Custom dive platform options and builders needed.

[Gamble]

Hi guys, I have a 26ft Andros 26 being built and am looking for ideas for a custom dive platform for it. There are a couple issues to deal with and I need to be creative. One issue it the boat will have a Portabracket with a 250 Zuke on it and a 8ft Power pole. I would love to have platforms on both sides of the motor but one side would need to be notched in order for the Ppole to raise and lower. The boat will also have Lenco drive mounted on the transom. I don't see these as being an issue though as I see the platforms being mounted above them.

Here is the boat.

http://www.androsboats.com/images/gallery/tarpon/2.jpg
http://www.androsboats.com/images/gallery/tarpon/1.jpg

[Jaizzen]

Gamble,
Portabracket makes a bracket with a swim platform. I looked these brackets hard before I decided to install twins. Didn't go with it due to no floatation. Upside to your bracket is that it will not hold water.

http://www.portaproducts.com/

Here is a quick idea that I was tossing around a while back. The idea is a swim platform that is lowered when needed, raised when not. It would be totally removable should it need to come off. This was a 20min drawing from a while back so its not to scale etc, its just a quick Idea.

In addition, I'd make it quite a bit longer than wide, That way you can belly up on it. Very simple, easy to have built.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c230/Jaizzen/ResizeofRotationofJS-1.jpg

Like the boat.

Jason

[Gamble]

Thanks for the info. My uncle has a teak platform on his 70 flatback Proline that is mounted on hinges at the transom and has two chains mounted at the end of the platform to the top of the transom. It is mounted right at the water line when running and moves up and down with the water. Off plane it is slightly below the water line but floats. I like it a lot but can bang up and down with waves if your anchored up. I was considering replacing the chains with some type of gas ram to help dampen the bouncing at rest. I don't want to spook any Tarpon or snook if when are bait fishing.

[Jaizzen]

Change the chains to Heavy Braided Nylon that can be replaced every few years. This would quiet thing up.

This platform would be pulled up during operation and secure with bugee to the inside of the boat. Should not move at all this way. That how my ladder is attached and it works out well.

Jason

[Gamble]

After looking at the mounting of the Powerpole and lenco's it looks like I only have room for a platform on one side. :mad:

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p95/trponhunter/andros26finished002.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p95/trponhunter/andros26finished001.jpg

[Jaizzen]

Looks like you only have room for a ladder. Thats not alot of transom on that boat. I figured the boat to be a deeper V from the photos.

Jason

[deepdestroyer]

I would save the money and not even bother with a swim platform on that boat...Just get a ladder and you will be fine, the transom is pretty low and should be fairly easy to get in with just a ledder. Also it looks like you will be using the boat for mostly flats fishing, so the majority of the time you are using the boat a swim platform wont be needed. Just my .02

[snappa-tappa]

You've got a great FISHING boat there... No room for a platform unless you convert it to a DIVE boat...

Rob

[Kahuna]

Personally I would forget about the Lenco's and get a removable trolling motor. Less problems all the way around.

[Hector]

I think its impossible to squeeze one more thing on that transom.

[Gamble]

Thx guys, after a little more research I am 99% sure can lower the Lencos and add two platforms like the ones shown here.

http://www.sheaffermarine.com/DSC_42381024.jpg
http://www.sheaffermarine.com/F_28.JPG

I know that it is more of a fishing boat than a dive boat but I love doing both and am trying to design the layout as best as I can.

Kahuna, I would love to add a bow mount but no one makes one long enough. Do you have any plans for this weekend?

[CWitch]

Where can I get that platform and ladder shown on the Sheaffer? That is sweet.