Question about adding a swim platform

[Y-Guy]

As you may know I'm searching for our first boat, mostly looking at used ones for now. We've found some we like but few have swim platforms, and after seeing those that do and talking with some boating friends it seems like an option I would really like to have. I've read through many posts about adding them. But I pick up hints at times that they may present some issues too. Are there pluses or minuses to the wood or fiberglass platforms? I'm assuming the fiberglass add a fair amount of weight. Can these be installed by the user or just a professional? Any enlightenment would be appreciated.

Steve

 

[oops!]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

any one can put one on......the restoration section can assist you fully with a professional instlation.

the glass ones can be lighter than wood.

but its your boat.....what kind of look do you want?

cheers
oops

 

[Thad]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

I am ordering one for my boat this winter. I have found a company that makes them that I am impressed with. A custom molded fiberglass platform for my boat weighs a little over 100#. Not much if you ask me.
As far as glass or teak, I think it more preference of the owner and the style of boat. There are a lot of different styles on the market i have found. The one I am going with will look as though it came from the factory. Molded to fit and blend in with existing lines of my boat.

I know you can get a wide variety of sizes and shapes to suit the size of boat you are putting it on. I think that should help with any issues. Provided the issues are extra weight being added to the transom.

 

[smfeight]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

We had our 18ft for a year when we decided to add a swim platform. We got ours from a company called "Swimplatforms.com" here in Az. The best thing we bought for the boat so far. We had it for 6 years now and still love it. A great company to work with, they never made one for our VIP before so the made a new mold for us. They colored matched the boat and installed it also.

 

[Y-Guy]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

oops! - Thanks for the advice, so far I think the fiberglass is our preference, but I haven't seen any wood ones in person yet.

Thad - Great info, curious which company you are going with? Like you I think I would prefer one that looks factory too.

smfeight - Thanks, bookmarked that sight.

Anyone know what these run? The swimplatform site just says get a quote, just curious if these run $500 or $1500?

Thanks for the insight and help.

Steve

 

[Thad]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

I am getting mine made at the same place smfeight got his.
http://www.swimplatforms.com/

They have never made one for my boat either. I have to take some pics of the transom and send in. Then they will send me info on making a template.

The cost of the platform is around $1,100 and another $400 for crate material and shipping. If you do not have a shipping dock to have it sent to, it is another $70 for residential delivery.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

What ever swim platform you install make sure you install a CO2 detector to go with it.
http://www.boatus.com/foundation/grants/carbon_monoxide.htm

 

[rbh]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

just a quick note on platforms,
I heard a story of a couple that put an extra large one on, unfortunitly when they cornered the corner would dig in and almost flip the boat. they replaced with smaller one. and mounted higher
rob

 

[jkust]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

It was an option on my Chaparral, but would not fit in the garage with the platform. Just a thought if you plan to garage.

 

[Y-Guy]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

Thad, thanks that helps a lot as I'm looking around for the ideal used boat. Might sway my thoughts as I narrow that list down some.

dingbat - where would you install a C0 detector? Looking at that site I can see I would never left my kids, or anyone, hang off the back of a boat... let alone with a prop = fish food.

rbh - thank, I don't see the need for a huge one, but after our day out I can see why people would want one so much too.

jkust - great point, I have an extended bay on one side, but something I'll be sure to measure for that.

 

[Thad]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

I have no problem with storage for my boat. I have two garages at 40' one at 30' and two more at 24'. Not to mention the 2 car attatched we will be adding to the house next year.
As for the CO2, I can see where it could be a problem at low idle for an extended time. But my boat never sits still that long while running. When cruising or playing, the fumes would be washed away with the breeze or just by the boat moving forward.
The person who lets ANYONE in the water with the engine running should not be anywhere near a boat, and the "captain" that engages in "platform surfing" should be jailed.
That being said, and safety ALWAYS a concern, I will be putting one in the cockpit somewhere next to the bench seat where a small childs head would be.
Hind sight is 20/20, foresight (and help from you guys) is life saving.

 

[jkust]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

I saw a graphic somewhere recently, kind of like the powerloading animation, that shows the bubble of CO that covers the boat at low speed. I have even heard of kids going to sleep on the rear seat and not waking up due to CO. Hard to believe.

 

[Y-Guy]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

Appears that in WA State they are trying to deal with the Teak Surfing, its a $100 fine if you get caught doing it. They also now require you to plaster your boat with stickers too... oh and they suggest you "Install and maintain marine-grade approved CO detectors"

 

[Thad]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

Y-Guy,

Where is the twin cities? I was stationed at Ft. Lewis in 91'. Wondering if maybe I have been through there and not know it. I've boated on American Lake and the Sound. Pretty nice places.

 

[mcgolfpro]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

Tri-Cites not twin cities, we are at the confluence of the Columbia, Yakima and Snake rivers in the Southeastern part of Washington State.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

We had our 18ft for a year when we decided to add a swim platform. We got ours from a company called "Swimplatforms.com" here in Az. The best thing we bought for the boat so far. We had it for 6 years now and still love it. A great company to work with, they never made one for our VIP before so the made a new mold for us. They colored matched the boat and installed it also.

Swimplatforms.com is a Great company. Adding a swim platform is worth the money I spent for it. I took my boat to Swimplatforms shop and they installed it in a few days. Having them local to me I got to take the Factory tour. The Fiber Glass fumes made me fell sick but I was glad to see the Operation and meet the owner.

I love my platform to swim and fish from. It makes my boat feel and look longer.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

BTW the Cost as Swim Platform set me back $1500

Platform $1,100
Install + Tax $400

Atleast I didn't have to pay for shipping and I didn't have to deal with installing.

The fun of my platform and the extra safety for my kids is Priceless.

 

[ECVCHAMP]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

What ever swim platform you install make sure you install a CO2 detector to go with it.
http://www.boatus.com/foundation/grants/carbon_monoxide.htm

only an idiot would run their boat with someone back there.

 

[ECVCHAMP]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

Appears that in WA State they are trying to deal with the Teak Surfing, its a $100 fine if you get caught doing it. They also now require you to plaster your boat with stickers too... oh and they suggest you "Install and maintain marine-grade approved CO detectors"

We have had this sticker in California for quite some time and I think this is required on all new boats now.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Question about adding a swim platform

only an idiot would run their boat with someone back there.

So when we are tubing, skiing or wake boarding we are suppose to turn of the engine each time people load and unload from the back of the boat.

This is getting off topic.

Sorry.