1986 3207 Swim Platform soft?

[captainscall]

Hi All,

I just made an offer on a 1986 3207 Aft Cabin. I told the broker that the swim platform was very soft and he did not seem to agree. Every other part of the boat is very solid but the swim platform definitely feels very soft under my feet, enough to where I thought I was going to fall through. Is this a wood cored platform? Is it a common issue on the 3207?

Thanks!!!

[Cooler]

I did not think the platform was cored. If it is original, it should be only about a half inch thick. If it is thicker, than yes it is cored. The coring used was usually 1 inch balsa. Then, the platform would be 1.5" thick. Very common for that to be soft. Water no doubt soaked thru where the support strut plates are bolted on. It is 34 years. Only remedy is to cut large square area and remove the pulp and replace. Any chance your are feeling a loose or damaged support strut? er

[captainscall]

Good info. I did not measure it but I would say it’s thick. It feels soft everywhere except the edges and where the supports are. I think it’s filled with wood mush at this point. There are screws all over the top of the platform from davits or some other prior accessories. Guess I will have to think about what to do.

Thanks!!

[Viper]

This isn't a 3207 specific problem, there are some common areas of concern in every brand and model that is decades old, the swim platform is one of them. Any area where fasteners penetrate the surface are suspect but I'd simply cut out the entire bottom and replace all of the core. Depending on accessibility to thru-bolted areas, an average sized platform core replacement in my area runs about $5,000 Canadian, that's about $5 US

[Cooler]

You probably should start looking for a different platform. You have the struts attached to the transom, so just find one that can mount using the same installation points. Get some 3M 4000 or 5200 sealant to seal up any brackets/holes. Good luck! er

[SplashyLady]

The swim platform is cored with marine plywood. And yes, a 1986 boat would likely have water intrusion into the core and would be soft. But it's a pretty easy job to recore and even update a bit if you have a ladder or if you want to extend it. My 3327 has the same platform - I recored mine 2 years ago, added some additional material here and there (like the corners) and it's pretty bulletproof now.

[km1125]

I have an 83 3607, and I believe the platforms are the same, although slightly different size. I do think they are cored. Mine is still solid, but I would think it would be a pretty easy project if you had to re-core, as you could remove the platform pretty easily, flip it over and cut out the bottom. Re-core and replace the fiberglass and remount it.

[captainscall]

Thanks for the info everyone. Does anyone know the length measurement from the tip of the bow pulpit to the back of the swim platform? Thanks!!

[km1125]

Don't know exactly, but it has to be between 36 and 37'

[captainscall]

That’s what I was thinking but I forgot to measure when I looked at it.

Thanks!