck material instead of teak or pure plastic... it's not cheap - but what is? --- for the planks....
b - will likely make a simple metal frame out of bent stainless.... that way we can use some off the shelf stanchion and bimini hardware.
c - can prototype with conduit (cheap and let's us test the frame mounting before bending with expensive stainless).
d - it will have two chains - protected with plastic/vinyl - on each side
e - it will fold down for use - and up for travel.
f - it has to be able to come off quickly (ie, mounting).
g - it needs to coexist with the Mac 26D ladder (which is tricky on the fold up parts)
h - it needs to be inexpensive - and be something I can build at home... (i have some tools)....

Should be something we can have ready by spring...

It's really early to talk about this - and I can post pictures when done - but everyone is talking about what they have in mind or want - and we have come up with our list based on good comments others have made...

We want our platform to be part of a MOB drill -and heavier weather recoveries is something we have been thinking about... the Scuba comments are great for this... We do know that the design isn't for the the 95% of good times - it's also super critical for the 5% of rougher weather... I think it a bad idea to design just for the calm - and then have to use it for a MOB rough weather event... Haven't seen much commentary on this aspect..

--jerry

Hi Jerry : )
Just a couple thoughts and a question or two......

1. Yes I fully agree 3/4" emt is a great source for mock-up Material..
a. another good source for mock-up's is 3/4" PVC plumbers pipe.. Due to the vast array of fittings available.( that can precisely simulate , welded connection's)
2. You might find?? That gas shocks ? Like for maybe your trunk lid and two of my hood lids and even my IMHO Huge Heavy Fiberglass Tonneau Cover for my pick.. "Might be worth consideration"..
3. Might? Heavy walled Aluminum 3/4' ( trade size) tubing be ....a. cheaper b. more readily available..c. available cheaper and easier in longer lengths??
4. With my concern for the use of "Bimini " Fittings.. Totally dependant on where you use them ... I am concerned about their stress load rating..
Many of them, if not most of them... are cast fittings.. Remember the weakest link in a chain scenario...

As kmclemore said earlier, a simple platform works well and is easy to build. I wanted to go larger but after using this for a year am very happy with its simplicity. Easy boarding from the water and back in for easy step right on and off from a dock.

This is what I made. It is perfect for drying off on, storing extra gas tanks and wet dogs. The cockpit is much more open and useable.

Ahem!

Helping the dog back onboard - is cheating!

Seapup.. FIRST: Nice Job!!
Then: Having the X versus the M for this mod..... puts you way ahead, from the get go... I cannot remember , so remind me.. Is there a SS fold down ladder on The X as there is ( can be $$) on the M.. ??
Its just a lot IMHO easy to address this particular issue if your base is an X.. Kind of like ...
Two guys want to build V8 Fire Breathing Hot Rod.. Sedans..
I chose a Nova Or a Malibu.. My bud chooses a Front wheel Drive 4 cyl. uni-body K car.. His can be done.... But it will require overcoming a lot more obstacles than mine will..
We have a working Prototype that's done.. its ready to build .. but I am of no desire to do it while I am stuck here outside CHICAGO EVERY DAY EVERY WINTER!! We're ready to begin producing Full Enclosures for X's and M's for about half the going rate maybe 2/3s but much nicer than whats available for almost Double the cost.. Several similar units are done and sold.. Our Ladder is 3 pieces.. The main section.... an adjustable height.... fold down platform and a telescopic that drops from the main frame 2 feet lower than the bottom of the boat.. All S.S. We can even incorporate your existing Mac ladder..
Find me a buyer hahaha ..Not for products but for this albatros.. I told her 5 years ago .. Lets Sell... Lets go back to Cozumel.. No No NO The Grand-kids..
Yea ! Like they help with the snow and the leaves

Seapup wrote:As kmclemore said earlier, a simple platform works well and is easy to build. I wanted to go larger but after using this for a year am very happy with its simplicity. Easy boarding from the water and back in for easy step right on and off from a dock.

This is what I made. It is perfect for drying off on, storing extra gas tanks and wet dogs. The cockpit is much more open and useable.
[duplicate images removed - KBM]

Very Nice!

Seapup wrote:As kmclemore said earlier, a simple platform works well and is easy to build. I wanted to go larger but after using this for a year am very happy with its simplicity. Easy boarding from the water and back in for easy step right on and off from a dock.

Love this setup do you have plans
or a transom picture so I an fake it
Jeff