Foldable Swim Platform Design for a Maiora 84: From Concept to Precise Construction Plans

Jul 9
2 min read

Designing for the sea is about anticipating every wave, maneuver, and practical need of those who live aboard. In this project, I developed a foldable swim platform for a Maiora 84 yacht, handling the entire process: from concept and 3D modeling to precise construction plans.

The Starting Point: Challenging Access and Space Limitations

The yacht initially faced:

Uncomfortable sea access.
Limited deck space.
Restrictions in hosting a larger tender.
Limitations for water activities.

The owner’s goal was to accommodate a 15-foot tender on the new foldable swim platform, defining the dimensional baseline for the design.

From Idea to Design Strategy

This requirement led to:

General platform dimensions tailored for the tender.
A design aesthetic aligned with the Maiora 84’s lines.
Calculations of the yacht’s maximum trim underway to prevent wave impacts on the platform lip.
Ensuring the platform would not hit the dock during berthing.

Technical Constraints and Applied Solutions

The project required:

Designing anchoring structures on the transom for the hydraulic actuator bases.
Adapting the general design to the specific hydraulic actuators available.
Navigating limited lazarette space and system interferences.
Evaluating yacht trim versus the new platform’s length.

All decisions aimed to maintain the yacht’s performance while ensuring seamless functional and aesthetic integration.

Technology and Methodology

The process began with a 3D scan of the yacht’s stern, generating cloud-points for precise surface modeling in Rhinoceros3D.

With this accurate base, I designed the modification in 3D, ensuring integration with no surprises at the shipyard.

I used FEA software for structural calculations, covering:

Load capacity for the tender.
Resistance to forces during navigation and docking.
Laminate thickness and reinforcement design.

Upon completing the 3D model, I generated comprehensive construction plans communicating:

Precise dimensions for the shipyard.
Materials and reinforcement arrangements.
Laminate layouts.
Installation details for actuators and structural components.

The Final Result: Millimetric Accuracy

The result was exactly as intended, executed to the millimeter, validating the scan, modeling, and engineering workflow.

The new foldable swim platform not only solved the tender and water access limitations but elevated the Maiora 84’s usability and aesthetic presence.