Surf Platform DIY

[aerolland]

I have been wanting to do this for some time and hesitated over the material to use. Every project and upgrade I have done so far has been using aluminum, stainless steel and/or starboard - however, starboard in a sheet large enough for a surf deck was real money, plus a 2 hr one-way drive to get it. Not being sure of the shape, performance, etc I wanted to experiment with a few less $$'s invested.

I started out at the SeaDek website looking at their Moomba templates, screen grabbed one from a recent LSV and imported into SolidWorks. Knowing 2 dimensions on their template allowed for a scaled drawing to trace into a solid model - this eliminated the need to drive 2+ hrs to my nearest dealer to sweet talk them into letting me trace a newer surf deck. The next step was to see how many sheets of plywood I would need, hopefully just one. The results were:

http://i.imgur.com/e4HnOt4h.jpg

The black pen addition was the estimated shape of the pad I planned to cut and install. (still yet to do...)

I used 11/16" A-C sanded plywood, roughly $26 per sheet. Unfortunately I do not have any 'during' photos because I was anxious to get it together and on the boat for trial runs. I did reference some other members designs during the layout process and ultimately changed my dimensions on the fly since I could not get my SW license to behave at the house - no way to snap on the fly dimensions!!!

Basically, the old platform was 69 1/2" wide. The new deck is 56". I could have easily made it an even 60" and it would stay out of the wave but I was unsure while building it. There is not much reason to need that extra 2" per side, but you have enough material to do it.

I used exterior liquid nails to bond the two sheets together, however, if I had it to do over I would have used TightBond II wood glue - would have made for an easier assembly since it's thinner. The assembly was screwed (stainless screws) every 6" in a square layout. Two layers of liquid epoxy were then rolled on all surfaces to keep it water tight. After the first test, the seam began to separate a bit, not sure if the liquid nails was not done bonding (said 24 hrs was 80% strength, 7 days for full cure) or the moisture made the LN swell? Either way, I injected TightBond II in the small seam and clamped overnight - problem solved.

http://i.imgur.com/93OTAVrh.jpg

Here is the assembled result:

http://i.imgur.com/LCg0C0l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vOWfQ95.jpg



...continued on next post...

[aerolland]

You can see the mounts that transition from the metal deck mounts to the actual surf deck. They are made of two more layers of 11/16" plywood, tapered to look nice and distribute the load.

http://i.imgur.com/V3oDw8Bh.jpg

After testing showed it was good to go as is, it was sanded smooth and covered with two coats of high temp rustoleum gloss paint. It's what I had laying around and it also stated it was chemical and oil resistant, seemed smart since it's right above the exhaust. We'll see how long it lasts. Next time I will tint the epoxy and have it gloss black via that coating. In the end, there will be very little showing after the pad gets installed.

http://i.imgur.com/EKq9HPah.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/OIhMRlWh.jpg

It's slightly blurry, but you can see the clean wave starting from the corner of the hull rather than where the deck dug in:

http://i.imgur.com/aB1i3auh.jpg

[kaneboats]

Very nice work. I have to look at my platform next time out and see if it interferes with the surf wake now that I run more evenly weighted with the sukg8.

[aerolland]

My stock platform was always basically in the water with ballast and even when we were evenly loaded (we still run slightly listed, found it had more push) the platform cut into the wave. I was goofing around the last time out with this new platform and was dragging my feet similar to where the old platform would hit and you could actually change where the curl of the wave formed, much closer into the boat. I can't say the wave became better to ride, but in my mind it is. Certainly cleaner looking.

[kaneboats]

Just looking at pics I think mine is almost all the way out when we are running only slightly listed with the sukgate.

https://forum.moomba.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=25848&d=1498750734

25848

[mikenehrkorn]

Great work, that looks awesome!! With the pad on my platform peeling badly and dragging in my wave I have thought about doing this as well.

Do you have any before and after pics to compare the two waves?

You mentioned decreasing the width but the rest of the platform looks to have kept the current design and proportion - is that correct or did you also change some of the other dimensions / shape?

[aerolland]

Proportions kept but from memory, everything shrank a bit except for the trailing edge - that stayed constant at 16 1/2". So basically, it looks the same but if you were to try to drop a precut pad on it, it's not going to fit.

Here's the best I have of the old wave, which in this picture looked pretty stinking good...

http://i.imgur.com/8LQVGO7h.jpg

Here's the new deck during testing, no rider unfortunately:

http://i.imgur.com/aB1i3auh.jpg



They look very very similar, but I can assure you when you watch the wave form now with the new platform it's very quick and clean and starts curling immediately off the hull. I can replicate the disturbance the old platform made by dragging my foot in the wake just behind the corner of the boat.

[MichiganMoomba]

Awesome work. This is my next project.

