I posted a question about my rotting casting platform on my 23se back on September 13, 2015. I asked if anyone had thoughts on how to correct this problem. I had done some delamination repair and added a second hatch in the spot that I had cut out. The coffee colored mud continued to run out after a big rain, or when my grandson helped me wash down the boat. It was still a problem.
I decided to pull out the platform and either replace it, or put in a coffin box in it's place. I called a local fiberglass guy who does good work. He cut out the existing platform, and it was extremely heavy for us to get down off the boat. After removing the water soaked plywood sub base he advised me that the vinyl skin was warping too much for him to work with, so he ordered replacement vinyl through the local Parker Dealer near me. The product came quickly, matched the Parker White color very well, but had to be formed with the 90 degree angle like the original one, and cut to fit. After forming the vinyl, he backed it with a closed cell foam that is high strength, and very light in weight. He used 1 1/2" foam on the vertical surface, and doubled it to 3"backing on the horizontal surface. He took it back to his shop after fitting it in, and treated the horizontal surface with non-skid product, so it looks like the deck sole. After glassing it in with roaving and 2Part epoxy, it is strong and firm , and looks just like the original casting platform. He hasn't returned to complete the silicone, which he says he can color to match the Parker White, but He is one that gets distracted , I guess. Winter is setting in, and may be too cold already for silicone. I am relieved that this closed cell foam product is out there to solve this, and similar problems. Total cost to date was $1700. Hope this post helps other Parker Brothers.
I decided to pull out the platform and either replace it, or put in a coffin box in it's place. I called a local fiberglass guy who does good work. He cut out the existing platform, and it was extremely heavy for us to get down off the boat. After removing the water soaked plywood sub base he advised me that the vinyl skin was warping too much for him to work with, so he ordered replacement vinyl through the local Parker Dealer near me. The product came quickly, matched the Parker White color very well, but had to be formed with the 90 degree angle like the original one, and cut to fit. After forming the vinyl, he backed it with a closed cell foam that is high strength, and very light in weight. He used 1 1/2" foam on the vertical surface, and doubled it to 3"backing on the horizontal surface. He took it back to his shop after fitting it in, and treated the horizontal surface with non-skid product, so it looks like the deck sole. After glassing it in with roaving and 2Part epoxy, it is strong and firm , and looks just like the original casting platform. He hasn't returned to complete the silicone, which he says he can color to match the Parker White, but He is one that gets distracted , I guess. Winter is setting in, and may be too cold already for silicone. I am relieved that this closed cell foam product is out there to solve this, and similar problems. Total cost to date was $1700. Hope this post helps other Parker Brothers.
