DIY Bowrider boat swim platform. Chaparral 180se. 

Great video and explanation im Going for it. My boat is old and cheap I have nothing to lose

Great job! Planning on doing this my 1999 Bayliner.

A very fine job my friend, very fine!

Thank you for sharing this. We have been wanting to add a platform to our boat. Buying one is ridiculously expensive. I am planning to make one like you did. Only thing I plan to change is to make the brackets out of aluminum or stainless steel for rustproofing. In reality, the amount of work you put into this deck would've been the same as if you purchased a premade deck. Either way all the mounting, drilling, and fitment had to happen.... You just saved yourself a $1000 dollars and have something to be proud of to show off 👍. Good job

Excellent work and thanks for sharing your idea. I just bought a 2008 Bowrider 175 with a 3.0 Mercruiser. Since my motor is smaller, I may alter your design by using lightweight composite decking. Another added benefit is little to no maintenance on the finish.

You did a fantastic job, terrific in both the video but more importantly, the construction of the platform, thank you for sharing this, you just saved me about $800.00!

You're an absolute legend. Incredible build

Looking good ! 😉

Great insite thanks very much 👍

Love it. Great job. I'm probably going to make one but out of white oak, which is slightly better in the water. Since you seal it regularly, yours will be fine. Any negatives we should keep in mind? Thanks in advance.

I know it’s been over a year ago but how many people have you had on it. I know I could build one but drill in the fiberglass 🥺.

Did you install backer plates for the support rod brackets as well?

Did you have any issues with taking off on the water. Does the platform hit the water when you hull shot it?

Thank you. How heavy do you think the platform is?

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In the video you say it’s red oak, a highly absorbent wood. It the comments you say it’s white oak, a wood that isn’t very absorbent. As mentioned, teak (expensive wood, doesn’t absorb) would be a better choice, however you aren’t leaving your boat in the water all year long, so honestly it should last as long as the plastics on the boat, longer if you keep up your annual maintenance on it with the tung oil. I found your video because I’m looking at the possibility of needing similar for myself. I’m looking for a sailboat to do The Loop, the Caribbean, and a crossing so I can do the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Black Seas. Many used sailboats on the market lack a swim platform, which I consider mandatory if I’m sitting at anchor in Ibiza, Monaco, Mallorca, Mykonos, Bodrum, Unye, Nessebar, or Batumi. THANK YOU for showing me that the project is indeed easy and relatively basic, as it looks, but as with everything done to a boat, is something many fear to embark on for fear of screwing up the boat. Great video, I have saved it to my boat list so I don’t lose track of it and can easily find it again if and when the time comes for me to copy your design!

What size pipe did you use diameter and will it hold an adult without bend?

Not bad, very similar to mine. I have made two on my own, both out of composites, which of course cost a bit more. First one was constructed like yours, like a deck with boards running side to side on the top. My second one was made with an antiskid Starboard topper. Has a clean look but cost 30% more total than the first one.

How did you reach way down below for backer plates the darn motor is in the way

How did you compensate for the transom angle noticed the gap did you use washers?

What type of sealant did you use around the screw holes you made

What are your thoughts on using composite vs actual wood?

What kind of wood did you use?

Running bolt through the hull how to you make sure it doesn’t leak

Maybe I’m missing it, but did you post a link to the ladder?

What size pipe ?

But can you stand on it and what’s the weight limit on it?

I HAVE LOOKED EVERYWHERE FOR THE BRACKETS CAN YOU PLEEEEEEEESE SEND ME A LINK

Would you make one for my boat?

Nice but use rvs not a gaspipe

Is it too heavy?

Nice and functional! It would be much, much more comfortable to add some kind of handrail, otherwise, somebody has to give a hand to the person that desperately tries to get out of the water.

I literally didn't hear a single word you said for the first minute because I couldn't take my eyes off that hat. Is it your wife's or are you doing a drag show later?

Your video camera work is piss poor! Slow down the movement of the camera damb!