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I stumbled upon a nice looking swim platform on Ebay. I was wondering if this is the correct way to mount and if this is the correct hight. It seems like alot of money, but I guess there are alot of parts ect ect.
I apoligize if this topic has been discussed before.
link below
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Boston-Whaler-17-Montauk-Swim-Platform-and-Ladder_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ26451QQihZ004QQitemZ140231465683QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

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Ed,

No that is not the correct way to mount a swimplatform. Though this one is not OEM you would still want the top support up as close to the top of the transom as possible and as low as possible to up support the loads. After a couple boardings with some heavies that thing looks like it would be all torqued out of wack.

If you are looking for a nice aftermarket platform Harpoon marine makes a very nice one for a 17. http://harpoonmarineinc.tripod.com/pa.../parts.htm

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Thanks Jeff
That does look nice.. I emailed them for a pric eand to see if they offer it with a telescoping ladder.

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Does anyone else have an opinion on this platfrom on ebay? I am a big guy. It looks pretty strong. Although I do value jeffs opinion! Just wanted more feed back
Item number: 140243110733

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Ed,
I'm not sure if your Montauk has the proper backing to support this. Also, imagine yourself in the watter and trying to put your foot on that 1 rung then finding something to grab on to to pull yourself up. I think you need a couple of rungs. I looked at one similer to this for my 1989 Montauk but it had 4 rungs. I was told that my stern did not have adaquate backing to support this. I ended up using a 4-rung unit that I store on-board then hook over the side when I need it.

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Sorry Jeff, I don`t agree with you. I agree that the stainless bars could be a bit higher, but I don`t think the all fiberglass one you recommend is any stronger. Fat dudes could easily collapse that one as well. Then again with only one step, the ultra fat dude couldn`t pull himself up to the platform anyway. Notice the original one pictured has two steps and they collapse, pretty cool. Either one of those platforms need to be through bolted, and I don`t think anyone will have a problem. If your a 400 pounder, and want to swim, get a boat with a transom door, and let someone gaff you and pull you aboard. LOL.

rich

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Im glad I brought this topic up again. I agree with both of you about the ladder. It needs to be longer, one rung is dumb. I have an email in to harpoon marine the place Jeff recommended to see if they offer a longer laddder. The telescoping ladder with 3 or 4 steps is the way to go. The detailed pictures of the platform on ebay shows how it mounts and through bolts on the top it seems like alot of thought and design has gone into it.. This isn't something I'm going to jump up and down on, I may just use it for the kids 2 times a year....
Thanks for the input

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Hi,
I am the manufacturer of this platform and it is bulletproof. Once mounted, this thing doesn't budge a bit. There are a number of members on this board who can speak of its strength. The pads are much wider than anything I have seen on any boat. All of the top bolts can be thru-bolted AND the tubing is thick walled stainless steel. If you look closely, the top pad of the grab bar closest to the motor is as high as it can go on the transom. At the same time, the bottom pad is as low as possible on the transom. At rest, every part of the platform is above the water. There is simply nothing out there as large as my platform or as strong.


Mr. Ed,
Check with whaler central member joninnj. He has had one mounted for a while now.


Best regards,
Raymond Martin
Martin Marine Design

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the harpoon marine platform looks interesting. I had some questions and sent an email to the address on the website. It bounced.

any idea how to get a hold of them?

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Howard
The # I got off the web site is 1-386-423-1189
While you have them on the phone ask them about a longer ladder, If you dont mind.
Seeems to me that none of the bolts on that one would be through bolted?

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Raymond,

Here is a thread for an 18 Outrage and the Montauk is similar.

http://www.whalercentral.com/forum/vi...post_21036

The outboard rail or grab rail closest to the outside of the hull typically mounts near the rubrail. Your platform maybe strong and I do not doubt it, nor to I doubt you guys make quality products however, to me it "Looks" like it would flex.

Anyway I personally never saw any reason of a swim platform of that size on a 17. To me it is to small to really serve as a platform so we had a folding ladder on our Montauk.
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/dads%20whaler/DSCN0055low.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/dads%20whaler/DSCN0056low.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/dads%20whaler/DSCN0057low.jpg[/img]

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Raymond
Thank You for the very imformative response. When I make my decision I'll be in touch.

