Swimplatform for an 89 300 DA

[Sundancer]

Anybody added one from swimplatforms.com? I've been looking at them for years and they are a great addition to all of the boats I've been on that had them. I'd like to add one but I have some questions. The ladder on the model for my boat appears to be in the middle. Yet, I have a grab rail on the starboard side for use when coming up the ladder. I guess it's big enough you wouldn't be able to reach it from the ladder anyway, right? Is there a hand hold or something to help steady yourself?

Are there any feature to add at the factory that will make this more user friendly? One of the boats in our area has a couple of holes in each corner where he drops in his pedestal for a grill. I'm guessing he did that later on, but I like the small hole as opposed to Todd's method of adding the pedestal base under the ladder cover.

Do they have any special features for adding a dinghy? Like receptacles for davits or something?

Anybody have any pictures, especially of the bottom on the 300 DA?

Thanks for your assistance!! :thumbsup:

 

[SCORPIO]

Don't you already have a swim platform on the boat? Are you asking about an aftermarket platform or the origional one? I have the origional one and it has a ladder with two steps that drops down from the stbd side, also has the grab handle on the stbd transom.
BTW, who would you use a ladder mounted in the center between the outdrives? Sounds dangerous, even with engines off, you could get cut on metal parts/barnacles.

 

[JVM225]

I have the origional one and it has a ladder with two steps that drops down from the stbd side, also has the grab handle on the stbd transom.
quote]

My 87 is set up the same way. In fact, just about every other 300 Dancer from that era that I see around here has the same setup as I do. You might want to see if you can pick up a good used one somewhere.

 

[tobnpr]

Do a search. There are threads on aftermarket platform installs.

 

[Sundancer]

Yes, I have a factory platform. It's way to small! I've boated with a bunch of 270's and 260's that have the Swimplatform.com model on the back and it's a WHOLE lot bigger! Mine is approximately 18 inches wide. The swimplatform model is closer to 3 feet so it sticks out past the outdrives. Since I boat in primarily freshwater and trailer the boat we don't have to worry about barnacles and the distance is increased from the outdrive making it safer while using the ladder and jumping in or out.

As far as searching goes, I know how they are installed! I wanted to see if this particular installation has support arms, I'm guessing it does or if it just bolts to the transom with out them. Here is the link from Swimplatforms.com and it doesn't show a whole lot:

http://swimplatforms.com/BoatMakesM...undancerWeekender8489/tabid/4457/Default.aspx

 

[SCORPIO]

That would have to have some kind of support arms or it would bounce like a diving board. Now as to if they come with the kit? I would think so, but I'd give them a call or shoot them an email and find out. Looks nice, any idea what they cost? I doubt I'll ever change mine as winter storage charges by the foot of LOA so another 18 inches would cost me more $ to store. Would also make getting into my slip in about three knots of cross current almost impossible.

 

[Sundancer]

Yes, they come with the kit if required. Some of the boats don't need the arms depending on the design. That's why I was hoping someone here had pictures!

 

[NorCal Boater]

Sundancer,

You came to the right place. I added a Swim Platforms, Inc. platform to my '89 340da. It's the best thing I ever bought for the boat.

Scott Samuelson is the owner and they do a fantastic job on their platforms with fit and color match. I urge you to call Scott and tell him you spoke to Shawn Murphy (me).

Scott is a former Sea Ray factory employee and when I sent him a picture of my boat so I could get a quote he informed me that I own his old boat. It turns out that he ordered my/his boat new when he worked for the factory. Below are a few before and after pictures:

And after:

The old worthless platform was only 22" deep and the new one is 39". The kit comes with new support arms, hardware and instructions. I had to have my my boat hauled to put it on so I had the boatyard do the work but if you have a way to lift and support it you could do it yourself.

If you want anymore info feel free to PM me. http://swimplatforms.com/BoatMakesM...undancerWeekender8489/tabid/4457/Default.aspx

The link above will take you to pics of your model boat with a new platform.

Shawn

 

[Sundancer]

Norcal, I remember your boat and that it was owned by Scott. It's a small world!

I posted the link to the pictures for my model from their website too. I just wanted to see a 300 DA. I suspect it will be just like yours with the support arms underneath. I've requested a quote, so we'll see what it costs. It would be nice to have more space back there!

Mine sits on the trailer in the driveway so it would be easy to remove the old platform and bolt the new one one. I'm sure my son and I could finish it in an afternoon or so.