Did you reuse your old mounting brackets or buy new ones? If new ones, where did you pick them up at?

Thanks.

[aerolland]

Reused originals

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[trayson]

FWIW, here's a couple pics of my surf wave coming off the hull and going around the surf platform I made...

http://i.imgur.com/qBBKAeN.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LFSYJKQ.jpg

[Poison]

I just made a similar mod, but I went the HPDE route. Used 1 inch HDPE and the template that 5:00 sent me (I think he said he traced a Craz platform) except I increased the size by 10%. Glued on some B-grade hydroturf. It just finished drying so hopefully I'll get some surf pics this weekend. I had the template printed at FedEx/Kinkos, traced it on the HPDE, cut it with a jigsaw, and had a buddy use a router to bullnose the edges. Original brackets. I think it turned out pretty well. I would have rather had black but it was cost prohibitive...the plastic shop only had white and shipping is killer on these.

It does have some flex to it if I stand on the edge...there just isn't any support from the brackets that far out. I may trim it back a little or try to screw in a piece of square tube. I don't like that diving board feeling but I don't think it will break.

Here it the comparison to the old deck.
25920

Attached:
25921

25922

25923

25924

[trayson]

The white looks okay.

[Fastest1]

Has anyone ever just tested with no platform?
I have been curious as to why a hinge isnt used to allow the platform to plane on the surface. It would be odd when stopped or backing up are the only negatives I can think of. A locking latch and or a spring could give choices.


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[aerolland]

We tested mine one evening by taking it completely off. In one word it's HEAVY!

Back if boat is not square so hinges would have to compensate. Certainly need gas struts to help with weight offset. Complicated mechanism to hold the weight of person standing but then be able to lift out if the way.

IMHO, much easier solution to have a smaller footprint platform. That said, as an engineer, I do enjoy a good challenge! I just wanted to spend my time surfing, not in front of the CAD box...

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[Fastest1]

I was thinking the hinges would attach to the existing horizontal brackets, not the transom.
It would be a challenge. I like those.
Gives me a reason for all of those machines in my garage.


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[SorryCharlie]

Some of you guys are so creative, that's totally cool!! Great job!!

[mikenehrkorn]

I have been wanting to do this for some time and hesitated over the material to use. Every project and upgrade I have done so far has been using aluminum, stainless steel and/or starboard - however, starboard in a sheet large enough for a surf deck was real money, plus a 2 hr one-way drive to get it. Not being sure of the shape, performance, etc I wanted to experiment with a few less $$'s invested.

I started out at the SeaDek website looking at their Moomba templates, screen grabbed one from a recent LSV and imported into SolidWorks. Knowing 2 dimensions on their template allowed for a scaled drawing to trace into a solid model - this eliminated the need to drive 2+ hrs to my nearest dealer to sweet talk them into letting me trace a newer surf deck. The next step was to see how many sheets of plywood I would need, hopefully just one. The results were:

http://i.imgur.com/e4HnOt4h.jpg

The black pen addition was the estimated shape of the pad I planned to cut and install. (still yet to do...)

I used 11/16" A-C sanded plywood, roughly $26 per sheet. Unfortunately I do not have any 'during' photos because I was anxious to get it together and on the boat for trial runs. I did reference some other members designs during the layout process and ultimately changed my dimensions on the fly since I could not get my SW license to behave at the house - no way to snap on the fly dimensions!!!

Basically, the old platform was 69 1/2" wide. The new deck is 56". I could have easily made it an even 60" and it would stay out of the wave but I was unsure while building it. There is not much reason to need that extra 2" per side, but you have enough material to do it.

I used exterior liquid nails to bond the two sheets together, however, if I had it to do over I would have used TightBond II wood glue - would have made for an easier assembly since it's thinner. The assembly was screwed (stainless screws) every 6" in a square layout. Two layers of liquid epoxy were then rolled on all surfaces to keep it water tight. After the first test, the seam began to separate a bit, not sure if the liquid nails was not done bonding (said 24 hrs was 80% strength, 7 days for full cure) or the moisture made the LN swell? Either way, I injected TightBond II in the small seam and clamped overnight - problem solved.

http://i.imgur.com/93OTAVrh.jpg

Here is the assembled result:

http://i.imgur.com/LCg0C0l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vOWfQ95.jpg



...continued on next post...

What kind of "liquid epoxy" did you use? Any issues with the paint bonding to the epoxy? And how well has it worked so far in protecting the wood from the water?

[aerolland]

What kind of "liquid epoxy" did you use? Any issues with the paint bonding to the epoxy? And how well has it worked so far in protecting the wood from the water?

http://i.imgur.com/VPVFxF7.jpg

I sanded the cured epoxy with 120 grit and then painted over. No issues with bonding, however, I do have wear marks from where I strap my daughter's tube down and from where people put wakeboards on. I attribute that wear to no clear coat (I will repaint and clear it this time) and the fact that I have not gotten around to installing a pad yet.

