232 with bracket and swim platform

fliboi21

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Sorry guys for all the questions just don't want to make a mistake. The 98 232 i'm looking at has the factory bracket and swim platform. The owner has put a line of silicone(4200) between the small gap where the bracket and swim platform meet. Why would this be? Was thinking maybe some unwanted spray while driving? any ideas? Also the swim platform where the ladder is bolted on has some delamination and stress cracks around the outside bottom edge of it. Anyone have problems with the swim platform?
thanks
 

magicalbill

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Not sure why the silicone would have been applied..
My guess (and it is a guess) on the cracks around the swim platform ladder is that while on it's trailer, people used the ladder to enter the boat. They probably didn't realize they were forcing the ladder to bear all their weight since the boat was on rigid trailer bunks that couldn't "give" like it would with the hull in the water.
When climbing up the ladder while the boat floats, the boat will sink slightly as the person transfers their weight to the ladder. On a trailer this is not possible, so the ladder and the fiberglass around it bears the weight of the person.
Over time, I think this could cause the cracks your describing.