Moomba XLV Folding Swim Platform

[ISUclonesrule]

I just got a 2004 Moomba XLV and am wanting to install folding swim platform brackets or possibly make a HDPE surf platform. I have contacted OJ Props and they don't make folding brackets any longer. The private lake I am on has a 24' max INCLUDING the swim platform, even if it is removable like on a Moomba. If it is folding, I think I can convince them that it acts as a ladder, be under 24'. I want it to be folded up when surfing. Has anyone heard of such a bracket or should I start trying to build one? Thanks everyone!

[buer]

That is got to be one of the worst rules ever to include the platform!! Good luck with the build. I would mount some locking hinges to the platform. Once you get some brackets made post some pics.

something like this...could be some else better but just brain storming
http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/bruer01/1042626-2_zps124ccc5e.jpg (http://s1064.photobucket.com/user/bruer01/media/1042626-2_zps124ccc5e.jpg.html)

[viking]

Was going to tell you to look at OJ but sounds like you have ...... also think it folded down which would be unusable while under way and think their product was typically for storage purposes? Not sure how a folded "up" type platform would work. Interesting to say the least. Probably better off building your own. And agree with BUER - who makes up these ridiculous rules?

[Boonejeepin]

My thought would be to keep the factory brackets stationary and add a hinge mounted between he platform and the top of the bracket. Could be held in place with a pin somewhere.

This may shave off enough of the platform length to get you within the 24' limit when the platform is hinged up.

[jstenger]

Just put a lot of ballast in the rear so that the platform is well below the top of the water. No more platform, problem solved.

[ISUclonesrule]

Thanks everyone! Personally, I think the rule was put in place to make 21' be the largest wakeboarding boat allowed while letting up to 24' I/O's use the lake. It's 1,400 acre man-made lake but wakesurfing is just catching on in Iowa and has some of the lake front property owners worked up. I'm just trying to get my setup on the lake within the rules so I can can be grandfathered into any future rules.

So, back the to the project at hand, I like the idea of adding a hinge between the bracket and platform. buer, where did you find the locking hinge? I am finding a lot of folding table hinges, nothing heavy duty enough. I think I'll start with a piece of HDPE like trayson did and start mocking up hinges and configurations. Thanks again everyone!

[brain_rinse]

Glad to have another Iowa guy on the forum. You on Panorama? Is your boat yellow by chance?

[buer]

i just googled locking hinges. I think those in the pic were for a table but i was just trying to give a visual. If you can find some heavy duty ones and mount them between the deck and factory mounts I think it would work. Only thing you might have to do is slide the deck back about a 1/2"-1" to clear the back of the boat when the deck is locked up.

[ISUclonesrule]

Sounds great, I was thinking about the deck clearance as well during the holding process. Hopefully I can mach everything up before bolting/welding. Thanks again everyone, if I get into this, I will be sure to post pictures.

[bergermaister]

Just put a lot of ballast in the rear so that the platform is well below the top of the water. No more platform, problem solved.

Best answer so far. Make it black if needed!

[ISUclonesrule]

I wish it was that simple! But since I don't have a slip on the water, they literally pull out a tape measure every time you use their only launch location.

[brain_rinse]

Could you build a small teak swim platform that would keep you under 24'?

[ISUclonesrule]

That is my other thought, stock brackets are 15" so it would need some modification and I haven't actually pulled a tape to see how many inches I have to play with. But Moomba archive show 23' w/o platform and 25' with so 1' might be enough to make a functional platform out of teak or HDPE. I'm not too worried, I know I'll figure out a way to make it work and get out on the lake, especially with everyone's help on here!

[buer]

What if you make a 2' long platform but make it where it folds in half. that would make it under the max length then when you get on the water unfold it to make it bigger.

[parrothd]

Better yet, trade your xlv for my more lake appropriate 22 LSV, 24 with platform.. :p

[ISUclonesrule]

I think folding in half would work well too, will just have to see how it all mocks up in the spring!

I was actually looking for a LSV but I found a XLV that I fell in love with and will be great for the family.

[trayson]

I think I'll start with a piece of HDPE like trayson did and start mocking up hinges and configurations.

I'm flattered.

That said, I'd look for heavy duty stainless hinges. If you did it right, you could put the hinge so that when the platform it's in the down position, that it's "closed" and there's nothing required to keep it in place (other than something to keep it from bouncing up when gravity isn't enough to keep it in place).

As far as "locking" in the up position, you could most certainly make it so that when the platform is vertical, that it latches onto the rear transom tie down loops...

Maybe something like this:
http://www.barefrigeration.com/Products/Kason-1241-Heavy-Duty-Double-Knuckle-Strap-Hinge,-Flush.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiAiamlBRCgj83PiYm6--gBEiQArnojDxJW_vA0r1uraQ2V_7cxGfJqtmstf09hUDNFmTeP P0UaAoYV8P8HAQ

http://www.barefrigeration.com/images/products/A5.0124.gif

or this:
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/z/u80AAOxy69JTFLmj/$_12.JPG
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HEAVY-DUTY-STRAP-HINGE-316-STAINLESS-STEEL-6/150590951677?_trksid=p2054897.c100204.m3164&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D20140407115239%26meid%3D5fcfe7a2dbea4d6bb8f 542661e5cb04f%26pid%3D100204%26prg%3D2014040711523 9%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D150590951651

I think the key words are "stainless heavy duty strap hinge"