MC, I have a small platform mounted to the starboard side of my M-17's transom. The one step ladder that came with it was right at the waterline (West Marine #912943 is available without the ladder), and was all but impossible to use it to climb aboard. I removed it and replaced it with a telescoping ( West Marine Model # 165037) one, and it works great. I added two boards under the platform running perpendicular to the transon for reinforcement. I used 3" X 3" X 3/8" maple pads on the inside of the transom to distribute the load. I also used large washers and stainless steel bolts and locknuts (Ace Hardware has a wide selection of stainless steel fasteners). When installing, care must be taken that it's sufficiently outboard not to interfere with the rudder. Clarence Andrews M-17 # 604----- Original Message ----- From: "MC Carpenter" <southisland2@earthlink.net> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 7:53 PM Subject: M_Boats: adding a big step
I would like to add a little platform, like a wide step, just to sit and rest a bit when swimming and diving from the stern, would the thickness of the stern be strong enough, thru bolted of course with a back up plate.
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