Osprey
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2011
- Messages
- 358
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-28
- Vessel Name
- Osprey
I have added a platform to make winching the boat onto and off the trailer easier and safer. I purchased some aluminum diamond pattern sheet material from a local manufacturer of aluminum utility trailers. Based on my dimension requirements, the manufacturer was able to find a suitable piece of aluminum in their "leftovers" bin. The smooth surface to smooth surface thickness of the material was 3/16 inches. The diamond pattern adds about another 1/16. Cutting the sheet to fit was easy using a jig saw. I assured a good fit by first making a cardboard template. The through bolt assembly method used requires good alignment between paired holes in the assembled parts. Some holes can be predrilled while others need to be drilled as installation proceeds.
I made the supports from scrap pieces of the platform material. In the support photo notice that each support was made from two overlapping pieces. This overlap method provided increased strength. With overlap drilling to join the two support pieces done during installation, the correct length is easily achieved. Clamping of the pieces during drilling is required.
(Click on the images to enlarge)
I made the supports from scrap pieces of the platform material. In the support photo notice that each support was made from two overlapping pieces. This overlap method provided increased strength. With overlap drilling to join the two support pieces done during installation, the correct length is easily achieved. Clamping of the pieces during drilling is required.
(Click on the images to enlarge)