Question on (83) 34' Sedan, Swim platform sits low ?

[pachanga_rick]

My swim platform on my 34 SD seems to sit just inch's above the water. Once I get a few adults o the back deck drinking it sits just under or at water height. If I get 5-10 people it's a full couple inches under.

Is this normal?
Did these model have a few pushed out the factory with Low Platforms?
Should I look into raising it?

I do have a genny and I'm sure that must weigh 700 +lbs

 

[rcknecht]

I know that your boat will sit a little lower in fresh water... But sounds like it is sitting a bit low... My friend's mid 80's 34 SB swim platform sits about 4-6" about in salt water with people on the boat...

 

[chumbley]

My dock neighbor's 85 340 has the same issue. Sits out of the water normally, but with full tanks and several people, he says it is in the water and makes getting up on plane difficult.

Not sure if that was normal in these years, or if there is something else going on (like moisture / water where it cannot be seen adding weight).

 

[docofthebay]

Try moving some weight to the front and see if that solves the problem. It may just have become butt heavy with gear.

 

[hemibird]

My neighbor has a 1985 34' EC with the same issue of a low swim-step. I have not noticed any problems with him getting up on plane or boat handling with the swim step sitting low. We have made countless trips to the Island in both calm and heavy seas with this boat and it operates and handles like a dream at all speeds. BTW, my 36' sport fisher swim-step is also pretty low in the drink and I never notice any problems while underway. On another positive note, very easy to get on the swim step after a swim. No ladder required.

 

[Ka1oxd]

Has anyone thought of adding weight to the front by use of sand bags? I just changed my swim platform and noticed it is sitting a little lower than before. I was thinking of adding about 200 lbs of sandbags to the bow storage locker. Thoughts / comments?

 

[pachanga_rick]

No problem getting on plan or any issues with handle at speeds, it just seemed strange to me.

 

[rcknecht]

Has anyone thought of adding weight to the front by use of sand bags? I just changed my swim platform and noticed it is sitting a little lower than before. I was thinking of adding about 200 lbs of sandbags to the bow storage locker. Thoughts / comments?

Rather than sand bags, why not go all chain on your anchor rode? The chain is a pound a foot...

 

[tobnpr]

My 390 is set up the same way. With 300 gals of fuel, it rests a couple of inches above the water.

Doesn't cause any problems...in fact, makes getting the dinghy aboard it to hook up the davits much easier.

Adding weight to a boat (anywhere) is usually not a good idea. So what if the platform's underwater when there's a bunch of weight in the stern?

 

[Redhook98]

My 1983 34-ft sedan bridge is the same boat, and my platform sits just like yours. I wouldn't worry about it.

As for performance issues, it can be totally under water and it still would make no difference when trying to plane out. Thats just the way these boats were made.......

 

[pachanga_rick]

Has anyone thought of adding weight to the front by use of sand bags? I just changed my swim platform and noticed it is sitting a little lower than before. I was thinking of adding about 200 lbs of sandbags to the bow storage locker. Thoughts / comments?

You may need allot of tab or the boat may want to bow steer.