[VernB63]

Hi Gang.

I've been thinking about adding a swim platform onto my '97 198se Shabah. Trying to add to the ski/tube/wake experience for my kids (16 & 14) and their guest this summer. We have a 100" tube that they raft off of at the cottage, and I'm always worried about their friends jumping onto the prop, or slipping off the back as they get in and out of the boat.

Has anyone had experience with doing this little project. Pros and Cons? Still searching for information about styles and types of Swim Platforms. What costs should I expect?

I found a used teak platform in a local add for $ 250, but not sure this is the look I'm after. Has anyone else added a teak platform to their boat?

Please share your experience, web links and pis's.

Thanks inadvance.

PS - This snow is driving me crazy! Currently -19C. All I can think of is getting my boat ready for the first day of boating season up here.

[dudders]

I too would love to add a swim platform for exactly the same reason as you Vern, however the availability in Oz in zero so we have to get new ones. These cost about $1500 direct from Sea Fox

[Scotty]

I have been considering a platform extension as well. Check out www.swimplatforms.com , they have some photos of platforms actually on Mariahs.
I received info. and pricing for my boat $1595.00 US. for platform and approx. $500.00 shipping. Apparently only takes a few hours to install.

Good Luck,

[S.L.P.]

I installed a platform from swimplatforms,com, onto my Z260. It is very well built. At the time they could not make it in an exact color match, only snow-white. My boat is an off white.
I put it on by myself but two people would have it done in short order. Installing the bolts was the most difficult issue, as access to the inside transom was minimal.
The platform adds so much more usable space. We are very happy with it.
I have some photos of the installation if you are interested.
steve

[dudders]

Wow that is one hell of a project Steve, looks like you did a great job.
Does it come with a ladder or did you use your old one somehow?
Just checked out that platform website Scotty, the rave page is very interesting. The cost is a bit up there though.
Looks like we might have to eat baked beans for a year to pay for it!

[mikeyt]

If you eat enough baked beans you wont have to worry about fuel to power your boat.....

[S.L.P.]

Dudders,
It came w/a nice deep ladder. I removed the old ladder and filled the bolt holes. The new platform is closer to the water than the old location. You can climb out of the water easier now also.
Its a boat. The only thing on it that is cheap, is me.
steve

[VernB63]

The swim platform link looks good. I wonder if there is a Canadian mftr? Shipping accross the border may add too much to the cost of this little project.

BOAT = Break Out Another Thousand.

This project may have to wait until the fall.

BTW - has anyone put on a teak platform? Not sure what that would look like. Looks OK on my buddies Mastercraft.

[MariahMan]

We got an extended swim platform from Swimplatforms.com this past spring and what a difference it made over the summer! Just like people say in the raves page, this truly is one of the best investments for your boat. We had ours installed by a guy that does fiberglass work for us over in Chelan as the boat was there for other work as well.

Unfortunately, the only pictures i have of the platform are from far away. I will be sure to upload more pictures of our install when we get the boat out of storage, but that won't be for several more months.



Checkout the high res. versions here: http://www.mariahownersclub.com/gallery/index.php?c=41

[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).