Fast help on swim platform

[FLboy3]

I need some quick info on installing a swim platform if I can get it. I received my swim platform from overtons yesterday and want to install it tomorrow, sunday. My question is for the chatlee's guys or anyone else that has something around a 2480, which I have, that have the 2 grabrails on top of the platform. I want to know where on the transom was it installed. Were all bolts in the thick area of the transom, which starts at the top of the cutout. I have the 25" transom. Or was any installed with the two top holes above the thick area. It looks like it will be pretty close to the top of the thick area and almost at the floor line if I install it low enough to catch the thick area with all holes. Also how big a washer did they use on the inside or did they use something other than a washer. Thanks for any info......Darell

[DIVERHERB]

Mine has only one grab rail, but on my 2480 I installed it so that the upper hole was
into the thin area. I picked up "backing" washers at Boaters World. I would guess that
they are probably 11/2 across. Mine takes a pretty good amoun of abuse and I have
had no problems yet. Hope this helps.

[Harry]

I will try and check for you tomorrow and get some pics if i'm able. Since you don't have your boat info in your signature line, I don't even know what kind of boat you have Darell .....*001*

[Shakespeare]

Darell,

Here's how/where Chatlees mounted mine on the 218. Three of the mounting points were by screws only and the upper right was a through bolt that penetrated the back deck. The washer was nothing special... just a standard size.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee78/CSO_Shakespeare/218DLV/DSC00797.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee78/CSO_Shakespeare/218DLV/DSC00798.jpg

Mike C.

[FLboy3]

Thanks guys. I may be over thinking this from the way yours are installed. I was thinking that I would need to be in the thick area with through bolts due to the weight of people pulling them selves up on the platform. I'm thinking now that screws on the bottom holes would be ok due to not much pull on the bottom holes. Most of the stress will be on the top holes. The thin area on the top of the transom is basically the same as the side gunnels. With a good sized washer it should hold. Thanks again and I'll check back later today to see if anyone else chimed in. I'll be installing later in the afternoon......Darell

[Harry]

Here's mine ( Not sure if the dealer or CS installed it ) ??

Boat was bought at Chatlee's only has the single grabrail on the top....
Also seem that mine has the brace's on the bottom going down a lot farther then Shakephere's.Kind of hard to see because they painted the braces about half way down with bottom paint, when I had it painted.
Hope this helps


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e223/aclineman/swimplatform2.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e223/aclineman/swimplatform1.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e223/aclineman/swimplatform3.jpg

[Harry]

Snapped this close up after dinner while putting the boat away.... Click on the yellow bar above picture for close up.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e223/aclineman/swimplatform4.jpg

[FLboy3]

Thanks Harry, Looks like they did a good job of braceing yours on there. I wander if chatlees added the 2 L-brackets under for extra support or did the swim platform come with them. Looks good and sturdy. Thanks I didn't get to installing the platform today. Took most of the day doing the 20 hour service. I work slow......Darell

[al_e._gator]

I have the same swim platform as Harry, with the same braces. I bought my boat from a different dealer and it came that way.

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

The one with three steps comes with one handle bar and the bottom braces, the two step model comes with two grab rails and no L brackets.
Mine is same as Shakes from chatlee.

[Chatham Scott]

I didn't have them install a swim platform on my 19DLV, and now I'm sorry.. I'm a big boy, and I had a heck of a time getting back into my boat from about 4 feet of water with just one of those little ladders you hang on the side of the boat.. It was not a pretty sight..

So, I too will be installing one... Looks like the Overton for $119 has an option of a second step.. I'm guessing that is a good idea..?? Anyone with experience there?

In general, can anybody recommend one to buy? Is the Overton as good as any, or is there a better choice out there? Does Martin-Design sell one (did not see one on his ebay site..)..??

Cheers..

[nthere1]

I hope your ladder has at least 3 steps. Mine has two the one from chatlee and it aint fun trying to get out of the water with it. Im 37 and in good shape and it whips my tale getting out. I have to help everyone out when they get in the boat using it. I plan on putting one on with three to four stepps.. Not to steal the post but for safety i would recomend getting a good ladder that is easy geting out of the water...good luck on the install

[Chatham Scott]

Any recommendations from anyone on what a "good ladder that is easy geting out of the water" would be?

