[CGRLCDR]

I have an aluminum 2002 Starcraft-Starfire 170LE with a 75 HP 4-stroke Mercury and a 6 HP Nissan kicker on the port side transom. I'd like to install a swim platform on the starboard side, but I have no experience with them. At the boatshow in Edison, NJ I saw a few aluminum boats with a white high impact plastic platform and a flip down stainless steel telescoping ladder.What model swim platform do you recommend and what's involved in installing one yourself? I am reluctant to be drilling too many holes through the transom - but I guess if you use marine seal you should be okay.Your thoughts and suggestions, please?

[funpilot]

Welcome to iboats, Chuck!On my aluminum boat, I have the basic, non telescoping swimplatform made in teak.iboats has a part stort, here is their page on swimplatforms:http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?*******=410263435&**********=306927306&s earch_type=keyword&keywords=swim+platform&search_i n_category=f&current_category=hardware&submit.x=21 &su bmit.y=8Use good sized hardware, and lots of sealer and you will be fine.Note that the outboard platform has only one upper support/handle to allow the outboard motor to pivot.good luck,funpilot

[CGRLCDR]

Funpilot, thanks for the information and welcome. Actually I've been a member here for years, but for some reason they lost my identity - I think it was because I changed email addresses and ISPs. Anyhow, on that swim platform - can you change the sides the platform braces are on? I have to install mine on the starboard side with the steel rail away from the motor; the opposite of what is shown in the picture.What's involved in drilling the holes through the transom? Do I need to be concerned with drilling holes with a guide to insure that the holes are exactly 90 degrees to the transom - or can I just eyeball it like I do everything else?I'd be using Marine Seal 5300 - will that be okay?

[DJ]

Chuck,Yes, you can switch the rails. The units come disassembled anyway.Eyeball the drilling.Use 3M 5200.The trick will be finding a solid backing, in an Aluminum boat. Make sure, at least the top rail, is through bolted through the transom wood.For the bottom, you may need to use a stainless steel nutsert. Ace Hardware can fix you up.

[funpilot]

DJ is dead on (again) but I would add that using a crayon to mark a level line on the transom where you want the swim platform to be will help you get it reasonable level. You can just use any carpenter's level to accomplish that.My swim platform is mounted so it is a few inches above the waterline. The top rail will be in tension (pulling back from the transom), but the bottom rail will be in compression (pushing into the hull) so plan any reinforcement accordingly. Also, when you eye ball your installation, you have to be aware of what you are drilling into on the inside of the hull. Watch out for stringers, transome knees, or any other component which may interfer with your hardware or hole drilling.The truth is, even with a 220 pound person climbing on board, your swim platform setup will probably be fine with minimum fuss. Generally, people who weigh more can't climb in anyway (oops, did I say that out loud?)funpilot

[CGRLCDR]

Thanks for your guidance and suggestions. As soon as it stops raining here I'm going down to West marine and pick one up.

[rschnack]

Chuck, Before installing the swim platform partially assembly it and hold it in position on your transom. Check for clearance from the motor and check to see if it is level front to back. I installed a platform on the back of my Smokercraft Stealth 162 and didn't notice until I was in the water that the swim platform tips down, away from the transom. I later learned that the transoms in some of the aluminum boats have more of an angle to allow for the motor to trim down farther to help keep the bow down when getting on plane. Blocking may have to be used between the transom and platform to make it level. As soon as it warms up enough here I am going to reinstall mine. It looks like I may have to move the lower support, so I will have to fill a hole in the transom of my new boat. .RCS