Carver 396 swim platform extension

[dlhnova]

Greetings! We recently purchased a Carver 396 and would like to add a swim platform extension. We found that Swim Platforms Ultra offers the extension but we have the built in dock box. Has anyone done this? Does the dock box need to come off? Also somewhat concerned that at a slow cruise the swim platform that we have is almost under water. Any information would be helpful, thanks.

[g36]

I have a 405 and looked at their extension also but haven't bit the bullet. The dock box is easily removed and could be reinstalled after. I don't know if it is required I can't remember but the company can tell you, I know they added on a boat and pics on their website on a 355/356. I would check with them. I wondered the same about it in the water but it sure would be sweet to have that big area. If you proceed keep us updated on it and how it turns out.

[dlhnova]

Any idea how the dock box is attached? I only see silicone around the whole thing. Are there hidden screws somewhere?

[g36]

Yes its easy enough.its a 2 part dock box. take a blade etc and cut through all the silicone outdide against the back wall then open the lid and cut all the way around it where you see silicone. The inner liner with top should then be free to remove. When it is removed you'll see the fastners that secure the outer shell to the back and deck
There's much discussion on this forum about the rot in the swimplatform due to carver not sealing the bolts. Use the search function on here.....I will recommend regardless of whether you go forward with adding the extension or not is to remove and check and verify the condition of the area around the mounting bolts holding this box to the platform. Least you'll know if you already have a problem or not.

[g36]

Here's a member with you same 396 and is dock box issue, make sure you read the whole thread showing the rot and repairs, has pics of the dock box apart also.....viewtopic.php?f=13&t=7745&hilit=Swim+rot

[dlhnova]

Thanks for the response, exactly the information I needed, probably going to be next year for this upgrade, i'll post pictures after install.