Swim Step Too Low?

[Pack66Dad]

I was wondering if anybody else has a problem with their swim step being too low? It seems to me its a big step down from the dock to the swim step and then a really big step up from the swim step to the boat. I also get my feet wet every time I get on board.

Is it possible to move the swim step up about 6" (where the red line is drawn)? Has anyone else done this?

 

[Sundancer]

I have a similar hull, but without the sedan bridge. That additional weight must push your swim platform height closer to the water? Mine sits about 6 inches above the waterline at rest. You can order a new swim step from swimplatforms but I think it's designed to attach at the same spot. If you look at the bottom of your swim platform, it has a cut out and is not straight where it meets the transom. If you move it up, you'd have to fill the void created but I don't see why it couldn't be done.

 

[garryowen]

personally like having it low. we use ours as swim platform while in the water and its much easier to get on and off, closer to the water.

i dont see why you couldn't move it. i removed the one on the 230 and re-beded all the mounting holes.

keep in mind if you do move it you will have several holes to fill and re-drill.

might be easier to install some sort of a step???

 

[tdschafer]

What about adding something like this?
http://www.nautical-outfitters.com/boardingsteps.html

I am on a floating dock at my marina but when I am over at Fire Island most of the docks are fixed and it's a little tough at low tide. I'm thinking of picking up one of these.
Todd

 

[KRB64]

We used Trex blocks to raise ours a wee bit. Mainly a stop gap repair until we can loose the fiberglass platform for a teak one. Only raised it the height of a 2X4 but didn't require any drilling either.

 

[NorCal Boater]

I have a similar hull, but without the sedan bridge. That additional weight must push your swim platform height closer to the water? Mine sits about 6 inches above the waterline at rest. You can order a new swim step from swimplatforms but I think it's designed to attach at the same spot. If you look at the bottom of your swim platform, it has a cut out and is not straight where it meets the transom. If you move it up, you'd have to fill the void created but I don't see why it couldn't be done.

The Swim Platforms, Inc platforms made for the late '80s Sea Rays 30' and over, solve the big step problem. The new platform actually is designed to sit about 6" higher to address this problem.

That big step was a ***** to navigate with cocktail glasses in my hands. I spilled stuff everywhere. Now its easy and I no longer have a drinking problem.

 

[Ka1oxd]

I have to agree with NorCal. I replaced the swim platform with theirs and what a difference!

 

[Iprof]

My swim platform comes off this week, not only will I be raising it 4" but I will be making it 18 to 24" deeper. There is a thread on the 80's 300's and one fellow made his 18" deeper and widened it to the outside edges. I am not going to widen mine I figure I would clip something while turning (just my driving). He did send me the pictures of his project and I will post how mine goes.
To the original poster I agree Sea Ray put these on to low on the stern, these are heavy stern boats to start with. I have a factory genny and once I get it loaded for my 7 weeks on the hook if you get 2 people on the platform your feet get wet. We had 6 couples over for afternoon drinks this summer while away and the swim platform was touching the water.

Ken

 

[88dancer300]

Hey Ken, Glad to hear you are going to tackle your platform. We really enjoyed the added size of ours. Raising it up 4 inches made a huge difference too! I have more photos ir you need them. Dave

 

[Iprof]

Hi Dave

I would love more photos. When I was removing mine I noticed that the notch that the platform fits to is wood and is the upper limit of the thick part of the transom. I am thinking of using the same holes in the transom because of the strength there but having an aluminum bracket made so I can raise the platform 4" higher. It would also allow me to put 3 arms straight out from the transom that would support the extended platform.

Ken

 

[hemibird]

I had 30 people on my boat for the Xmas parade and my swim step was in the drink. Dunno how to fix your problem. I have 2 friends that have 34' EC and both of their swim steps are in the water with nobody on board

 

[OldSkool]

It looks like you can raise it with little problem. Use the same strut mounting holes in the transom for longer struts. I used aluminum rods for my strut and they worked well.

 

[mwph]

I had 30 people on my boat for the Xmas parade and my swim step was in the drink.

I hope this a typo.