Challenger swim platform

[kerlee]

Saturday afternoon project - just installed swim platform ladder. I removed some of the rubber on the swim platform below the moutning plates to make it flush. Here are some pics. Send me a PM if you would like contact information for manufacturer.

KerryIMG_6199.JPG

IMG_6200.JPG

IMG_6201.JPG

IMG_6202.JPG

IMG_6203.JPG

IMG_6204.JPG

IMG_6205.JPG

[samw]

looks nice.
Only a question but why is a ladder needed on a swim platform that sits almost at water level?

[kerlee]

Only need for the someone that does not have the arm strength to get back in the boat ( ie. Grandparent or a wakeboarder with an arm injury). 2 weeks ago we had a friend not let go of the handle during a fall. Tore several muscles in his arm, lots of pain and immediate swelling. Had enough people in the boat to haul him out of the water easily. I am the biggest one in my family and if I dislocate a shoulder or elbow or suffer an arm injury it would be painful enough then having my wife and son drag me onto the swim platform. ouch,
ladder is mostly insurance for me. LOL

[ajholt7]

Let us know if the ladder messes with the wake.

[chpthril]

Looks good, great addition IMO. One question though........WHY in the heck were you working on the boat on a day like yesterday J/K

[AdaminMN]

Looks great! My kids would appreciate it if I installed a ladder, but they'd always leave it down.


As a side note. I see you have your transom tie downs attached to the swim platform, they should be attached to the stern rings instead.

[kerlee]

I was on-call and tied to the beeper. Have to be within 30 minutes of work. Going today though to try out those sacs you sent me. Will try to take a pic from the wakesurf board toward the boat, so you can see if the ladder is in the water.

[kerlee]

Here is pic from the wakesurf board to the boat.
Speedset is at 10.5. TAPS 3
Stock Ballast on portside - 250lb
2 fats sacs in port v drive compartment - 700lbs
No problem from the ladder when mounted in the middle.
IMG_1430.jpg

[River Runner]

Looks great! My kids would appreciate it if I installed a ladder, but they'd always leave it down.

Not if you get this one:



It retracts automatically. Works like a champ on my boat and no interference with the surf wake.

[kerlee]

Looks great! My kids would appreciate it if I installed a ladder, but they'd always leave it down.


As a side note. I see you have your transom tie downs attached to the swim platform, they should be attached to the stern rings instead.

I appreciate the side note about the tie downs. I am trying to avoid the hooks from scratching up the gel coat even though they are rubberized. I figured since up to 3 adults/kids are jumping on that swim platform in the lake, it could take the force when cinching down the straps? Maybe I am wrong, what do you think? Bad idea...

[dingleberry]

I appreciate the side note about the tie downs. I am trying to avoid the hooks from scratching up the gel coat even though they are rubberized. I figured since up to 3 adults/kids are jumping on that swim platform in the lake, it could take the force when cinching down the straps? Maybe I am wrong, what do you think? Bad idea...

There is always a debate about hooking to the swim platform supports vs. the transom lifting rings. But, I can guarantee that the transom lifting rings are much stronger than the platform supports, especially if any sideways load is applied at all.

[Jason B]

You can buy yellow rubber pad things that you weave the tie down through. They'll protect your gel coat and allow you to use your lifting rings. Better safe than sorry, I'd never use my swim platform. It's much easier to buff out scratches than to reinstall a ripped out swim platform.

[TheBigChewbacca]

Here is pic from the wakesurf board to the boat.
Speedset is at 10.5. TAPS 3
Stock Ballast on portside - 250lb
2 fats sacs in port v drive compartment - 700lbs
No problem from the ladder when mounted in the middle.
[ATTACH]17260[/ATTACH]

Is your camera waterproof or are you just that confident?

[MoneyPity]

Lifting rings. I took a tube sock and cut the long section from it and use it to protect the gel coat. One sock per side.

[KonaKing]

I was on-call and tied to the beeper. Have to be within 30 minutes of work. Going today though to try out those sacs you sent me. Will try to take a pic from the wakesurf board toward the boat, so you can see if the ladder is in the water.

Got to love that. I can only be 20 mins from work and I am on call 4 months out of the year 24/7