Check Out Swim Platform -- I want one!

[GaryMayo]

IMHO .. Its all about Personal Opinions.. Preferably backed up, by First Hand Knowledge.. In This case, better yet, Personal On Board knowledge.
We are discussing Issues concerning boats that most of us are pretty well familiar with.. There is a 50=70+ Lb. Unit hanging off the back of this boat issue, this unit is supported, in the down position with a rope issue.. There are Motor issues and rudder issues and sailing issues..
I am coming up with No Less Than 5 issues of concern... We talk / discuss here , a lot about projects.. and we do help one another work through issues we see. Often 2 heads is better than 1 and 20 heads is no doubt , once are the sorting is done ? We as well have seen in the past here, for close to 10 years for some and 6 years for me .. That some great ideas start out lacking and evolved into great ideas... latter .. Some ? Just never worked out..

..

[The Mutt]

C'mon guys ... everyone needs somewhere to sun themselves!



Glenn
VK2FUN

[GaryMayo]

C'mon guys ... everyone needs somewhere to sun themselves!



Glenn
VK2FUN

Best Use Of A Swim Platform!

[Boblee]

I can see why some people may want a swim platform in some instances but unless it can be removed easily it would be counter productive for most uses of the rear access.
We swim off our when down South and even though I am (almost) 65 and not fit and the admiral is less able we have no problem accessing off the factory ladder but if you really wanted to have a separate platform off the back perhaps a floating platform that attaches easily and doesn't impede access would be better.
The timber one shown looks flash but is it functional? as it seems too high to mount from the water and would totally impede access on land even if hinged up.
As a safety if you needed to remove fouling quickly could also see problems with the ropes unless supported by flotation would/could be a safety issue, certainly wouldn't use this platform in our Northern waters even as a temporary access off a dinghy especially in rough water or where lizards are in the area.
I am constantly amazed at the view the especially is hard to access from the rear we find it just so easy from land or water?

[Crikey]

IMHO .. Its all about Personal Opinions.. Preferably backed up, by First Hand Knowledge.. In This case, better yet, Personal On Board knowledge.
We are discussing Issues concerning boats that most of us are pretty well familiar with.. There is a 50=70+ Lb. Unit hanging off the back of this boat issue, this unit is supported, in the down position with a rope issue.. There are Motor issues and rudder issues and sailing issues..
I am coming up with No Less Than 5 issues of concern... We talk / discuss here , a lot about projects.. and we do help one another work through issues we see. Often 2 heads is better than 1 and 20 heads is no doubt , once are the sorting is done ? We as well have seen in the past here, for close to 10 years for some and 6 years for me .. That some great ideas start out lacking and evolved into great ideas... latter .. Some ? Just never worked out..

..

What's that Gary ..... you're two cents worth!
Not very nice

[Divecoz]

I agree Bob and now with your input we have at least 2 more issues and 5 becomes 7... No Less Than 7 read on.... I too as have you... have used my a lot..
I lived..on mine... solo ...on the hook...( no less than twice a day I was in and out of my boat) for 5+ weeks... and I did it with my wife for another week during that trip. We have Lived Aboard for too many long weekends to count.. Don't get me wrong, I am interested in a better way to board from the water.. Be it , my dink or on scuba or just out for a swim.. I have something that works for now.. and my brother and I have been working on a better idea for a couple years.. Not a Big Priority.. Its to take the place of the Factory ladder, in approximately the same foot print.. width height and depth.. and .. have a usable platform just above the waters surface and one that will no be affected by waves or surge (OOpps 2 more issues.. Now we are at 9..) waves pushing the platform and the boat around.. IMHO many of us here,with the pictured unit could NEVER gain access from the water using it.. ITS...Too High above the water line. For those who have not re-entered a boat in rough water by a swim platform, I can tell you with my first hand,personal experience.. This can be a PITA and EVEN Dangerous.. Its Like approaching a HUGE Hammer!! Three of us , all Scuba Instructors , and ( having just the day before , having had a Hand Stand Push Up Contest for beers..) Had One Heck Of a Time Getting One Large Out of shape, rather Round Individual Back on a swim platform in just 3 foot seas!!
No matter what we design and eventually build? Its still on an The narrower transom of the 2 boats .. X & M's..

