2003 SANTE Swim Platform Transom Flex

[JamesBeardTX]

We just picked up a new to us 2003 SANTE, and the swim platform is causing the transom to flex at the mount. I noticed that the platform angles down, and I'm wondering if it's just due to the brackets going bad, or do we need to install some backing plates inside the boat? Has anyone else had this issue?

[Stevemo14]

Can you send some pictures?

[JamesBeardTX]

Sure thing. Below is a picture of the angle of the platform, and a video of the transom flexing at the mount.



Video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/V2m3NtamZ9idMPKk6

[Stevemo14]

Can we assume you checked all the bolts on the back side of the mounts, and they are all tight?

I will have to look at mine this weekend to see what mine looks like.

[03SANTE]

Personally I don't think it's anything to worry about if there is no obvious slop or play. When the boat is in the water it will not be able to flex like that since the entire boat can displace the water and sink a little bit.

[JamesBeardTX]

Honestly, it feels pretty sketchy even in the water. I really don't like to stand on the edge of it as I can feel it flex under my weight (185lbs). It makes me really nervous when my kids jump on it and I'm out there. Just feels like something could snap (probably in my head, but I can't recall any other swim platform I've been on feeling that way).

[Skidave]

I have an 03, and I dont have any flex. I watched your video and I cant see flexing. I will say, if the brackets are loose where they screw into the platform (via wood screws) it will flex.

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[wakejunky]

I didn't see any flexing in the transom but, it looks like there is just some flexing in the bracket and such. If you really wanted you could shim either the transom spacer or the teak.

[JamesBeardTX]

So I went through last night and re-tightened all of the bolts. It made a little difference, but it still bends/creaks. It did make me realize that the platform is a bit loos on the brackets. I'm assuming it should be pretty solid/tight on there, and I shouldn't be able to jiggle it around the attachment points. Maybe I just need to get some new brackets.