[sullivansisland]

I have the same ladder/platform that Harry has; very pleased with it.

We were about 3 or 4 miles off shore this past weekend in 2-3 foot rollers and at 46 and at 6' 230lbs I didn't have a problem getting back in the boat.

The ladder came with a velcro belt to keep it on top of the platform when under way-you don't need it, the ladder will stay put.

The thing I like about the ladder is in the shallows it will collapse back into itself if it's dancing on the bottom in waves. I wouldn't leave it down but it's nice to know just in case you do.

The only upgrade I am considering is putting a stainless 12" to 18" handle on top of the transom above the ladder so I have something else to pull my pre-Subway Jarred self out of the water with...

[nthere1]

I was going to suggest the one on Harrys boat ..Maybe Harry will chime in here and let us know where he got his ladder I ned to replace mine.

[Harry]

Bought the boat from Chatlee.
Told them I wanted a swim platform and this is what they put on it. 3 rung ladder.

Looks real nice, but never used it yet so I can't comment. I imagine once the water gets warmer we will try it out then.

[Chatham Scott]

Bought the boat from Chatlee.
Told them I wanted a swim platform and this is what they put on it. 3 rung ladder.

Looks real nice, but never used it yet so I can't comment. I imagine once the water gets warmer we will try it out then.

I've scoured the web trying to find that one.. All I can see are models with none, one or two ladder steps.. Sent an email to CS to see if they sell the one you have.. I did see some 3 step telescoping ladders made for attaching to a swim platform. Maybe the way to go is buy a platform then one of the attachable ladders... If anyone knows where to buy the one Harry has, let me know.. Thanks

[al_e._gator]

Did you try contacting Chatlee to see if they will sell you one. That's where Harry said his came from.

[Harry]

Did you try contacting Chatlee to see if they will sell you one. That's where Harry said his came from.


That's what I was going to suggest .

*009*

I contacted my salesman from chatlee and will let you know what I find out.

[Chatham Scott]

thanks

[Chatham Scott]

Shakespeare..

Been researching these since this thread started.. The platform you have is advertised by the vendors as what you'd put ona boat with an inboard/outboard. They advertise the platforms like Harry's, with only one grab bar on the left, as suitable for boats with outboards. I assume that because of some concern that the right bracket would interfere with the turning radius of the motor. If it's not an issue, though, I think I would prefer the one with two grab bars...

So, I assume there is no issue with the grab bar getting in the way of the engine? I have a 19DLV, and not the 23 like you, but I think the beam is the same on the 19 so I assume the measurements on the transolm would be the same?? Next time you're with the boat and have a tape measure, let me know how wide that platform is..

Thanks !

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

www.overtons.com (http://www.overtones.com) sells them.

[Chatham Scott]

www.overtons.com (http://www.overtones.com) sells them.

I only see one with 2 steps, not 3

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

I was reading their magazine last week and said you can order 2 or 3 steps.
I also got one magazine yesterday in the mail and had the same things overtons sales, maybe they changed name ?

[Shakespeare]

So, I assume there is no issue with the grab bar getting in the way of the engine? I have a 19DLV, and not the 23 like you, but I think the beam is the same on the 19 so I assume the measurements on the transolm would be the same?? Next time you're with the boat and have a tape measure, let me know how wide that platform is..

Nope, no problem with clearance. I'll be glad to measure it up for ya. I'll also crank the motor over and snap a pic so you can see the clearance. BTW, I got the 218. I'll do this tomorrow after work.

Mike C.

[Chatham Scott]

Nope, no problem with clearance. I'll be glad to measure it up for ya. I'll also crank the motor over and snap a pic so you can see the clearance. BTW, I got the 218. I'll do this tomorrow after work.

Mike C.

As always, Thanks..

