1989 Sea Ray Sundancer Swim Platform Question

[fantsea]

I have a 1989 300 Sundancer and want to put an extended swim platform on the boat. Was wondering if I can Raise the location from the original position? What may be some problems with that. I am looking at one from swimplatforms inc. looks like a good one. it will take my 20" to a 40" platform. Kinda concerned with the back wash from slowing down and the angle that the 89 300 has due to the same hull as the weekender. any Ideas?

 

[h_gerry]

I had an 1989 280 Sundancer with the same power. If your 300 runs the same as mine, I do not believe the extended platform would be a problem.

 

[trflgrl]

My original size platform is very close to the water when fuel and freshwater tanks are full--how does yours sit? On mine, I'd have concern that an extended platform might drag when not on plane, if installed in the same position rather than higher.

Can't speak to installation risks other than the usual when you put holes in a hull; do the new ones right and get the old ones filled right!

 

[Sundancer]

My original platform sits about 8 inches above the water when at rest with about half a load. Depending on WHERE that load is that can go up or down a little bit. I'm sure Scott at Swim platforms has lots of pictures or can get them of our boats with the platform installed. I'd ask them for references and check them out. They do a great job and if I was in a better financial position I'd order one and install it.

 

[Skybolt]

I had an 86 340, with the same platform. I always wanted to do what your thinking about. The one thing you mention, hooking the wake when taking off/slowing down, that is a valid concern. Personally I would raise it as much as I could, I was going to go level with the bottom of the door cut out. Also be careful not to go wider then the original. Try and follow the same taper (width) and you should be ok. The older Rays sit lower in the water when they take off and a lot of water pours into the troth and can cause drag on the platform. That was my biggest concern. Although not sure it would really cause that much trouble as it would only be for a few seconds while the boat is planning off.