The epoxy has worked perfectly for water protection, the only thing I wish I had done is use TiteBond II wood glue for the lamination. I am thoroughly disappointed in Liquid Nails, a couple areas have began to separate but I have been able to recover them by injecting TightBond in the gap and clamping. When I remake the platform that is one of the items I will do differently.

[bucknsteeler]

I am curious is you did any type of load or strength test before you took it (clearly strong enough to handle a normal guy) out or if you were confident you wouldn't have any problems at all. Looks great though!

[mikenehrkorn]

I'm guessing the brackets or pins give way before two layers of 3/4" plywood would give way

[aerolland]

I'm guessing the brackets or pins give way before two layers of 3/4" plywood would give wayThis^^^

I plywood is one of the strongest sheeting elements you could ask for since the grain alternates directions each layer. I honestly think one layer if 3/4" would have sufficed if you were willing to have it flex.

I can certainly do the strain analysis via CAD if anyone is interested, but I guarantee the transom fails at the brackets before the ply does.

We have had two 200+ pound individuals standing on the back edge of mine for the record...

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[bucknsteeler]

Agreed to both about points of failure. If it would be cheaper and you could do it again would you choose to fabricate the platform how you have done it or utilize a synthetic material of some sort? And going back to when you did your edge work, did you route the wood before or after you married them up? I would guess after but I know sometimes word workers go for the perfect mate challenge.

[aerolland]

The price difference between plywood and synthetic material is huge and I just can't bring myself to firk over the cost to get a piece in the raw dimensions I would need. Plus I like the look of the thicker platform, pure aesthetics though I know.

I cut one layer to exact size, then laminated to an oversized version, then routed after the two were laminated together. Once they were both to size I used a planer to clean up both layers at the same time, that was the perfectionist in me. Lastly I rounded the edges off with the round over bit.

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[bucknsteeler]

Your hard work looks good brother, thanks for talking through the process.

[Cdog71]

How did your platform hold up over summer?
I am thinking of making a new platform this fall and started pricing out some options. Marine Fir would cost me about $130 a sheet and I think I would need two sheets because I want to go wider than you did around 64" x 28" like the Mojo platform. If regular good one side plywood has held up with the epoxy coats I could save a ton (using Tite Bond II as you suggested)

[trayson]

Marine Fir would cost me about $130 a sheet

at that price why wouldn't you just go with HDPE??? no sealing needed. Just cut and then install hydroturf on top.

[mikenehrkorn]

How did the platform hold out? Real interested because this is on my list for the winter.

[aerolland]

Platform is still going strong even with the glue lamination issues. I'm actually surprised since on a hot day after a night of surfing you could see the sun cooking the water out of the joint... LOL

Still rock solid and never any issues. I will probably remake over the spring and use better glue. Will definitely go back with plywood again and try once again. The cost differential is just too great! Plus I'm always trying to save money here and there to buy that one more extra goodie for the boat... and I'm an engineer, it's what we do. :)

Interesting note, I never got around to putting a pad on it since I knew I was going to replace it. I thought it would be slick but other than being sore on the knees, the naked platform was fine, no slippage whatsoever. I got a lot of compliments on it due to the water shimmering off of it.

[aerolland]

I think I would need two sheets because I want to go wider than you did around 64" x 28" like the Mojo platform.

I will have to dig my old plans out but you should be fine at 1 sheet, even at that size. I want to say I had mine designed at 65" tip to tip originally.

[parrothd]

I will have to dig my old plans out but you should be fine at 1 sheet, even at that size. I want to say I had mine designed at 65" tip to tip originally.

Hdpe and hydro, under $200, no fuss, easy setup. Just rounded the corners and routed the edges. This is 3 years old living in a wet slip.

26431

[trayson]

Hdpe and hydro, under $200, no fuss, easy setup. Just rounded the corners and routed the edges. This is 3 years old living in a wet slip.

26431

You've got my vote. :-D

Mine is likewise going strong.

[parrothd]

I need to add a goose deterent system for next year. They keep hanging out on it and pooping.. Argh!

[aerolland]

I need to add a goose deterent system for next year. They keep hanging out on it and pooping.. Argh!Means you're not surfing enough...

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[parrothd]

Means you're not surfing enough...

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I actually surf too much, trying to cut back this past season. Only 3 days a week! Lol.. Spending more time on my Onewheel!

[mikenehrkorn]

I need to add a goose deterent system for next year. They keep hanging out on it and pooping.. Argh!

I used to have a huge problem with geese on my dock.....read somewhere online to fill white plastic milk jugs with water and place them where the geese mingle and it worked!! Never did figure out why, the only thing I can guess is that the geese somehow think the white jugs are swans.