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Jeff,
I understand you concern about the amount of flex this platform may or may not have. It was a concern of mine when I designed the platform. Nonetheless, there is zero flex with this platform.

There are a number of advantages to having a platform mounted on the transom. Firstly, if you got thrown out of the boat, the platform is there with no need to reach out for a ladder like the one in your pictures. Unfortunately, you may not have the strength to reach over the side of the boat after being thrown out. Secondly, a transom mounted platform doesn't take up any precious space on the inside of the boat. I would not want to walk around your ladder with bare feet while under power!

Lastly, it adds to the usable space of the boat. My platform is 19 inches wide and 15 inches deep. It is very comfortable and natural to stand on.

Raymond

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OK, I have to chime in on this one....:D

I have had this platform on my 17 for about a year. Ray revised the original design for me. Ray raised the platform to keep it out of the water and higher on the transom... Right Ray? That is what the ladder on Ebay is based on today. No screws under the water.... Platform is not touching the water, even the support rails do not touch the water, check my page ... and see a close up below.

I am not light weight, 190LBS soaking wet, I have stood on this ladder at least 50 times, my 6 ft 1inch son also about 190 has been on it. His 220LBS friend has been on it, I did wince when he got it...:o

Not a creak, not a twist, not bend, not a shimmy, not a rattle. Quite honestly I would trust this platform more the the molded fiberglass one that BW uses today.

This platform and ladder is bolted together with fairly heavy bolts, bolted to boat, and screwed in on the bottom above the water line. The platform is heavy piece of starboard, with grooves so you do not slip. Far better than any "off the shelf" mass produced product that I am aware of. I think I can tow something with this.... I feel it is that well made.

Questions???

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Jon
Not sure if you are clear enough.... ha ha
I appreciate yout time and input on this. Looks great on your boat!!
:D

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Has anyone with a classic Montauk tried this?

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All of the post 1976 17 ft hulls are the same up to 2002. (I do not think they were considered 17 footers prior to 76) The transom utilizes a step (not flat) on these models.

Although the various models look very different due to console designs, the basic hull is the same.

This platform/ladder should fit on all of these 17 ft hulls, smirked era....:D

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I haven`t seen either platform in person, but in pictures, in my opinion, Jon`s looks better.
rich

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I haven`t seen either platform in person, but in pictures, in my opinion, Jon`s looks better.
rich

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Thanks Mr. Jon! I really appreciate your review. Mr. Jon bought the first platform and was instrumental in finalizing the design of the platform.

Hi AtoZ, This platform will fit all of the 16 or 17 foot hulls. We now make two versions of the platform: One for transoms with the raised section where the motor mounts. And, one for transoms that are entirely smooth across.


Raymond

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Raymond,
Have you thought about building one for the 13 footer. Carrying an on board portable ladder takes up too much valuable space. Whaler sells a bolt on to the transom adjustable stainless ladder, but having a platform is a lot more convenient.
rich

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Hi Binkie,
We are currently working on versions for the 13 and 15 foot hulls. I will be sure to post some pictures when they are ready. Thanks!

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Ray,
Yes, that is a great looking unit. Do you know if the '89 Montauk had enough wood backing in the transom in the area where it mounts?

Terry

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Hello Meridian,
I am positive there is enough backing to mount the platform. Thanks for your interest!

Raymond

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Martinmarine,
I have an 84 18' outrage and I am looking for a teak swim platform. The transom has a goes in about an inch where I think the platform should go. Do you have any platforms that fit an outrage?

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We also make a platform designed specifically for your hull. The wonderful thing about your 18 Outrage hull is that all eight screws can be thru bolted. Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns!

Raymond

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martinmarine,
What is the best way to reach you? Phone #? Need to find out about pricing and if you have any pictures.

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You can reach me by phone at 843-368-4993 or by email. Also, you can check out the platform on ebay. Just do a search for "whaler swim"

Thanks!
Raymond