Merry Fisher swim platform strength?

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Evening all.

Im after some thoughts on how strong the swim platform on my MF805 is and if needed any ideas on supporting it.

I want to fit a good size diving ladder to it (type you can climb up with fins on) and be able to walk off it fully kitted and be able to climb back on fully kitted. Total weight with cylinders, weights etc is going to be in the region of 130kg to worst case 150kg.

Ive noticed it flex when climbing back up the in built ladder after a swim so dont have much faith in it supporting a fully kitted twin set diver. Maybe Im wrong and a bit of flex is not an issue but thought it best to check in with you guys before going any further.
 
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Suspect this will be an out of the water job plus fabrication of a couple of stainless supports on stern to underneath of platform.
Seemed to remember just how notably "flexiable" the platform was when getting aboard one of these when fitting a marine radio a few years ago.
Think the glassfibre platform was robust enough , just not much under it for support. ?
 
That's a great looking ladder, Bart. What's the other fabricated bit in the 3rd pic, doesn't look right for a bottle rack.
 
Hi guys,

BartW - that is fantastic! Had not even thought of attaching it to existing ladder mounts. Great job and perhaps a better way forward for me. Thanks very much for your help.

Bouba, I agree its only 2 people and Ive had 2 people stand on it without it all falling into the drink lol. Its just the flex in it when I climb the ladder. Its quite a lot and I guess it just makes me feel uneasy about climbing up loaded with kit on. Im thinking point loading rather than spreading the weight like 2 people?

Oldgit - you clearly have used one in the past! Totally agree there is no support under the platform at all. Im guessing the flex is down to that. It may be stronger than I think but as you say - its surprising how much it moves when walking around on. I agree a few stainless supports would probably shore it up allowing me to have a bit more confidence in using it as a dive platform. If only I had a Nelson type fleet dive tender :encouragement:

Thanks to all those who have given me some useful advice ;)
 
Had to carry a stand up jetski once, it was too much for the platform due to flex. Two simple struts at 45 to the transom corners , spreaders underneath and the transom would sort it . Wouldn't even need to lift out if you don't mind working on your belly for a while.
 
R400 - thanks for reply, just so Ive got it right in my mind, just 2 supports, 1 in each corner down to the transom/stern. When you say spreader piece Im not 100% about. Could you detail for me please.
Did one of the support bolts have to go behind the fuel tank? Any issues?

It took a stand up jetski after these additional supports?! That'll do for my needs - thanks
 
On a previous boat I had a fold up bathing platform fabricated that was supported by 2 rope strops. Worked a treat, would happily take a kitted up diver. I would suggest that you could do the same to provide extra support for what you have, so support from above rather than below. It could be as simple as tying the strops to your cleats and the bathing platform, and then removing them when not required. A few carabiners and bottle screws would give you as much tension as you need.
 
longjohnsilver said:
On a previous boat I had a fold up bathing platform fabricated that was supported by 2 rope strops. Worked a treat, would happily take a kitted up diver. I would suggest that you could do the same to provide extra support for what you have, so support from above rather than below. It could be as simple as tying the strops to your cleats and the bathing platform, and then removing them when not required. A few carabiners and bottle screws would give you as much tension as you need.
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Longjohn that is a great idea! I feel a bit thick having not thought of that. Simple yet effective and I like the idea of being able to remove when not reqd. Thanks alot :encouragement:
 
Devon 805, I carried the jetski and was concerned about the flex . Rigid stainless supports will hold the platform in place preventing upward movement should you be motoring with the load. Simple to manufacture with spreader plates inside the transom , acting as giant washers if you like, and similar under the platform. Definitely not as quick or as cheap as using strops, a permanent solution. Strops would be good if you're only loading while at anchor . Need to make sure you don't over tighten though
 
R400 said:
Strops would be good if you're only loading while at anchor . Need to make sure you don't over tighten though
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I was thinking about that last night as Im guessing I dont want the strops taking the full weight and risk damaging the platform where the 2 retro fitted lifting eyes will be or indeed attempting to lift the platform with no load on. I was thinking using some dynema rope from the corners of the platform and into the stern cleats. It will only be used during the pick up and recovery of divers so no headway on unless my wife gets it wrong when Im solo dipping :ambivalence:
 
Devon805 said:
I was thinking about that last night as Im guessing I dont want the strops taking the full weight and risk damaging the platform where the 2 retro fitted lifting eyes will be or indeed attempting to lift the platform with no load on. I was thinking using some dynema rope from the corners of the platform and into the stern cleats. It will only be used during the pick up and recovery of divers so no headway on unless my wife gets it wrong when Im solo dipping :ambivalence:
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No, the strops should only stop the downward movement of the platform, you most certainly don't want them pulling it up.

Just out of interest, where do you do your diving? I've been diving along the Devon coast for the past 35 years, mostly between Exmouth and Lyme Regis.
 
Hello LJS

I do most of my diving now out of Falmouth but have dived all over the world (ex RN diver)

If you are down this way then give me a shout, great spot for diving :encouragement:
 
Devon805 said:
Hello LJS

I do most of my diving now out of Falmouth but have dived all over the world (ex RN diver)

If you are down this way then give me a shout, great spot for diving :encouragement:
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Thanks. Have done a few dives down there, great for a few scallops and plentiful skate/rays in the Roads
 
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