hey all! i'm hitting a snag with my research and curious if anyone has suggestions on swim platforms for the high transom / outboard of my pearson. getting on the boat after was very frustrating. thanks!
swim platform ideas for pearson p26
- Thread starter tipsyravensailing
- Start date
http://imgur.com/gallery/ZfTtbgn plus the outboard. I can get a more detailed photo tomorrow from the other dock.... It's parked in bow first. But there that is.
http://imgur.com/gallery/SjMvKIE. This too. Before the out oard was set in. The outboard likes to be bias to the starbard in that well fwiw... The way the lock works for the out board transom screws.
http://imgur.com/gallery/SjMvKIE. This too. Before the out oard was set in. The outboard likes to be bias to the starbard in that well fwiw... The way the lock works for the out board transom screws.
Look for a "divers" boarding ladder.
Here's one listed at the SBO store: https://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?2657
Another one at Defender: https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|7504|2290202|2290204&id=38565
These are narrow single rail ladders.
Here are some other options for small swim platforms: https://search.defender.com/?expression=swim platform&s=1&Trigger=ac
Here's one listed at the SBO store: https://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?2657
Another one at Defender: https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|7504|2290202|2290204&id=38565
These are narrow single rail ladders.
Here are some other options for small swim platforms: https://search.defender.com/?expression=swim platform&s=1&Trigger=ac
I've been researching the same thing recently. Our swim ladder is about to be displaced by a vane. We're very much into swimming and snorkeling, so I want something legit enough for every day use. Here are some links I saved:
http://www.garelick.com/Boarding-Ladders
https://up-n-out.com/
http://mysticstainless.com/foldaway.html
Although the motor well is a nice convenience in some regards, it does make mounting a permanent swim platform a real pain. A swim platform will hit the O.B. if you wish to turn the O.B. to help maneuvers in a tight spot and it will drag in the water when healed over. I like the up-n-out that @Gene Neill recommended since it takes you up the side instead of the transom.
I'm also wondering if you can't modify your outboard's lower unit by welding some steps (fins) to the side of the lower unit of the outboard and with a nicely placed handle on the transom turn your O.B. into a customized boarding system (2-for-1 deal). If your O.B. is low enough in the water to serve as a step, this might work. You would also need a way to lower the O.B. from the water..... In case you forget to lower it before you jump in.
I'm also wondering if you can't modify your outboard's lower unit by welding some steps (fins) to the side of the lower unit of the outboard and with a nicely placed handle on the transom turn your O.B. into a customized boarding system (2-for-1 deal). If your O.B. is low enough in the water to serve as a step, this might work. You would also need a way to lower the O.B. from the water..... In case you forget to lower it before you jump in.
The size and motor well of the transom make a platform difficult. Without a major fiberglass job the platform would be 8 inches above the water. Even with ladder steps you won't be able to get back on the boat. I would consider using a dink as a swim platform or checkout one of the inflatable rafts.
That is a pretty ladder and the craftsmanship is spectacular.
Maybe it is just me but I have a hard time boarding on rope ladders. I can do it but it seems to take a lot of energy. With my feet on the bottom rung, when I try to pull up, my feet go under the boat and I end up laying on my back in the water and now I have to use only my arms to pull up since my feet are no longer under me. I recommend rigid boarding ladders and make sure the bottom rung is at least two feet below the surface (three is better).
I made a really nice... Not that nice ... Rope ladder. 1 3/4 in oak dowels with flat tops and 600lb anchor rope for each side. It's a backup at best. I need better lol. The height of the transom makes a platform unlikely. Unless it hangs. Or something . I dunno. That's why I'm here lol
Ladders are an option, & I do see some nice ones listed. That “up & out” ladder looks like it has potential. The "fold away" looks like a good possibility as well. The original question was about a swim platform, so I’m going to stick with that option when making my comments.
I’m thinking that if it was my boat, I would probably fabricate a fold up platform that hinges in the front & has a pair of lines or slotted stainless side brackets to prevent it from folding down past horizontal. It would be folded down for swimming & folded up for clearance when motoring.
If the flat part of the transom was too high to allow you to put the platform at a height that you like, you might also add a sliding bracket that resembles a “jack plate”, like the ones that flats boats often mount their motors on.
That’s the first thing that popped into my head.
I’m thinking that if it was my boat, I would probably fabricate a fold up platform that hinges in the front & has a pair of lines or slotted stainless side brackets to prevent it from folding down past horizontal. It would be folded down for swimming & folded up for clearance when motoring.
If the flat part of the transom was too high to allow you to put the platform at a height that you like, you might also add a sliding bracket that resembles a “jack plate”, like the ones that flats boats often mount their motors on.
That’s the first thing that popped into my head.
Friend of mine put a scoop swim platform glassed onto on a Hylas 42. 2 more feet, so he had a 44. Really though, we think he just wanted the raft to see his girfriend in the lepard bikini stand on the platform and lean into the cockpit for her towel. Don't know what became of him, but her, we miss!
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