Recently we had a visting Atlanta 24 moored next to us at the marina and I was most taken with the "bathing" platform fitted to the stern - not that this would be used for bathing, I hasten to add (at least not intentionally).
On each side of the stern was a stainless steel frame with an outer "handle", fitted with hardwood slates and with a stainless steel tube connecting both sides and passing behind the outboard. I appeciate that fitting such a gizmo might require the glassing-in of some plywood inside the transom but even a single-sided platform would be preferable to balancing on the emergency outboard bracket if I need to get to the engine.
I've taken a look on the web and am horrified at how much these things cost. Anyone done something similar without the receipt of Quantitive Easing?
Lastly, if I do manage to do this I'll have an emergency outboard bracket for disposal. Are these worth anything?
I'd get a few photos of the one you've seen and take some measurements if the owners are willing and find a local fabricator that does stainless, a walk around a local small industrial estate asking will usually get you pointed in the right direction for someone worth dealing with, I have a little bearing supplier just up the road from me that seems to know where to get anything made up around me as they deal with most of them. Canopy makers tend to have 3/4" stainless tubing offcuts in the sort of lengths you need as canopy poles are better done in single lengths. Theres always someone nearby who can do this sort of stuff it's just a matter of finding them.
Thankyou - I appreciate the advice from both of you. I had another thought - maybe I will investigate motorbike shops too as an engine fairing may well do the job. I suspect though that the hull will need a wood mounting bonded to the inside to spread the force of any impact and to make the mounting secure. Thankyou for any comments and thoughts - I appreciate your input to this forum - It's a great thing for me. Best Wishes, Florian.
Rear "bathing" platform for a Norman 27
Posted - 18 Jul 2012 : 11:42:48
