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Carver 355 swim platform 1998

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by elliottsurf, Dec 23, 2015.

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  1. elliottsurf

    elliottsurf New Member

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    Does anybody know if there is access to the inside of the swim platform on a Carver 355 1998. through access panels in the aft cabin.
    I have purchased this boat , but have no access until the spring as it is completely covered.
    I want to find about about a backing for a davit set up I wish to purchase, and I am not sure if it must be bolted all the way through the double hull, or the plates can be mounted inside for stress relief and load dispersal.
    Thank you
  2. timjet

    timjet Member

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    No idea
    My Weaver davits are bolted to the aft end of the swim platform, not thru bolted.
  3. elliottsurf

    elliottsurf New Member

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    Thank you for taking the time to answer. I guess what you really meant to say is that they are screwed to the swim platform And not bolted, otherwise you would have to have access to the other side to put a nut on it.
  4. timjet

    timjet Member

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    Yes that is correct.
  5. MAV

    MAV New Member

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    If it's the model I'm thinking of, I don't know that the area can be reached from inside the cabin as the end of the platform is far from the access point in the cabin. There should be access to the area on the aft wall but if I remember, it's a difficult reach. Do you have an aft fuel tank there?

    The other option that is commonly used is to cut a round 3" or 4" access hole on the underside of the platform opposite where the davits will be mounted, then cover the holes with access plates available on the market. Or you can use the toggle bolt anchors available for marine use (stainless steel) much like wall anchors that allow you to install a bolt without access to the other side.
    http://www.garelick.com/Toggler-Brand-Stainless-Steel-Toggle-Bolt-Anchors

    What make of davit are you thinking of using?
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2016
  6. elliottsurf

    elliottsurf New Member

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    Thank you for this info. I am sorry i did not respond earlier as i thought that i would get notifications of responses to posts, so i did not check the sight .
    My plan was to install Hurley davits so as not to have to remove my engine after every use
    Much of what I have read about this 355 is that the platform is subject to osmosis problems so i was reluctant to just drill, screw in, and install if i was not able to seal the area properly.as i have not yet had access to the boat to know the size at the rear, i am not sure if these davits will create a situation where there will be no room to move if the tender is sitting there.
    For either davits, Hurley or Weaver, I wanted to make sure that the stress points had some form of backplates to spread the load beyond the point of screw entry. It just does not seem right to put a 150 lb load divided by 2 nounts and 2 screw holes
    Thank you.
  7. g36

    g36 Member

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    i have read lots about platform on our carvers and the lack of sealant from the factory. i have a 405 which is the next size up from your 355. regarding your concern with water and the platform. i would suggest to you and anybody else who has this design and plans on drilling/mounting anything and especially those of us with the factory mounted dock box is to remove it and check for any existing water intrusion in the screw holes. ( which i found in some of mine, i was able to remove the bad wood and then dry out what wasnt damaged, which took a while) then enlarge all the mounting screw holes fill them to the top (they do not penetrate all the way through the platform)with epoxy to seal the wood and then redrill to the correct size. this will stop any water in the future from getting to the wood in case your 4200 or life caulk etc fails. this may take another step but keeping the balsa core dry will do wonders for our boats.
  8. elliottsurf

    elliottsurf New Member

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    Thank you as well, G36
    As mentioned earlier, i purchased this the day before it was put away so i do not have access. But it is quite disturbing to read for a second time tbat Carver majes these beautiful boats ,but then goes cheap on protecting the investment, in how they attach dock boxes, which unlike aftermatket davits, is under theor control.
    I will have to deal with this later if it is an issue.
    How did you replace bad wood without deconstructing the entire playform?
    I started a post way back in october when i purchased the boat wherby i was looking for 355 owners who could give me some measurements so that i can plan in advance for next summer. The whole direction of the post was to find a means of transporting that surfboard you see in my picture, and still take my tender along. I have done it for years on my 30 searay, but it required great effort.
    The boat does not have a crane to the top of the upper aft cabin, so i hve some planning to do
  9. elliottsurf

    elliottsurf New Member

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    G36, check out this subject from the november post, i do not know how to forward this to you other than sending the subject title

    CARVER 355 SWIM PLATFORM; INFO REQUEST
  10. g36

    g36 Member

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    I didn't have rot except around some of the screw holes I caught it very very early I didn't have any major problems if I had let it go that may have been another story I reposted a suggestion to anyone and everyone to remove and check around the mounting holes especially if you have the factory dock box and use epoxy and over drill to remount it. Didn't figure it would hurt to make others aware

    On my 405 I do have access to the platform from inside the aft cabin depending how far in you probably could secure a backing plate for something I would bet a 355 has access too.might be useable space or it may be less I know the boats are similar
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2016
  11. seldomdry

    seldomdry Member

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    You can crawl into the inside of the platform if you take the panels out from behind the bed. The only problem it you need to weigh about 85 lbs and be as skinny as a pencil. So lets move on.
    Use the weaver davits with one mounted on the front tube of dinghy and the other mounted to the transom on ding. weaver has a arch davit that mounts on transom. The front davit carries maybe five lbs as all weight is to rear. I used lag bolts with epoxy for those 4. Rear mount should be bolted through and nutted with a large washer. Cut out a 4-6" hole in that area so you can get inside to nut. West marine has access plates made for this. Using the rear arch we do not have to remove Mercury 15hp 2 cycle motor as it carries it all fine. Pull ding up with a line, hook up your stand offs and have a beer! I have 5 friends that have all used this on many boats it works GR8!
    1995 355
  12. elliottsurf

    elliottsurf New Member

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    Thank you very much for taking the time to answer this question. I am using an inflatable dinghy with the softball them and aluminum floor panels. Do you think that the standoff and the rear arch can support a soft bought a boat with the engine place
    The area above which I highlighted in blue, interest me very much. Is there any chance you happen to have some photography of what you have done. My understanding is that you cut the 4 to 6 inch holes as access panels so that you can get to put proper nut mounting plates for the davit, is that correct
    One last question, the dinghy I have which is 9 foot six, and the next size up which is 10 foot six specify two different engine limits .The larger dinghy has a limit of 15 hp and mine has a limit of 10 hp. However the mounting plate on both think he's shows the same wait for the engine as a maximum load. What size Dinghy are you using with a 15 hp
  13. elliottsurf

    elliottsurf New Member

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    [
    1995 355[/QUOTE]
    there were some typos in my response. It should have said. Soft bottom dinghy
    Sorry, it was dictated on an ipad
  14. seldomdry

    seldomdry Member

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    Elliott We all have Zodiac 310 Cadets. I will look for a picture, not sure if I have one. Forgot to mention Lock motor in down position.
    Last edited: Jan 30, 2016