Help with poling platform..

[rbodine]

All right guys, I am gonna pull from the vast knowledge that is S&F...I had to raise my platform to compensate for the jackplate and longer shaft 250. I know it was made for a 20" but I got such a good deal on a one owner motor from a friend of mine that I couldn't pass it up. The problem I am having is how to raise my platform and have it look good. I have one of the only Key Hoppers with the original platform design and I really like it. The way I came up with first is absolutely horrible, the boxes in the first pics.
Do you have any suggestions for me as how to get the extra 5 inches I need that will keep the general form yet be something I can reverse if and when I ever do go back to a 20 inch motor.. Thanks in advance for all the help and suggestions.http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww165/1rbodine/DSC00085.jpg?t=1267461982http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww165/1rbodine/DSC00087.jpg?t=1267462016http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww165/1rbodine/CIMG0415.jpg?t=1267462036

[WATERWINGS]

Use bigger pictures next time......:eek::nonod:

[rbodine]

Wow, Really that is all you have to say!! I was trying to make them big enough so that people could get a good look at how they are mounted etc. Thanks for your constructive comment though.

[jcfreak]

Have a stainless platform welded up to fit on top of your uprights. I have used aluminium...its cheaper but not as strong. Use 5" u channel on each end and use 1/4" plate on top. I would put a couple of gussets underneath. A few bolts and u are done.

[rbodine]

Are you describing having the top look like any other platform, just mount it to my uprights? The 5" u channel be only the size of the uprights in dimensions and have the platform extend out from there?

[XstreamVking]

Or take it off and go 3-5 mph faster! :D:D:D

[rbodine]

And cheaper and easier too!! but that would be too easy and smart....I dont always do things the smart way!!! lol

[WATERWINGS]

Wow, Really that is all you have to say!! I was trying to make them big enough so that people could get a good look at how they are mounted etc. Thanks for your constructive comment though.

Hmmm...well, maybe I should have put a smiley face at the end of the sentence......:D:)..................sorry:)

[rbodine]

No worries!!

[michael_m]

get in touch with tom foley on here im sure hell hook you right up wit a new one or A FIX for that one

[jcfreak]

Are you describing having the top look like any other platform, just mount it to my uprights? The 5" u channel be only the size of the uprights in dimensions and have the platform extend out from there?


Yes, Just have a spacer made up. Are you looking for a clean look like in your pic in the water?
I like to have a tie plate from one side to the other. It's overkill I know. I wish I had pics from back in the day.
I had some Stainless square tubing that I gave away that would be perfect. I do not recall where I got it.

[rbodine]

Yes, as clean as possible...I thought about having something made for the bottom, the same shape as the uprights that would sort of continue, but if I stay at that angle the platform will be behind the boat!!
I did send a message to Tom Foley asking him to read this thread...thanks for the advice.

[sammythebull]

Yes, as clean as possible...I thought about having something made for the bottom, the same shape as the uprights that would sort of continue, but if I stay at that angle the platform will be behind the boat!!
I did send a message to Tom Foley asking him to read this thread...thanks for the advice.
go strait up or foward, foward for that small span wouldnt look bad at all i bet it look pretty cool

[rbodine]

you mean like I have now? I want to replace those ugly boxes I had made..

[Tom Foley]

I would take the boat down to a local Fab Shop and have them make angular risers out of some 3-1 /16 " flat stock bent with matching radii that follow the lines of the original structure if thats what you like . This way the lines would more or less flow smoothly . This would obviously move the platform further aft , so if that doesn't pose a problem your done . Paint to match .:D