bertram31.com

Hi Folks....
I have a swim platform that I would like to install.
While at local marina, marina owner stated that I
would want to install an “inner skin” to stiffen the
transom, as he experienced transom flexing when
he installed a platform on his 28 express.
Anybody out there have experience with swim
platform installs on 31s ? Mines a Bahia of the 1970s
vintage.
Thanks

Steve, I had one on Island Girl and it was a great asset given the way we used the boat. Capt. Pat installed it and it was solid and stable. It sounds like they are referring to a single large backing plate that captures and spreads the load over the entire transom, as opposed to an individual backing plate per anchor point. Clearly a single plate would provide stability. Did he mention the recommended material?

Steve,

The 28 is different. It has this inner structure that spans the whole boat from bow to stern, at which point it makes a double layer at the stern onto which you can pierce the holes. The 31 I'm not familiar with but it shouldn't be all that difficult.
You may need backing plates BOTH for the upper as well as the lower holes, especially the lower holes as I think of it.
Mine has 3 double bolts at the platform level spaced out evenly ( two sides and middle) and then there are three SS tubes going down towards the stern at an angle ending at a flange, each with three through bolts on that flange. The upper connection is welded onto the frame under the platform. Good luck.

Crows Nest (1977 FBC) had a big f'glass swim platform when I got her. I took it off and sold it (to each his own). As I remember, there were 2" x 2" or 3"x 3" marine ply backers with fender washers on each of the fasteners. That's it.