If the cleats are there, SOMEONE will use the in rough weather. Also, the cleats will add a major toe knocker in a place where walking without shoes is expected. Honestly, I would mount the cleats on the hull where they are supposed to be. I am not sure of your aversion to this. The hardest part is making sure you can get to the back of your placement to add the nuts. Or, you could add the tow hooks as well, if you liked the way they worked for you. Again, they would be inappropriate for rougher weather, but they would be stronger than your swim platform.

Bryan

 

I have to agree about the toe-catcher potential of having a cleat out there on the platform, but maybe you can mitigate that potential in two ways......first and most important no matter what kind of cleat you use, mount it as close to the transom as possible so it isn't a tripping hazard, and use a pop-up cleat so in the down position it's no issue if someone steps near it or on it. It might take a little more planning to do it but worth the effort if you're going to do this.

 

I appreciate the toe thing, I have done quite a number on my toes over the years on various docks. For that reason I was thinking about the sides of the platform. It's pretty thick fiberglass and gets meatier as you approach the transom. But I imagine the surface would be stronger, so popups on the decking were also a consideration.

But the position is moot if the platform itself isn't a solid enough connection point.

 

I definitely would not attach cleats to the side of the platform. It may be thick but I've seen too many cracked platforms from people people coming in to the dock too hot. Just not strong enough. I wouldn't even do popup cleats on the topside. The platform on my 280DA felt solid but it's they're not intended to handle the stress of being pulled on. Even if your marina is protected, you can't be guaranteed there won't be a rogue wake or some other disturbance.

My thought is that if the platform could handle it, Sea Ray would have done it from the factory.

 

I'd be very leary of cleats on the platform, just from standpoint of, "is the platform capable of handling it?" If it were part of the hull (ie: integrated in the construction, not a "bolt on") I'd feel better.

 

What is wrong with a line across the transom from either the transom or the stern cleat on the opposite side then across the platform to the dock or piling?

 

Here's a prime example of what not to do with a swim platform cleat. Spring lines both forward and back as well as across the platform. As an added bonus they've treaded throughly the grab bar on the platform. Disaster waiting to happen.

Alex

 

Here's a prime example of what not to do with a swim platform cleat. Spring lines both forward and back as well as across the platform. As an added bonus they've treaded throughly the grab bar on the platform. Disaster waiting to happen.




Alex

I saw that dude..... did you check out his shore power connection?

 

I understand the allure of not having to step over lines to get into the boat, but that's not something I'd ever entertain. If you want to avoid lines, when you're at the boat, take the criss-cross thing away and run straight to the cleats, thus keeping access open to the platform. Then when you leave, cross them back up again.

 

This is exactly what we do. I have a 6 year old that is off and on the boat more times in ten minutes than I am the entire weekend. While we present at the dock I side tie to prevent trips and for the week I Criss cross