Swim Platform Bracket Problem

[cpropes2005]

I was looking under my platform last night trying to figure out how I am going to mount my permanent version of the NSS and I noticed some spider cracking around the bottom bolt of the platform bracket. When I looked closer the bottom part of the bracket had actually started to pull though the fiberglass and the top bolt had started to pull through from the inside. Both bolts as well as the ones on the other side were loose. I have never had more than one or two people on the platform so I can only figure that the previous owner had 3 or four 400lb guys jumping on it or he backed it into something.

For the fix I am thinking about cutting a ¼” stainless steel or aluminum plate to fit on that whole area, drilling holes so the bolts would run through the platform bracket, the plate, the hull, another backing plate inside the hull and finally the nut. I will probably also use the plate to mount my NSS system so I might add two more bolts through the hull further to the right near the side of the boat. I would seal the plate to the hull and the bolt holes with 3m 4200. Anybody see any flaws with that repair?

Also, if your bilge is running a lot you may want to check your platform bolts. I just assumed my shaft seal was leaking more than it should and I hadn’t gotten around to adjusting it but I am pretty sure this is the reason my boat was taking on water.

platform bracket 2.jpgplatform bracket 1.jpgplatform bracket 3.jpg

[Ruger761]

Wow good thing you found that one before it got any worse. If it was me I would pull the brackets off both sides and add a piece of 1/4" SS plate behind the brackets making them at least 1/2" larger all the way around with smooth edges and corners on the 1/4" SS plate. Then I would add the 1/4" SS plate to the inside of the hull as well like you were talking about, and go as large as you can so even the NSS will be hooked to that plate. AL would work but SS would be a lot more rigid. Plus some good sealer around the plates and bolt holes. Wouldnt hurt to get some gelcoat patch paste and fill that spot in keep it from spidering out.

[NICKYPOO]

I think all of that area looks soft. If its been leaking for a while, all that fiberglass and wood could very well be rotted. It would be a real bitch to be standing on the platform one day and have it just fall off the boat, brackets and all, leaving a couple giant holes. I'd be headed down to the glass guy first thing.

[cpropes2005]

I didnt get a chance to last night but I will dig around on it and see if it seems soft. Is there wood in the transom of an 03? I knew Tige used wood stringers for awhile but I thought by 03 the transom was all composite.

[NICKYPOO]

Hard to tell in your pics but, that raised area inside looks just like mine. Inside mine was a piece of 3/4" marine ply. I don't think the 100% composite Tige's were introduced until '06. I think Chpthril mentioned that in another thread just a few days ago.

[cpropes2005]

I took a closer look last night and there is in fact some marine ply in there. It looks like about .75" of fiberglass then .75" marine ply and glass on the inside. I tried to dig around in the wood with a small screw driver but it was still nice and solid so I am just going to add the backing plats on both sides and seal it all up.

[Ruger761]

Thats a big relief for you! Be something everyone with that style of platform bracket needs to look at to ensure theirs isnt doing it as well.

[NICKYPOO]

Good deal. Post up some pics of the repair when its done. I think I'm going to check mine just for chips & giggles. I just "redid" them last year so, I should probably pull the panels and check them.

[Ruger761]

Just my curiosity hitting, but how many brackets does a 2003 22V have on the swim platform 2 or 3?

[cpropes2005]

Mine just has 2. It does seem like a third would be better. Do the newer Tiges have 3?

[Wickedcummins]

The swim brackets had two bolts up too 2011.. 2012 have a 6 5/16 bolts on each side

[Wickedcummins]

The boats all have an aluminum backing plate tho to keep what you see here from happening.

[Ruger761]

Thats what I suspected. The older ones like mine have 3 brackets with 4 bolts per bracket. Plat yours up and you should be good to go.

[cpropes2005]

Sweet, I was a little worried when I first noticed it but now I don't think the repair will be a big issue. I will post up pictures when it is done.

[cpropes2005]

Got the repair finished. I installed .125" Al plate on both sides because that is what I had in my garage. I think this is perfect for the outside where there is the larger bearing surface of the platform bracket but I may eventually go back and put a little thicker plate on the inside. With just the area of the stainless washer bearing on the plate it was starting to deform the aluminum on the inside plate.
Backing Plate.jpg