How to Mount a Swim Platform

A swim platform can become the most important part of your boat if you and your family like to swim and ski. If you have a teak swim platform, removing and remounting it will become part of your annual winter and summer routines since teak oil and sealer must be periodically reapplied. Fortunately, other than being rather bulky, swim platforms can be relatively easy to install, provided the mounting brackets are already in place.

Things You'll Need

  • Swim platform
  • Socket set
  • Drill
  • Drill bits
  • Screwdriver
  • Level
  • Tape measure
  • Anti-seize compound
  • 2 mounting brackets
  • 2 mounting bracket holders
  • 2 spring-loaded locking pins
  • Mounting bolts and nuts
  • Mounting screws
  • Marine grade caulk
  • Caulking gun
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Instructions

  1. Measure the swim platform and the boat.

    • 1
      Measure the swim platform and the boat.

      Measure the width of the swim platform and the transom of your boat. Mark the center of the boat with a marking pencil. Divide the width of the swim platform by 2, and mark the transom at this length on either side of the center line.

    • 2
      Use a level when marking your points.

      Measure the height of the mounting holes on the mounting bracket holders. There should be 2 or 3 of them. Mark these points along a vertical line on the 2 side markers using a level.

    • 3
      Drill carefully through the hull.

      Drill carefully through the hull at the markings using the appropriate drill bit for your mounting bracket holders. Make sure there is nothing on the inside of the hull that you may accidentally drill into. Place a piece of scrap lumber behind the hull to prevent the drill from striking something it shouldn't.

    • 4
      Apply caulk around the holes.

      Apply caulk around the holes. Use enough to ensure there will be a tight seal once the bolts are installed.

    • 5
      Attach the bracket holders to the hull.

      Hold the bracket holders against the hull and slide the bolts through them and the holes in the hull. Wipe off any excess caulk before it dries. Dab some anti-seize compound on the nuts and secure them tightly onto the bolts.

    • 6
      Attach the mounting brackets to the swim platform.

      Attach the mounting brackets to the swim platform with a screwdriver. If the platform does not have pre-drilled holes, use the brackets as guides and drill carefully, just deep enough for the screws to grip into the wood.

    • 7

      Slide the mounting brackets into the mounting bracket holders. Secure brackets with spring-loaded locking pins.