[Motoxxx43]

Around 5 years ago I put a swim platform on my 250. It was the best upgrade to the boat. The huge problem with the 99/00 Shabah 222/250/252 and probably a few other models is the hole that remains on the stern of the boat when one removes the ladder because of a swim platform. Other models with the ladder in this location have a factory hatch that covers this trench. This hole has been a trip hazard on the back of my boat for far too long. I have been hoping to see an easier fix for this issue aside from having the area fiberglassed over by a pro ($$$$) to look like it was never there. Ive waited to see if one of those models might get parted out on here so I could buy the ladder hatch. I got tired of waiting. There really is not a simple straight forward way of covering this gaping ankle breaker that looks factory. While looking over eBay I found a 250 for sale that had its ladder storage spot sealed over. It looks relatively clean and I am going to apply their method to my 250. I have a sheet of Kingsboard 1/2" in white I will be using. Pretty sure the whole back step is going to get a type of Seadek over it once it is finished. (That all depends how clean this looks). Below are some photos of a red 250 patched over and the hole on my boat currently before getting patched. Sometime in the next week or so I should be able to get to this.

Im curious if anyone has addressed this issue on their 222/250/252? Photos would be appreciated!

[mikeyt]

What about using teak for a cover plate, hinging it at the hull end and leaving some drainage space at the bottom rear?

[Motoxxx43]

Originally Posted by mikeyt

What about using teak for a cover plate, hinging it at the hull end and leaving some drainage space at the bottom rear?

Hinge it so there is access to it? I had not really thought of that, thanks for that idea. The storage bin on the starboard side is used all the time. I do know the teak is out. I personally liked it but there is zero wood on the boat to go with it and the Kingsboard is all ready here. So far the plan is to basically mimic the teak of the red boat(which was relisted and still on eBay).

[ShabahZ280]

That's a pretty clever idea with the teak, and covering it with the sea-dek. I remember the ladder area on the Z250 very well, probably still have a bruise from the one time i nailed it when it was slippery! (ouch)

On the Z280, there's actually a hinged hatch door similar to what Mikey is talking about. It's heavy, and about a half inch thick, but it covers the ladder area completely, and has the non-skid pattern on the top to blend in. It's cut to leave a little area for drainage in the sides. I don't have mine nearby to take a pic, but took a quick browse through the gallery here and You can see it here in one of Scotty's pics...



Also, mine has the hinges facing towards the bow, so the door folds up and down front to back, but LJ's Sunset Dream's setup appears to have the hinges placed on the port side.


Maybe these can help you come up with a reasonable solution that'll work! Keep us updated on how it goes!