[Harry]

Got this reply from chatlee's today


Mr. Cottrill,
The "Teak Isle" 2-Step Swim Platform (The same one that's on your boat) is $ 169.95. Shipping to VA is $19.95. If he would like to order one please ask him to call me @ 919-775-7259.
Thanks,

Chris Slate
Parts Manager
Chatlee Boat & Marine
919-775-7259

And my reply back

No,
My swim platform has 3 steps, not 2.

They would like to know where they can get this same one. I've included a photo.

I purchased my boat from you in Jan of this year.

Thanks for any help.

Harry

[Shakespeare]

Ok, here's what I got;

It's a Windline Ladder (http://www.windline.com/).

It's 18" wide and 14" deep. The pic shows the clearance with the motor cranked as far she'll go to the side. That leaves 6" -7" clearance to the rail. The bottom rung is a couple of inches below the cavitation plate on the motor.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee78/CSO_Shakespeare/218DLV/DSC00817.jpg

Mike C.

[Chatham Scott]

Ok, here's what I got;

It's a Windline Ladder (http://www.windline.com/).

It's 18" wide and 14" deep. The pic shows the clearance with the motor cranked as far she'll go to the side. That leaves 6" -7" clearance to the rail. The bottom rung is a couple of inches below the cavitation plate on the motor.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee78/CSO_Shakespeare/218DLV/DSC00817.jpg

Mike C.

Mike - I really appreciate you taking the time to do this.. It's really helpful -

Harry - you too - thanks for contacting Chatlee...

Looks like a pretty good way to go would be to buy the swim platform with 2 grab bars (I think Garelck makes one for $99) and then get a Windline ladder to attach.. they make a 3 step too for about $160... Seems like the best of both worlds..

You guys are terrific.. I hope I'm able to return the favors someday..

[Chatham Scott]

I may be now getting to the point of over-analyzing this, but I'm only going to do this once (I hope), so I may as well make the right choices..

I was about to place my order for the swim platform with the two grab rails (like Shakespeares') and the three step ladder(like Harry's).

Then, i discovered that you can buy ladders that mount on top of the swim platform or under the swim platform. Both Harry's and Shakespeare's mount on top, and I have not seen anyone with a picture on this site with one mounted underneath.

I am wondering if anyone knows the pros and cons.. Mounting underneath would be nice because you would not have the hardware on top to step on. But, I'm wondering if there is a strength difference (I'm a large person and this matters !), or if there might be an issue with the ladder falling down when mounted underneath..

Does anyone have one mounted under the platform?

[Harry]

*009*
Got this reply back from Chatlee today, wanted to pass it along .......


Harry,
Your 3-Step Swim platform was ordered w/ your boat from Carolina Skiff. I can order it for your friend if he would like. There price is $285.00 and shipping to VA will run $19.95. Most of my customers prefer the Teak Isle 2-Step Swim platform @ $169.95. Let me know if I can help.
Thanks,

Chris Slate
Parts Manager
Chatlee Boat & Marine
919-775-7259

[Chatham Scott]

Harry - thanks for checking with them... I've ordered the parts from a couple of different places and hope to install over next couple of weeks.. Learned a lot from all the posts here, as usual..

[Vardar]

How about swim platforms for smaller boats like mine.. Won't it make a difference with size of the boat? (less space for installing)

Is it easy DIY?

Thanks

[Vardar]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Boston-Whaler-17-Montauk-Swim-Platform-and-Ladder_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a 4Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1171Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c29 3Q3a1Q7c294Q3a200QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZ item1e5716cfeeQQitemZ130310131694QQptZBoatQ5fParts Q5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

[Vardar]

Here is another idea: How about the telescoping ladder only, this one even has 4 steps..

http://cgi.ebay.com/Windline-4-Step-Telescoping-Over-Platform-Swim-Ladder_W0QQitemZ220428579350QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3352913216&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A4%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1171%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A200

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BOAT-BOARDING-OVER-PLATFORM-SWIM-LADDER-NEW-71301_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a4 Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1171Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293 Q3a1Q7c294Q3a200QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZi tem4ce9896c3fQQitemZ330335611967QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ 5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

not expensive at all, plus less holes to drill...
I might just go with this one, we have a portable cheap ladder from Boater's World, it takes too much space on my boat