Tartan 33 transom mod

[scottorious]

I'm closing in on a T33 as my next boat and I'm finding the 1 thing that would improve our quality of life and that's a swim platform and step through transom. The blue hulled boat is a T33 with a platform and the picture of the walk through transom is a Newport 30(I think). The other picture of the cockpit is a T33 showing that the rear bench is already split, as is the rear stay. Obviously cutting a section out of the transom would weaken it to some extent but it seems as if it's already decently set up to make this mod. My experience with fiberglassing is pretty high and I would also build an arch for some solar panels that would alleviate some of the load. Looking for tips or suggestions on what others think would be a good way to tackle it. My initial thought is to glass in a bulkhead that's in line with the compression load of the split stay trying to squeeze the transom corners together. In conjuction with some reinforcements around the perimeter of the hole in the transom. Also, a decently constructed swim platform would carry some of that load as I see it. Am I crazy?

[LittleWing77]

Originally Posted by scottorious

I'm closing in on a T33 as my next boat and I'm finding the 1 thing that would improve our quality of life and that's a swim platform and step through transom. The blue hulled boat is a T33 with a platform and the picture of the walk through transom is a Newport 30(I think). The other picture of the cockpit is a T33 showing that the rear bench is already split, as is the rear stay. Obviously cutting a section out of the transom would weaken it to some extent but it seems as if it's already decently set up to make this mod. My experience with fiberglassing is pretty high and I would also build an arch for some solar panels that would alleviate some of the load. Looking for tips or suggestions on what others think would be a good way to tackle it. My initial thought is to glass in a bulkhead that's in line with the compression load of the split stay trying to squeeze the transom corners together. In conjuction with some reinforcements around the perimeter of the hole in the transom. Also, a decently constructed swim platform would carry some of that load as I see it. Am I crazy?

Oh my god... you're REALLY contemplating doing that to that gorgeous Tartan?

Why didn't you buy the Newport? Or a Beneteau with swim platform and walkthrough already built in?

If you destroy the boat in that fashion, you may have quite a job ever reselling her. And yes, cutting a huge hole in the stern WOULD compromise the integrity of the hull.



That poor baby!

[boatpoker]

I wouldn't touch that without consulting with a Naval Architect. There can be tremendous loads on a backstay. You'd probably also have to redesign/rebuild the rudder stock support. Not a project for amateurs without professional coonsulatation.

[tkeithlu]

Ditto. The top edge of the transom is structural. It forms a beam reaching from side to side. If you cut that, you have to replace it, and the new beam under the cut out will have to be much more rigid than the original, because it doesn't have as much arm. Consider adding the swim platform and modifying the railing to make it easier to climb over the transom rather than through it. Messing with the structure of a sailboat is rarely a good idea.

[Tetepare]

Ultimately it will be less expensive to buy a boat with a walk thru.

[JBP]

The PO of my boat did just that, cut a walk through in the transom. It's very nice and convenient. Mine has a drop board made from the old transom top with 10mm plexiglass panel. With the board in place, it feels like a solid transom, which I like. I was never fond of the open transom designs.
It seems plenty strong enough, though I don't know what reinforcement they did.

https://www.jeanneau-owners.com/hint...thrustern.html

[gonesail]

find another boat. don't cut up the Tartan.

[scottorious]

Originally Posted by JBP

The PO of my boat did just that, cut a walk through in the transom. It's very nice and convenient. Mine has a drop board made from the old transom top with 10mm plexiglass panel. With the board in place, it feels like a solid transom, which I like. I was never fond of the open transom designs.
It seems plenty strong enough, though I don't know what reinforcement they did.

https://www.jeanneau-owners.com/hint...thrustern.html

That's awesome! Just enough room to step right into the dinghy. If you remove the old piece of transom does the boat start flexing? It sure wouldn't be hard to build that kind of functionality into it. A compression post essentially for sailing that could be removed at anchor.

[JBP]

It does not flex with or without the slide in place. The slide just blocks the hole. I suspect they reinforced what is now the sides of the opening, but I don't know how, I've not been able to contact him (it was a long time ago).

[JBP]

As it is today. The tracks appear to be solid HDPE routed with grooves and glued on.

[scottorious]

I appreciate these pictures. The drop board is a great idea. Inevitably it seems like I'd lose things out the back but that that board would nicely contain everything.

[LittleWing77]

Originally Posted by LittleWing77

Why didn't you buy the Newport? Or a Beneteau with swim platform and walkthrough already built in?

If you destroy the boat in that fashion, you may have quite a job ever reselling her. And yes, cutting a huge hole in the stern WOULD compromise the integrity of the hull.

Originally Posted by boatpoker

I wouldn't touch that without consulting with a Naval Architect. There can be tremendous loads on a backstay. You'd probably also have to redesign/rebuild the rudder stock support. Not a project for amateurs without professional consultation.

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

Ditto. The top edge of the transom is structural. It forms a beam reaching from side to side. If you cut that, you have to replace it, and the new beam under the cut out will have to be much more rigid than the original, because it doesn't have as much arm. Consider adding the swim platform and modifying the railing to make it easier to climb over the transom rather than through it. Messing with the structure of a sailboat is rarely a good idea.

Originally Posted by Tetepare

Ultimately it will be less expensive to buy a boat with a walk thru.

Originally Posted by gonesail

Find another boat. Don't cut up the Tartan.

Well, Gents,

It's clear this Member wasn't really soliciting advice at all, only seeking someone who would confirm the mutilation plan.

[maine50]

I'd talk to Tim Jackett- at Tartan. (naval architect)

[scottorious]

Originally Posted by LittleWing77

Well, Gents,

It's clear this Member wasn't really soliciting advice at all, only seeking someone who would confirm the mutilation plan.

Lol. Sorry. I used words like bulkhead and compression load and reinforcement. You responded with a condescending attitude and emojis. It didn't seem as if it warranted a response. Now you seek to confirm your own bias by tagging everyone who agreed with you. So you can collectively trash my idea.

I never suggested I was going to irresponsibly hack apart a beautiful boat. This thread contains 2 examples of successful modification. Apparently other people have thought and succeeded in the same idea. I sought those people but now I'm afraid they won't speak up because you're trolling here and looking to make people feel dumb for having outside the box ideas.

You said a hole would compromise the strength of the transom. Do you always show up in posts to state the obvious? I stated that much in my initial post. You offered nothing else so of course I ignored you.

If you have nothing of value to add you don't have to chime in. Please just scroll on.

[spotfire]

take a look at the norstar 40, or the islander freeport 36. Its doable.