New swim platform and tank/ progress.

[Jeremyvmd]

We ordered a custom swim platform from plasteak as out boat didn't come with one. We decided to get one that was slightly narrower and deeper than the factory one and also tapered in a bit to help with docking. Not to mention I think they look better with a taper. The marina got it mostly installed today, just need to make some backing plates for the upper bolts and some sealant and they are done. That should be done thursday. They will also be replacing the exhaust hose and installing the new fuel tank of thursday. Didn't get any pics of the tank (went and picked it up to save on shipping) but it's looking great. Pics to follow on that tomorrow...

[Mark Deeser]

Platform is sure looking good.

[DougSea]

Looks great! Looking forward to seeing her in the water soon!

[Jeremyvmd]

Im thrilled with how it came out. More yachty than the white...but then again I love teak on blue . I now have to decide where to put the ladder (which I got for 5 bux at a yard sale:p). Opinions?

Also took some shots of the new tank...moved the pickups and fuel filter to make access easier.

[DougSea]

Personally I prefer off center, on the aft edge of the platform. Allows you to store a cooler (or similar) on the centerline without getting in the way. I'm inclined to think that boarding from the side (as shown in two of your examples) would be more difficult if the boat is rolling.

[RobS]

I would not go off the side of the platform with the ladder. Centerline is easiest of you're getting into a rocky boat but not a huge deal, this ain't a commercial dive boat...

BUT I would go with an undermount ladder. That one is surface mount right? You've gone this far in your custom platform, and you have to drill into it, why skimp now, this is a one and done install.. Just my $0.02

I have the 3-Step Under-Mount Slide/Out Folding Coated Aluminum Ladder in the attached link and it is great.

http://www.ggschmitt.com/ladders.htm

Also, don't forget to connect the stanchions to your bonding system and daisy chain each one. Last winter I redid my bonding system complete from the engine room back including adding P&S terminal strips in the rear bilge to make everything more organized.

[RobS]

Who made the tank? My tanks are from your neck of the woods - SP in Barnegat.

No screen on the pickup tube, right? And close to the bottom of the tank, like no more than a 1/2"....If there's something in there you want it out and let the filters do their jobs.. Are you doing a dip tube for the return line?

I like that sorta "sump" design in the bottom of the tank since that's where your pickup tube will be. This way anything that settles in the tank (water or debris) will end up in that sump area to better get picked up and filtered out.

And the exhaust looks cool over the top of the transom

[DougSea]

...

And the exhaust looks cool over the top of the transom

I was hoping he was building the first "Jet Powered" 28TE!!

[RobS]

Here's my "over the gunnel" custom exhaust when I was "playing" over the winter.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/oajepg37s5xwp ... t.mp4?dl=0

[DougSea]

The red milk crate really brings it all together nicely!

[Nancy]

Ooo, Jeremy, I would kill for a fourth rung on the swim ladder!

Rob, does your new ladder operate smoothly? Oh wait - silly question. You wouldn't tolerate anything else. We argue a lot with the (presumably) original ladder on our boat.

[Jeremyvmd]

Yea it's over the top, I actually like the top mount cuz it's easier to keep clean and keep an eye on. Also I haven't seen any 4 rung under ladders. Yea they are putting a stainless backing plate and the tying the mounts into the bonding system. Center is not possible due to the openings. The 4 options are the only places it fits. The reason I was thinking putting it off th side would be in case of emergency while a dingy is hanging off platform mounted davits...


I have a seperate bung for a dip tube. There is no screen and it goes about 5/8" or so off the bottom. Factory tank was 1/8" aluminum, the new tank is 3/16, a lil thicker. Tank was made by Atlantic costal welding

[RobS]

Sounds good. Yeah, a dinghy on snap davits would change things up.

Nancy, yes that ladder works perfectly, very easy and very sturdy.
I did not install it, prior owner did, but if I had to replace it I would buy it again.

[Jeremyvmd]

They got the backing plates made up. it was getting sealed up just as I left this morning for work, and the tank and exhaust is supposedly being done now

[Pedro]

Looks great,!When does the new engine get shipped? Mitch and I had been on the phone a lot two weeks ago getting my raw water pump issues sorted, they kept saying they were slammed,I figured they were working on your motor at the time,lol,,,,,