Swim Platform (Dinghy Davits)

Update: 6/15 - Completed work on the stand-offs the last few days. The project is complete. Tie-downs were also added on the starboard side for gas cans and several hours were spent figuring out how to best tie off the dinghy once up on the davits. I ended up running a line on each side, from below the centerline of the dinghy up to the middle of the stern rail. This has the effect of spreading the load and making the dinghy rock solid while underway..

Like most projects, if I were to do it again, there are a few minor things I'd do differently but I consider this effort to be a success. Now on to some new projects.


Update: 6/1 - Wrapped up installation this morning with final hardware, transom backing, bedding, etc. The platform is solid underfoot owing to the cored construction of the transom and placement of the brackets. I'm pleased with the result. Next step brings the dinghy to the marina for mounting the davits and stand-offs.

Update: 5/30: Started installation yesterday. Progress is slow because of the steady rain. Should wrap up initial work tomorrow followed by disassembly and bedding of the hardware. Taking plenty of time to be sure everything is properly aligned before drilling the holes.

Update: 5/28 - The platform arrived yesterday from Plasteak. Two photos were added to the gallery. I asked PlasTeak to take a few photos of the platform during fabrication but it didn't get done.

The platform looks good although I'm a bit concerned about the proximity of the vents to the place where the davit hooks mount. I would have preferred more solid platform there. Should be ok with use of some good backing plates though.

Update: 5/19 - Added some new photos to the project gallery. The platform was ordered about 10 days ago and should be here in about another week. Meanwhile, I gathered much of the hardware needed to mount it on the transom.

I asked PlasTeak to take some photos during fabrication of the platform and hope to get some interesting shots of the process.

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I've never gone swimming in Puget Sound and have no plans to do so. A swim platform is a great way to carry a hard dinghy though - using Weaver Snap Davits

With the boat kitty replenished by the previously reported davit sale, a swim platform is in the works. This platform will be a rehash of one I built of the Nonsuch 26 seen here. This one will be about 18 inches wider and use improved supports. I'll follow a similar prototype process by building a plywood mock-up to confirm the design and fit followed by a custom build by Plasteak.

This is a slow project spanning about two months. The slideshow below shows the progress and will be updated as work is completed. On each photo is a "notes" link below the image. Click on it to read any included explanation. You can also click on the "link" link to open up the full-size photo on Flickr.

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