Swim platform and ladder ideas

[proaudioguy]

What are your thoughts on building a swim/ dive platform that extends AROUND the outboard? I'd like to be able to have enough room to sit on the edge before dropping in. I'd also like to have a ladder that extends down about as far as the lower unit, and has hand rails up high.

One issue is weight.

Is there anything like this already on the market that can be attached to an existing boat? It would be OK if the ladder needed to be removed for stowage.

Also, while looking for ideas, I saw that Glastron boats have an extension ladder. I can't find one of these available for sale online. Anyone know who makes those or something like it?

[Bob's Garage]

You don't mention your boat or engine set up. However, if the swim platform surrounded the engine it might make tilting it a bit difficult.

If you really want to do something for your boat that you will like, enclose the rear motor cutout, install a full engine bracket/swim platform and you will be able to have almost any ladder you want.

In addition you will have the place to sit before entry, and it may improve performance.

Or not.

[proaudioguy]

Like this? http://continuouswave.com/whaler/cet...om640x450.jpeg
I've seen some boats like that lately. They look awesome and I wondered if there was an improvement to performance.

About the boat....I'll put it in my signature....

[Fireman431]

Why not trade your existing boat for this one and have plenty of swim platform?

[proaudioguy]

Is that an even trade? LOL

I have no intention of ever owning a boat that doesn't use an outboard engine. I believe boat ownership has certain financial requirements. Outboard engine-boats of a certain size limit are about as far as I can go. People with inboard engines need to have a lot of disposable cash for maintenance and fuel, etc.

Eventually we will hopfully have a 24-27ft dual outboard CC and a smaller 16-18ft bow rider/ ski boat, but for now the fish/ ski my dad gave us 3 years ago will do nicely. I'd like to have a place in the keys to "store" the boats. Preferably a place with beds! LOL Yes, this is the retirement plan, but retirement is a long way from here.

[proaudioguy]

I made a signature but it does not appear in my previous posts. Strange. I've used this type of forum before and usually that's all it takes. Anyone want to point out what I'm doing wrong?

[Bob's Garage]

Like this? http://continuouswave.com/whaler/cet...om640x450.jpeg
I've seen some boats like that lately. They look awesome and I wondered if there was an improvement to performance.

Yep, that's it, although that one is aluminum. I had one on one of my boats, aluminum bracket, and I always felt it was catching water (it had a 1 1/2" lip) reducing the boat's performance. Or you could get one out of fiberglass.

In either case, get one that has flotation characteristics.

[proaudioguy]

Where do you get them? I searched for 20 minutes just to find that picture. Perhaps I do not have the correct search terms.

[overkill]

search for " setback bracket"
i'm going to get one for my boat soemday too, they area spendy tho.

[nofuss]

first of i will say that in most cases the bracket adds to the performance of the boat. i was on a tight budget and bought a bracket without the platform. then a few months later built a fiber glass bracket and put across it. same final effect. but cost less overall.
depending on how wide your transom is, there is also a small platform that could be mounted next to the engine.
A search for outboard bracket or engine set back bracket on ebay or craigs list should give u what u want. then if u want new just search the info u get from there.

WARNING. if you get a bracket, ask here or get other professional advice before mounting, as mounting it incorrectly could cause worse performance.

[Bob's Garage]

Where do you get them? I searched for 20 minutes just to find that picture. Perhaps I do not have the correct search terms.

The picture you have is of the "Armstrong Flotation Engine Bracket" It is well made and does help performance if correctly installed.

I googled "FLOTATION ENGINE BRACKETS" and came up with a lot of options as well as answers to some of your questions. Suggest you start there.

Since you have an outboard you are not a candidate for a full swim platform unless you move the engine back. This does have other benefits that can make it viable. Cost can be a factor however.