The Platform Takes Form

Yesterday we fit the 2x6 structure for the platform.  For various reasons, the members were ripped down to 4-3/4", except for the center member.  We did some fitting, and drilled the holes in the wood that would be used to bolt the platform to the trailer.

Unfortunately, yours truly miscalculated on the height above the deck for the holes, and we were too close to the top edge of the trailer side.  So ... we redrilled new holes today, then carried them through the sides and temporarily bolted the 2x6 members to the trailer.

Here is a detail of the 3/8x2 stainless bolt (typical):

(Note the line of the plywood surface is somewhat distorted by the lens on the point-and-shoot camera in use.)  We used 3/8x2" stainless bolts with flat washers inside and out, and a lock washer inside under the nut.  On the inside, the washers and nuts are countersunk so as to provide no obstruction for the under-deck storage.

(Again, that curvature you see on the plywood is an artifact of the lens.)  That space under the deck will be used to carry various items, including chairs, a table, and potentially a screen room, as well as other items that might be accessed infrequently.  Not to worry, I've already purchased a telescoping boat pole to be able to snag and extract items in the far front.

Here you see the entire platform in place though not fully attached.  The plywood will be glued and screwed down to the 2x6 structure.  Everything wood will be pre-sealed with something akin to spar varnish to inhibit moisture penetration.  The plywood sections (there are three) will be aligned at the seams with biscuits.

We are awaiting a call from Trailer Depot that the material they ordered to mount the tongue box has arrived.  The tongue box will hold  the two 6-volt golf cart batteries that will be the heart of the electrical system.  While the trailer is away getting the box mounted we will seal the wood for the platform.  When the trailer comes back, the platform will be permanently mounted and the plywood attached.

Meanwhile, we will build up the structure for the galley and mount it to the platform.

Then, the walls go up!