I can see why some people may want a swim platform in some instances but unless it can be removed easily it would be counter productive for most uses of the rear access.
We swim off our when down South and even though I am (almost) 65 and not fit and the admiral is less able we have no problem accessing off the factory ladder but if you really wanted to have a separate platform off the back perhaps a floating platform that attaches easily and doesn't impede access would be better.
The timber one shown looks flash but is it functional? as it seems too high to mount from the water and would totally impede access on land even if hinged up.
As a safety if you needed to remove fouling quickly could also see problems with the ropes unless supported by flotation would/could be a safety issue, certainly wouldn't use this platform in our Northern waters even as a temporary access off a dinghy especially in rough water or where lizards are in the area.
I am constantly amazed at the view the especially is hard to access from the rear we find it just so easy from land or water?

[GaryMayo]

That was biting my tongue. If something is said that is hurtful, better left it unsaid, to do anything else is uncalled for, don't you think?

[kmclemore]

C'mon guys ... everyone needs somewhere to sun themselves!



Glenn
VK2FUN

Is that the "Better Boatkeeping Seal of Approval?"

[Divecoz]

No One, as I and Numerous others here see it, except you, see any of this as hurtful and its all been to some extent ( with someones exceptions) Helpful.. Many ..of US... have been working on paper and with prototypes ( I have built two out of 3/4" EMT ) for years....I found the Gas Shocks have potential.. We all who sail and Motors X's and M's...need for it to work and NOT encumber the motor or the rudders In Any Way......
The platform needs to be at, or maybe just above the water line..( Can you mount that platfrom from the water?)it needs to be a small platform because these are small boats ( see any reasons why thats been accepted ?)and it needs to pass water through it. ( I feel I can say ..... with having entered HUNDREDS of Boats From The Water.. with Ladders of ALL KINDS and .... and with All Kinds of "swim/dive" Platforms.. that I have some real life, first hand, Knowledge... I have made no less than 500 Entrances to boats from the water .....just Scuba Diving alone.. and then add years and years of water skiing????) IMHO and the accepted opinions of many others... It needs to deploy from both, inside and outside the boat.( WE"VE talked about that Numerous times..here at length.......... ). Now we wait for some good ideas from everyone.

That was biting my tongue. If something is said that is hurtful, better left it unsaid, to do anything else is uncalled for, don't you think?

[Boblee]

GaryMayo wrote:
That was biting my tongue. If something is said that is hurtful, better left it unsaid, to do anything else is uncalled for, don't you think

Gary
Worse than biting your tongue in case you offend someone is to say nothing and watch them waste time effort and or money, I would have thought this forum would be best utilized if people can give honest opinions whether right or wrong so that informed decisions can be made as divecoz said, two heads are better than one please don't take anything I say as personal.
Divecoz
Your situation is different to most and can certainly see why you need a larger entry or somewhere to load, when loading gear from the water we drop the rudder and ladder then nose the dinghy in against the motor tight and the bow of the dinghy becomes the loading platform but even that can become hard in rough water.
Probably that little fill in that covers the engine well could help as it is a bit tricky sometimes finding a foothold (or somewhere to stack) while loading heaps of gear aboard without two people or multiple trips taking it forward, we have this problem regularly when emptying gear (fishing, spare fuel etc) out of the dinghy prior to going to shore so it doesn't get stolen and then reloading when back.

[Divecoz]

Bob.. I might be sorry for doing this at some point.. For Scuba Gear.. I never re-enter any boat with it on.. By myself on the I have a line . Goes from the deck to just short of the top of the mast .. down to the end of the boom .. pull the snap shackle through the BCD and leave it to float .. all gear tank regs everything.. I even have quick-snaps on my fins which attach them to my BCD. I use my combo PVC Pipe /Rope Ladder to re-enter the Mac and then just hoist away and swing the gear with the boom over the cockpit.. and lower it .. I really wish the was... more adaptable to Diving but....it is what it is.. I want the Fancy Dancy S.S. Dive Ladder / Platform for the Cool Factor More than anything else.. ( That's why its not done yet..)

[GaryMayo]

The op thinks this a great addition to a Mac. Others here also like it. For the people that do not want this type of mod on their boats, why preach at the choir?

[Divecoz]

Preaching to The Choir assumes The Choir knows all about The attributes and maybe the other sides as well.. so whats your.. point ?

The op thinks this a great addition to a Mac. Others here also like it. For the people that do not want this type of mod on their boats, why preach at the choir?

[Catigale]

I think the Choir sounds haspy, and should drink XD100...

[Boblee]