New Wooden Swim Platform, Hinged

[Vincentc]

I've built the first section of my new swim platform, (photo of topside and bottom below). The old platform was 2' wide, the new one will be (2) 2 ft sections hinged along the length to allow 4' wide at rest and 2' wide underway.

I will rest on the existing 6 ss brackets and the aft end supported by 2 7/64 Amsteel lines running from the hardtop or the aft deck to the port and stb corners of the platform. (photo with hinge location and amsteel line below) The aft edge between the lines will be stiffened by a box beam under the platform.

I intend to use 6 strap hinges located on the top of the platform above the ss supports. I am having an time determining the strength of ss strap hinges. I am guessing I could determine the stear strength of the hinge pin and multiply it by the number of shear points per pin.

Anyone ever done or seen anything like this?

Regards

 

[Vincentc]

See this for better photos


http://s1123.photobucket.com/albums/l554/vjcast/

 

[akintosyali]

Looks great! I am thinking about the same but teak is too expensive, so I am thinking about going with mahogany..

What type of wood are you using?

 

[Vincentc]

Sapele

We have a wood importer in Mobile and I bought 100 bf of 4/4 2s Sapele for $400. $4/bf is about 1/6th of teak. Finished with varnish, I cannot say that teak looks any better. From what I read, Sapele is very comparable to teak, it is easy to work with, finishes well and is stronger (and heavier) than mahogany. It is definitely better than cheap mahogany.
Regards,