Cruising lmitations with Hyd Lift SPs

[Hampton]

Cruising LIMITATIONs - I hate typos in the title.

I have a buddy that mentioned a few years ago that he has to be careful when cruising his '05 420DA with a hydraulic swim platform loaded with a big jet ski. His concern was that if he was going 25 knots and hit a big wave just right, it could rip the swim platform off of the back. So, he really takes it easy in rough seas - 15 knots or so.

Is this a normal concern for most boats with these lifts? How about specifically for a 44DB with the extra platform?

 

[fwebster]

John,

There is a fairly long list of boats, from 40' up (I'll tell you who they are the next time I see you), upon which the marina has had to do structural repairs caused by damage from a heavily loaded hydraulic platform. Almost all were caused by hauling a PWC around in heavy seas and the damage is substantial because the added moment of the weight several feet behind the transom acts as a lever that essentially peels the transom off the boat.

Similarly, most of the damage could have been avoided had the boat operator just stopped, unloaded the PWC and towed it when he encountered heavy seas.

In our area, when were are traveling offshore, the powers that be can never seem to accurately predict sea conditions. We do have a few offshore bouys, but coverage is sparce, particularly when making a crossing. Owners with hydraulic platforms need to realize that Sea Rays are coastal cruisers and the transom structure isn't stressed to handle heavy sea conditions. Sea Ray now adds a lot of bracing and support inside the boat on later boats and there does not seem to be as big a problem as there was a few years ago. Common sense and moderation apply and can help avoid a lot of expensive boat damage. Use the platform, but slow down in heavy seas, watch following seas and unload and hook up a tow line if things get too rough.

Sea Ray considers transom damage caused by a platform load neglect or abuse and not a structural issue so any damage sustained isn't going to be covered by warranty.

 

[Hampton]

Just reading this - thanks.