Swim Deck

J

jw4580

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Jul 29, 2010
Messages
9
I know this has been asked before but, before I make a decision just looking for some input. Wanting to add one onto my 2001 VIP 20ft, priced one from swimplatforms.com already. Does anyone else make a good product or maybe where else to look? Seems like the options are limited, maybe another source to try?
Thanks,
J.T.
 
Bob_VT

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
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Re: Swim Deck

They are not cheap but, as the old saying goes....... you get what you pay for.
 
J

jw4580

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Jul 29, 2010
Messages
9
Re: Swim Deck

Im surprised, nobody has any experences in buying a swim deck/ swim platform at all?
 
F

freezerman

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Aug 30, 2008
Messages
9
Re: Swim Deck

I have a 18' Glastron. It has a very short factory deck, I added one so it is above outdrive. It is great. I ordered mine from the dealer for the same money or more than swimplatforms. I would get swimplatforms because theirs tapers to the rear, mine is like a box and scoops some on holeshot.
 
bekosh

bekosh

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Apr 27, 2004
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Re: Swim Deck

Have you considered building one yourself? Depending on the shape/layout of the hull and how handy you are, you should be able to build one for considerably less money.

The previous owner built one for my Cruisers and I rebuilt it this spring.
Here's the thread on the build.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=548797
 
Drowned Rat

Drowned Rat

Captain
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Jan 20, 2004
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3,070
Re: Swim Deck

I've said this before, but swimplatforms.com builds a very high quality product that looks factory on the boat. I highly recommend.
 
J

jw4580

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Jul 29, 2010
Messages
9
Re: Swim Deck

Thanks Rat, thats what the pictures looked like but wanted some real feedback. Im not worried about spending the money, im worried about not getting a quality product. Im still new to the boating stuff, I come from Drag Racing and you have to be really carefull who you trust.
bekosh, I've never heard of someone building one. I will go through all your pics tonight, looks like it came out nice!
 
J

jw4580

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Jul 29, 2010
Messages
9
Re: Swim Deck

I'm looking for a little extra room but more importantly safety. I really dont want one of the kids jumping off the boat into the outdrive or prop. That would really hurt someone. $1000+ is alot to spend but knowing everyone is safe makes it worth every penny.
oldjeep said:
You found the only source I've ever heard of for aftermarket glass decks, there are a couple around who sell teak decks. Never been able to understand the appeal of a $1000 platform, but I prefer to put my ski on in the water.

http://www.plasteak.com/plasteak-recycled-plastic-products/swim-platforms
http://www.teakmarinewoodwork.com/swim_dive_platforms.htm
Click to expand...
 
oldjeep

oldjeep

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May 17, 2010
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6,455
Re: Swim Deck

jw4580 said:
I'm looking for a little extra room but more importantly safety. I really dont want one of the kids jumping off the boat into the outdrive or prop. That would really hurt someone. $1000+ is alot to spend but knowing everyone is safe makes it worth every penny.
Click to expand...

There is a simple solution to that - teach them not to jump onto the outdrive. Swim platform may make sense for you but don't be spending money in the name of safety that should be taught.
 
S

soonerce

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Joined
Aug 4, 2012
Messages
11
Re: Swim Deck

It's not just safety of not jumping on the out drive, it makes it easier to get in and out of the water, and it's value in helping get little ones acquainted with the water and lake is invaluable.

I have a swimplatforms.com on my 18 footer and my boat turns into the kid magnet when we all tie up in the cove. They all love to hang out on it, sit on it and dangle their feet in the water, etc. My 2 year old loves it and jumps off of it all the time.

It's a lot of money but I have no hesitation in saying it'll be the nicest modification you'll do to your boat, especially with children involved.
 
M

MJG24

Seaman
Joined
Aug 14, 2012
Messages
68
Re: Swim Deck

I recently got a quote from, and really like the ones from, swimplatforms.com. Just can't justify it right now.
 
southkogs

southkogs

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Joined
Jul 7, 2010
Messages
14,968
Re: Swim Deck

You can also look at a marine liquidator if there's one near you - basically a boat salvage yard.

I've got a used "add-on" platform on mine. Previous owner put it on. We really like having the deck, but I'm going to have to take it off and re-do things a little better at some point.
 
888

888

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 7, 2012
Messages
358
Re: Swim Deck

I just built my own with plywood,foam and glass. After many hours of sanding,coating,forming,filing,grinding,painting,cutting,buffing,sanding again then clearcoat. Reason they cost so much is there very time consuming to make right. Fiberglass isn't cheap either. Then you add a stainless steel ladder 4 rung for another 250. Hardware is gonna cost ya another 150 bucks.
 
H

haulnazz15

Captain
Joined
Mar 9, 2009
Messages
3,720
Re: Swim Deck

Gawd, I can't believe those swim platforms cost so much. I've pretty much decided to build my own out of teak or similar, as even the used ones seem to go for $400+ on eBay. I can have 1x2" teak shipped to my door for less than $125 and make one with brackets and all for less than $200. The only downside is the difficulty of teak on drill bits/blades.
 
SDSeville

SDSeville

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Mar 19, 2010
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Re: Swim Deck

888 said:
I just built my own with plywood,foam and glass. After many hours of sanding,coating,forming,filing,grinding,painting,cutting,buffing,sanding again then clearcoat. Reason they cost so much is there very time consuming to make right. Fiberglass isn't cheap either. Then you add a stainless steel ladder 4 rung for another 250. Hardware is gonna cost ya another 150 bucks.
Click to expand...

Any pics?
 
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