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Swim Platforms

Over the past 40+ years we have been trusted by the top boat builders to build their swim platforms, and we offer the same OEM quality boat swim platforms direct to you. » Read More

Learn More About Swim Platforms

1. Benefits of Having a Boat Swim Platform
2. Boat Swim Platform Material Options
3. Boat Ladders for Your Swim Platform
4. Boating Ladder Steps
5. Swim Platform Mounting Style for Your Boat

Benefits of Having a Boat Swim Platform

A swim platform is a ledge or surface that normally extends out from the transom of the boat. They are designed to make it easy to get on and off the boat and can act as a staging platform for watersports such as water-skiing, wakeboarding, swimming, and scuba diving. Read More

Boat Swim Platform Material Options

Selecting the right material for your boat's swim platform is a crucial decision, impacting not only the aesthetic appeal but also the longevity and maintenance requirements. As we dive into the details of these material options, you'll gain insights into their unique characteristics, enabling you to make an informed decision tailored to your boating preferences. Read More

Starboard: StarBoard is the ultimate swim platform material. It's strong, weatherproof, long-lasting, and maintenance-free. Due to these benefits starboard is by far the most popular swim platform material we offer.
Teak wood: The original swim platform material and is still a common option. Teak is strong, durable, and looks amazing. However, it requires maintenance and does not last as long as plastic or fiberglass options.

Fiberglass: The majority of modern OEM Swim platforms that are already installed on a boat are specially molded fiberglass. As is the case with other structures and products made from fiberglass, these swim platforms are durable and robust enough and will provide you with many years of use.

View Video Transcript

BOAT SWIM PLATFORMS John Greviskis 00:01 Well, good deal, you made it. Hi, I'm John Greviskis. It's great to have you back in our boat shop and who our first guest expert is. It's Pat Brown with boat Outfitters. And Pat is great to see you. I want to talk about the fact that I'm not as young as I used to be. And let's get into the matter of you know, people use the boats too often, you know, cooled off during the summertime to jump in the water and they swim. A lot of boats that I'm seeing, don't have any type of a swim platform. And I really want to help people, especially if they're a little bit older, easily get back into the boat. And what we have back behind us, Pat is our 19 foot Boston Whaler Nantucket. When I was younger, kind of how I would board a boat at the sandbar is I trim the outboard engine down, I'd step right here on the cavitation plate, kind of grab into the splash well, and bored. I'm not as flexible as I used to be. Okay. Now, this whaler has a swim platform, but I want you to take a look at the top side, this deck right here, okay, this pad, I can no longer clean it. Sure it's injection moulded plastic. Correct. But it has one step. And here's my issue when I'm down in the water, like this. I'm trying to get my foot up there, and I got to still pull myself up, I'm not flexible. You work with over 200 boat manufacturers, not only making functional parts, but also really cool accessories for the different pleasure boats out there. But let's talk about swim platforms and what you guys make, what do we have here on the table? Pat Brown 01:44 What we have here, John is a solid King StarBoard base platform. So it's gonna hold up much better than any of the injection moulded versions. John Greviskis 01:52 Now what about for making it easier for me to board. Pat Brown 01:55 So what we have here, John is a three step ladder. The three steps gives you actually a place to get your foot in instead of trying to lift your knee up in there and pull yourself up. John Greviskis 02:05 So with this extended, it goes much deeper into the water than a one rep version. Do you make you make one step version? Pat Brown 02:12 So we do make one step versions and we have some that you know, if you just wanted to replace what you have. That's not a problem. Is this hard to install? No, it takes maybe an hour or so to put a platform on the platform has come complete with all the stainless steel hardware, all the mounting instructions, and we have a new video that helps people to actually kind of do a step by step when it comes to putting the platform on. John Greviskis 02:35 If somebody wanted a one step ladder made out of the kingstar board, high quality stainless steel, what are we looking at? Pat Brown 02:42 You're talking $150. John Greviskis 02:44 If they wanted a three step version, Pat Brown 02:46 You’re up to 250 at that point, John Greviskis 02:47 Well what would I want to do on the programme today guys is not only do I want to install a swim platform on a boat that's never had one, and I'm talking about our 20 frequent RV brothers boat. But we're going to be kind of making that the central theme. This go around and we're going to be putting on a new type of epoxy barrier coat to guard against osmotic blistering of the hall. With our friends from interlocks, we're also going to be for the first time using a product called micron CL. Now, Pat, we got to help people get the swim platform because I'm thinking this is a no brainer for almost everybody out there. How would they get a swim platform from you guys? Pat Brown 03:28 Go to Boat outfitters.com and see the variety of different sizes and different stuff options.

Boat Ladders for Your Swim Platform

The more steps on a swim platform ladder the easier it is to use. Avoid choosing and installing a swim platform ladder that has steps that don’t extend down far enough beneath the surface of the water to suit the abilities of all using your boat.

You also need to make sure that any handles are installed in the right location and are high enough to provide optimum assistance.

Boating Ladder Steps

Be prepared to install extra handles, handholds, or even steps on the transom of your boat or at another convenient place on the stern to make it easier to use your boat ladder. Some eva foam decking is also a great addition to a swim platform for extra slip protection and padding. Read More

Always make sure that all hardware is correctly and safely installed using the right size and type of stainless steel backing plates, thru-bolts, and nuts. These should be checked regularly for any signs of wear and tear, movement, or other issues that could compromise the safety of your swim platform and ladder.

Swim Platform Mounting Style for Your Boat

Choosing the ideal swim platform mounting style for your boat requires a thoughtful consideration of your vessel's specific attributes. Regardless of whether your boat is powered by an inboard or outboard engine, the selected mounting style significantly influences both functionality and aesthetics. Within this exploration, we examine various mounting styles, providing insights to assist you in making a well-informed decision for a smooth and delightful on-water experience. Read More

Inboard Engine: Mounting a swim platform to an inboard engine allows more options since the motor does not extend out from the stern. Transom swim platforms stretch across the entire stern and allow for a large area to board the boat or lounge. The other style of inboard swim platforms have two handles and mounts to either the left or right side of the stern.

Outboard Engine: When mounting a swim platform to an outboard style boat it’s crucial that the platform does not impede the full rotation of the engine. This is why outboard-style platforms have only one upward extending handle, the side without the handle should face the engine to allow the engine to rotate. Depending on the size of your stern a two-handle platform may be able to fit.

Commonly Asked Questions about Swim Platforms

How Long Should your Swim Platform Be?(show/hide)

What Height off the Water Should the Swim Platform Be?(show/hide)

Do you need a swim platform ladder?(show/hide)