[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by z275st

That looks great! I’ve been thinking of getting one. With just the two supports does it feel solid? I have some 300 pounders in the family (inlaws).

uh huh....it's always the 'in-laws' or a 'friend of mine' or ......

[z275st]

At least it ain't the wife!!! Yet!!

[ShabahZ280]

Somebody needs to do a writeup on these! They look great, maybe we could get a group buy price going if we get enough people!

[indykoch]

Well, you guys have me hooked on getting an extended swim platform. I would love to have one, but swimplatforms.com wants about $1600 for my boat. I can't seem to justify that quite yet, but I'm trying!

One avenue I'm working on, and thought I'd share in case the price is right, is obtaining one from Sea Fox Mariah. The hull on my Z212 Shabah is the exact same one they still use for the SX21. I'm currently working with a Cincinnati dealer to see about buying one. I'll keep you guys posted in case your hull is the current mold also. I don't see why they wouldn't sell me one. I told them I know there's no warranty or guarantee of any sorts, and I'm willing to pay in full and take all responsibility.

One other note - I found out the 2 Sea Fox Mariah dealers in this area (Indy) have quite carrying them. Don't know why or what's going on, but it took a while to find a current dealer in this area through their website. None left in Indiana, None in Illinois, None in nearby Kentucky. Looks like a 2 hour drive to Ohio if they give me a good price!!!

[ShabahZ280]

You working with South Shore Marina at Cowan Lake? That's the only dealer remotely close to Cincinnati that I know carries Mariah, and they just started carrying them recently. Keep us updated on the status of this. Also let me know if I can help. I'd be more than willing to pick it up and drive it to you if you'd like!

[VernB63]

Hi Guys, with the cost of a new platform + shipping + duties + taxes growing on the research side of this project I've started looking at other options. I've located a used platforms from a SeaRay that is a close match to my boat. I can pick up this used platform from a local marine salvage yard for about $200. Even if I have to have it modified to fit and then refinished, it will be a significant savings. Has anyone else tried this?

Trying to save a little cash for gas.

[dwmax]

If you have a through hull exhaust on your boat will a swim platform affect this as far as performance or sound? Do I have to get one that will mold around the exhaust? These questions are the only reason I havent got one yet. I really would like to have one but just dont know what effect it will have on the performance and sound.

[ShabahZ280]

From the looks of your pictures, you've got a factory setup, so you shouldn't have any problem at all. If it's aftermarket, you might have to get it custom molded.

Performance wise, you won't notice any decrease by adding a swim platform, just figure you'll be carrying the weight of another passenger at all times. Sound wise, you'll probably gain a little more due to the reflected sound and it being contained between the water and the platform, but I wouldn't expect huge gains.

I would however expect to have to clean the underside of the platform more due to the exhaust!

[indykoch]

Originally Posted by ShabahZ250

You working with South Shore Marina at Cowan Lake? That's the only dealer remotely close to Cincinnati that I know carries Mariah, and they just started carrying them recently...

Yes, they are the only one even remotely close! I greatly appreciate the offer of first class delivery, but I do a lot of work with Macy's corporate over there and can pick it up while in the area one day. Geez... are you going for the "Super Administrator" title, or what?

Great idea with the salvage yard VernB63! I may look into that if this deal doesn't work out. It would be quite difficult for my boat (transom angles the opposite direction from most boats) but worth the look I guess.

dwmax - not real sure if the thru-hull exhaust would get in the way or not. If you look at the pictures on www.swimplatforms.com/212_mariah.html it looks like they might clear it underneath the platform. I know the new SX21 can be ordered with both, so I'd assume it works (with the factory one at least). I think it would drown out the exhaust noise a little... but then again... it could cause an echo and make it louder?!?!

[VernB63]

Guys, has anyone used 'marine plywood' or 'plastic / composite materials' in a project like this?

I'm considering creating my own 'custom' swim platform template (80" x 26") out of 'marine plywwod' that is a perfect match to boat and its style lines. I would then having a glass guy seal, apply fiberglass skin over template / ribs and edging. Finish platform with gelcoat and a non skid material / pattern. Source stainless 7/8" tubing to have cut to length and brackets made at a reasonable cost. The old ladder can be reused as well. It will take time, but I still have 3 months before the kids will get in the water for any serious skiing/tubing.

If I've overlooked something let me know. Thanks.

I've tried to upload a PDF from moutainmarine.com that shows how to measure your transom for a swim platform. Take a look at their site for platform information and products.