Surf Platform DIY

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Originally Posted by mikenehrkorn

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

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This^^^

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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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.

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

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)

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Originally Posted by Cdog71

Marine Fir would cost me about $130 a sheet

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

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

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.

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Originally Posted by Cdog71

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

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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.

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Originally Posted by aerolland

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.

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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.

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