Manni, How did you make out with the ladder.? Is the transom reinforced?
See you topside! John
Yes and No.
I added 4 layers of glass over most of the transom - then made a 3/4" thick marine plywood backing plate that is 48" wide and 24" deep - coated it with epoxy, then predrilled all mounting holes (oversized hole on purpose) and filled all holes with epoxy.
The top plate for the stainless cable going from top part of transom to bottom front of platform is installed, glassed in and ready to go.
I need to install the already made bottom plate this weekend - then the platform will be good to go.
I figured that I only wanted to do this once and I might as well overbuild it.
My boat is a 33 bertram. Bertrams are known for being overbuilt - in the right places like bottom, etc. Since they are all inboard - the transom is unbelievably thin. There was really never any force acting on it - so it didnt need to be thick.
I added at least an 1/8 of an inch of glass -followed by the 3/4 ply - then another 2 layers of glass on top (probably another 1/16 - 1/32 of an inch).
Should be done soon - I cant wait to get the boat wet and start diving.
I also got sidetracked with some electronice upgrades. I added a new radar, replaced my 10 inch screen with a 12 inch (GPS) and added an AIS capable vhf (for night running safety)