How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

[phatmanmike]

the side of a V bottom boat will rise and fall more than the back of a V bottom boat, so it is MUCH more safer to have it on the back than on the side

 

[Mark42]

How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

I would think that a nice folding swim platform on the side of the boat would be safer and could be larger than the ones on the back. Plus, when folded up, they could afford side impact protection. With a little floatation, they would not "rock the boat" so much when someones weight is on them.<br /><br />Just a thought. Think I'm gonna copyright that one!

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

Imagine if you had a 250-300 pound person use it. Because the weight is outside the boat, the boat would tip a lot. I agree with phatman, it's much safer on the back of the boat. It would work on the side, just not as safe IMO.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

Imagine if you had a 250-300 pound person use it.

In a bathing suit? I'd rather not... <br /><br />

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

Yeah, no kidding. Just trying to make a point, Mark. I see you got yours across, though!

 

[KCook]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

A flat bottom skiff might get away with it.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[mattttt25]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

some high end dive/fishing boats (intrepid comes to mind) offers the option of a side dive gate. very pricey option, but cool.

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

Trailering would be an issue too. Max. width etc.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

I have one of those portable swim ladders I hang off the side, and when I climb my 200 lb arse on it, the boat tips quite a bit. This is on a 16.5 foot tri-hull, you can image how much more it would tip on a V hull. Interesting idea, but the odds of damage alone are high. A person almost always ends up dragging the side of their boat along a dock, the platform would take a beating.

 

[reference123]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

These have been around for ages. They are just referred to by a different name. The Plank.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

Something hanging off the side of my boat would get ripped off a 50 MPH going through a wave. Also the sides of my boat is just fiberglass. The transom has a couple inches of wood to secure it to.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

So what I hear all you nay-sayers saying is that you are just jelous that I thought of it first. <br /><br />Ok, so maybe it wasn't such a good idea.

 

[JB]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

There used to be a lot of them.<br /><br />They all capsized and sank.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

The original post doesn't make mention of the size of the boat for a side platform, its not a new idea on larger boats.<br /><br />I've getting close to completing the very same.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[18rabbit]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

Dive boats often have exit gates all over the place, but the platform is on the stern. A boat will roll (side to side) much more than it will pitch (bow to stern).

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

Mark it sounds like you have a little too much time on your hands to be daydreaming of things like this. Charlie

 

[Mark42]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

Charlie,<br /><br />Sometimes when I get an idea in my head I just can't leave it alone. <br /><br />Have been trying to figure out how to get the most fun out of a 17 - 19 foot boat. Just like a house gets more living space by adding a deck, why not the same with a boat? I imagined a buoyant platform that is attached via hinge points, maybe 2 or 3 along the side of the boat. If the platform has its own built in flotation, then climbing on it, jumping off it and walking around on it should have minimum impact to the stability of the boat itself.<br /><br />It would provide the space for sunbathing, and other activities that you don't have on smaller boats. Maybe have space for a couple of beach chairs and a cooler, add a mount for a beach umbrella and your ready for family fun while anchored in areas where beaching boats is prohibited. <br /><br />From what I have read about boat hulls, the old deep V designs are being replaced by a more moderate V because of the unstable nature of deep V's. I can see how a platform (or maybe 2, one on each would actually improve the stability of a boat. But that is to be seen. <br /><br />Mark

 

[KCook]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

Or just tie an inflatable alongside?

 

[Mark42]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

KCook,<br /><br />Thought about that too. The part I didn't like is having to deflate and store. And they never fully deflate and messing around with a wet inflatable is just not too appealing.<br /><br />The platform is attached to the boat, and goes with the boat. I don't use a slip in a marina, so having something on the side is not a real problem.<br /><br />Keep the responses coming... I can't think of everything myself ya know. <br /><br />Mark

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: How come you never see swim platforms on the side?

Hey Mark <br /> You have a pretty boat. Please dont mess it up with add ons.