RZ2 Platform for surfing - idea

[Timmy!]

My buddy said that he saw on a site somewhere that someone mentioned possibly raising the swim platform up to get it out of the way of the wakesurf wave. I'm thinking of cutting some wood spacers (14 1/2" x 2" x 1 1/2") out of some redwood that I have laying around to see if simply raising the platform will help at all. This would set the platform up 1 1/2" higher than it is now and possibly pull it out of the water enough to work.

I know there is a new platform but I don't have the money to spend on it right now and I was planning on making one out of teak to match the new dimensions once I get some time.

Thoughts?

[Coach]

Sounds like a good idea! I am taking my platform off this week to install my FAE so I might give it a go. Do you think it would impact the strength of the platform being up another inch, creating a greater lever than on the normal brackets?

[skyski_tige]

Interesting...


Have you guys had any trouble with the black rubber pulling off on your main surfing side?

[Timmy!]

Do you think it would impact the strength of the platform being up another inch, creating a greater lever than on the normal brackets?

Good question - I'm really not sure. I guess it could affect it somewhat but I think I would be more concerned about the wood being able to handle the force first.

I have not had any issues with the rubber peeling off of the platform.

[dogbert]

Hmm, would that raise it up so high that it's tough to get back on?

(Hey, I'm getting old...I have to think about these things)

[G-MONEY]

Hmm, would that raise it up so high that it's tough to get back on?

(Hey, I'm getting old...I have to think about these things)

Ya but if your surfing you ballast will be filled and the swimstep will be in the water

[dogbert]

Ya but if your surfing you ballast will be filled and the swimstep will be in the water

What about when you're not?

[Timmy!]

I looked at it this weekend and I don't think the 1 1/2" will make it too high. Right now my platform is only about 1" off of the water and I'm the oldest one that ever goes on the boat at 34....

[dogbert]

However, after thinking about it for a while, why couldn't you employ a similar system to the one they use for the bay boats and their outboard motors. Basically, the motor's depth in the water (not the trim) can be adjusted hydraulically. Even if the platform could just be tilted up like a TAPS plate. Now that would be cool!

[zad0030]

However, after thinking about it for a while, why couldn't you employ a similar system to the one they use for the bay boats and their outboard motors. Basically, the motor's depth in the water (not the trim) can be adjusted hydraulically. Even if the platform could just be tilted up like a TAPS plate. Now that would be cool!

I have seen those on some big cruisers. They call it a loading ramp.

[dogbert]

I have seen those on some big cruisers. They call it a loading ramp.

Hey, if you do it right, I could park my jetski on there!

[Coach]

Good question - I'm really not sure. I guess it could affect it somewhat but I think I would be more concerned about the wood being able to handle the force first.

I have not had any issues with the rubber peeling off of the platform.

Are you going to put wood just under the support beams or from support beam to support beam with a big ol piece of wood under the deck?

[Timmy!]

I was thinking just 2 strips, 1 to run the length of each support beam. I suppose you could run the wood between the 2 beams.

[ragboy]

Hmm, would that raise it up so high that it's tough to get back on?

(Hey, I'm getting old...I have to think about these things)

Agree, I love getting in and out of the boat when the ballast is full. ;-)

[Coach]

I was thinking just 2 strips, 1 to run the length of each support beam. I suppose you could run the wood between the 2 beams.

That is what I was thinking.