[parrothd]

I used to have a huge problem with geese on my dock.....read somewhere online to fill white plastic milk jugs with water and place them where the geese mingle and it worked!! Never did figure out why, the only thing I can guess is that the geese somehow think the white jugs are swans.

Thanks, I'll give it a try, my brother in law uses plain white kite string as a fence about 6in high, 1 strand. Keeps them off the lawn..

[5:00]

This is the stuff I have been using on my property. I have been using it for two seasons and it really works. They would come up the steps or from another yard. A friend got it for me and I thought "yea, right". Tried it and it worked. I put one across the steps and just tie a couple of feet to trees, posts, whatever. It goes by a bunch of different names. It is cheap and I am still on my first roll. Doesn't hurt to give it a try.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81vRhqlMssL._SL1500_.jpg

[jelmhorst]

I know the dimensions were in another post/thread a long time ago and search has not been my friend in this endeavor. Could someone post or send me the dimensions for the surf platform? Much appreciated!

[trayson]

I know the dimensions were in another post/thread a long time ago and search has not been my friend in this endeavor. Could someone post or send me the dimensions for the surf platform? Much appreciated!

are you looking for the dimensions of the Skiers Choice surf platform on the Moomba and Supra? There's plenty of us that made our own surf platforms, but simply used the dimensions that made sense for our particular boat and the wave coming off it.

[aerolland]

I know the dimensions were in another post/thread a long time ago and search has not been my friend in this endeavor. Could someone post or send me the dimensions for the surf platform? Much appreciated!

Here is what I used for my 07 OBV, take them for what they're worth - yours might be different! 56" corner to corner, closest to transom. Let me know if you were looking for something else!

http://i.imgur.com/Cm2B3sD.jpg (https://imgur.com/Cm2B3sD)

http://i.imgur.com/4dsG1tr.jpg (https://imgur.com/4dsG1tr)

http://i.imgur.com/HXi5KG7.jpg (https://imgur.com/HXi5KG7)

[jelmhorst]

Awesome thanks, the ones in a different thread were the OEM specs but this is perfect for my visual style. The creativity and winging it approach drives me nuts. Great write-up!

[Chugh2o]

Hey guys, I know this is an old thread but I was starting the same project after seeing yours. I am doing tinted epoxy instead of paint. Did you have any problems with the epoxy cracking and getting water to the plywood? Was it strong enough with out using fiberglass to not crack or get chipped up?
Thanks

[aerolland]

It is extremely strong just as plywood, the epoxy is simply a waterproofing agent. I have not had to go back at all other than some touch up epoxy work from where squirrels chewed on 2 small areas over the winter - I hate wildlife...

I added a EVA pad this spring and it looks great and my riders love it on their knees when getting back in the boat. Highly recommend, no modifications other than don't use liquid nails on the glue up!

[REDFIVE48]

Here is what I used for my 07 OBV, take them for what they're worth - yours might be different! 56" corner to corner, closest to transom. Let me know if you were looking for something else!

http://i.imgur.com/Cm2B3sD.jpg (https://imgur.com/Cm2B3sD)

http://i.imgur.com/4dsG1tr.jpg (https://imgur.com/4dsG1tr)

http://i.imgur.com/HXi5KG7.jpg (https://imgur.com/HXi5KG7)

Hi, long shot on an older post, but wondering if you happen to have the file in the program you drew this up in? Reason asking is, is it possible to get the same data, of measurements on x/y axis but with the platform oriented straight up and down (as opposed to rotated like in the pictures that made sense for a template to be printed? I'm just trying to lay out the measurement directly on the material as opposed to printing a template.

Thanks
Greg

[aerolland]

Hi, long shot on an older post, but wondering if you happen to have the file in the program you drew this up in? Reason asking is, is it possible to get the same data, of measurements on x/y axis but with the platform oriented straight up and down (as opposed to rotated like in the pictures that made sense for a template to be printed? I'm just trying to lay out the measurement directly on the material as opposed to printing a template.

Thanks
GregYes I can supply the file, that is not a problem at all. I did not print this template but rather used it to lay out the pieces on a standard 4x8 sheet of plywood. If I rotate the platform vertically it is too large to fit on the plywood.

If you take the dimensions provided and treat it like an XY grid, layout all your points from the respective corners that the measurements come from and then connect the dots. That's what I did.

Let me know if you still want the file, I can email it today if you provide an email address

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[brian216]

I’m curious, is this platform size and shape something that will fit multiple moomba boats? I just made a full fiberglass surf platform for my Supra, and I’m thinking this one might be the next one I make. I’m curious to see if there would be enough interest if I made a set of molds. Do these work well without a spacer between the platform and the brackets? I made built in risers on the first one I made. It would be really easy if I didn’t have to make the risers.