Removing Swim Platform

[garytheguard]

I want to remove the swim platform from my 1989 Carver 3807. My problem is access to the nuts inside the boat. I can access a couple through the bed platform but do not see any obvious access points elsewhere. Will I have to cut access spots through the aft wall? Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[Viper]

I want to increase the size of my platform so I'll eventually have to remove mine too. It looks like you can get to most of it under the bed and you can probably get access through the floor of the drawer cabinet at the foot of the bed but I don't see any other way of getting to the starboard corner support other than cutting an opening in the shower.

[garytheguard]

Thanks for the response and suggestions, expanding the size is my motivation as well. I'll let you know how I make out.

Cheers,

[Viper]

Post some pics if you can. It might help others thinking of getting into the same thing (namely me!).You may have to remove a section of the back wall in that drawer cabinet as well.

[bud37]

Source of the post Post some pics if you can. It might help others thinking of getting into the same thing (namely me!).You may have to remove a section of the back wall in that drawer cabinet as well.

What are your thoughts on the current platforms that are just fitted over the existing ?

[garytheguard]

I think most swim platforms that are ten years old or more will likely have an elevated moisture content; if this is your situation I don't believe it would be a wise decision to use this as a "base" for the add on without repair to the original. In my case I want to replace the original swim platform with one that will be twice as deep. This will require a new support system for the new structure. I also plan to remove the original aft deck to swim platform ladder with spiral stairs...big ambitions lol!

[Viper]

I concur on the ready made platforms that bolt on to existing ones. Should only be done if the original platform is structurally sound.

If you find a good source for a spiral stair case, let us know, there's many owners that would be interested in retrofitting but they aren't available from Carver anymore. Alternatives are custom made stainless, aluminum or fiberglass (all $$$). There are household kits you can buy but I don't know that I'd go that route. I've seen a couple of vessels with them and I'm sure they're easier on the wallet but I wasn't impressed for marine applications given the conditions/environment they're exposed to.

[km1125]

One of my friends with a 3207 built his own platform and staircase (out of fiberglass) to replace the stock ones. Came out really nice but it was a big project. He also put in a door so he could use the space under the stairs for storage. Also included a smaller locker/seat on the platform.

[SplashyLady]

i recored mine recently with no real issues. You may be able to take the swim platform off without interior access. Fortunately, Carver usually had really long bolts holding the platform on. So you can take a pair of vice-grips and hold onto the end of the bolt on the outside while turning the nut out. Yes, this will bugger-up the threads on the end of the bolt. But as you get the nut toward the end (where the vice-grips were), just cut the end of the bolt off with a saw or wheel. Dress the end and remove the nut and washer. Even when cut off a bit, there will be plenty of threaded bolt left to put the swim platform back on with the original nuts and washers.

[garytheguard]

Thanks for the suggestion but unfortunately in my situation the bolt heads are on the exterior and the nuts are inside the hull.