camper top, windlass, or swim platform

fun2bethad · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 1:13 pm

Since I only have $2,000 to spend on a boat toy this spring, which of the above should I run with. I live in Central Ohio and mostly boat on inland lakes if that has any bearing.

ric · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 1:32 pm

fun2bethad wrote:

Since I only have $2,000 to spend on a boat toy this spring, which of the above should I run with. I live in Central Ohio and mostly boat on inland lakes if that has any bearing.

Kids? No kids? Drink a lot of adult beverages? Married? Single with lady friends?

If you have kids? Swim Platform
Drink? Windlass
Married? camper top
Single, no kids, and bring aboard lady friends? magma grill + cosmetic upgrades/repairs to solid color fabrics inside with colored LED mood lighting

fun2bethad · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 2:44 pm

ric wrote:

fun2bethad wrote:

Since I only have $2,000 to spend on a boat toy this spring, which of the above should I run with. I live in Central Ohio and mostly boat on inland lakes if that has any bearing.

Kids? No kids? Drink a lot of adult beverages? Married? Single with lady friends?

If you have kids? Swim Platform
Drink? Windlass
Married? camper top
Single, no kids, and bring aboard lady friends? magma grill + cosmetic upgrades/repairs to solid color fabrics inside with colored LED mood lighting

Have a freshman in college and a junior in high school. Definitely an imbiber (safe one of course) and married 22 years. Even married, I like the idea of the mood lighting. Just bought a magma this week off Ebay and CANT WAIT to get it fired up :-)

aguyindallas · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 3:06 pm

Swim platform, hands down.

I have to assume that like most of us, you spend MOST of your time in the water. The boat is just the vehicle to get to the spot I like to hang out. The rest of the time is spent on the platform or in the water with friends and family.

The camper top would run a close second..purely based on where you live/boat.

Paul I. · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 3:42 pm

The windless should only cost you about $600 http://www.starmarinedepot.com/Lewmar+V ... 4AodPkufCg You may it cheaper some were else!!

Than about $100 to $125 in wiring & hardware depending on the setup. There easy to install, downlown the manual from Lewmar's site first. I have installed them on my past 2 boats, It takes about 4 to 6 hours to do without pushing your self.

That sould leave you at least $1200 to put into something else. The bigger qustion you need to ask your self. What will give me the MOST use??

ric · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 3:49 pm

Yeah, I'd go with swim platform then.

I would also make sure you have a nice modern radio with Ipod controls, etc. From that point on, upgrade all interior and nav lighting to LED bulbs. Mood lighting just hit up ebay for rolls of "5050 SMD" leds, and cut and wire to suit your needs. Won't cost you but $50 for mood lighting.

captkevin · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 4:29 pm

Swimplatform

St. Louis Dave · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:17 pm

Swimplatform

acguy · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:30 pm

I put a swim platform on my Sundower when we first bought it. It was worth every penny

EvilZ · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2012 9:00 am

If you go to http://www.swimplatforms.com, you can see pics of your model boat with an extended swim platform.

I wouldn't be without a decent sized swim platform on my boat, and it seems to be pretty clear from the other responses what others think also.

If you do a search on this forum, you'll find a lot of info and opinions on swim platforms, and just about everything else!

Bottom line, make your decision based on what will benefit you and your family the most.

Enjoy!

ric · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2012 9:48 am

Those guys sell a top mount for my boat that is simply amazing looking.
http://swimplatforms.com/BoatMakesModel ... fault.aspx

If I ever had 2g's burning a hole in my pocket that's what I'd get.

Wet Doggg · **Joined:** Fri May 19, 2006 11:15 am **Posts:** 682

Swimplatform for sure. We will be doing the same thing come spring. Received a quote of $1,750 for one from swimplatforms.com. Not sure I want to install it myself or not at this point. I also called the local Four Winns dealer. Price for a new platform from the factory for my boat is $3,200...and that did not include install :shock:

Mark T · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2012 1:27 pm

Boats are expensive to get them the way you want !!.

Just spent almost $1,000 on new Alpine and Polk Audio system for tunes, ( thanks luvmysl242 !! ), and now the swim platform is also on my list to get ordered. All the pics from the site of people kicking back on the back of the boat convinced me as well. Will make getting into the boat easier, and then will be a nice spot just to sit back, dangle legs in water when its a bit too cold to jump in.

acguy · **Posted:** Fri Jan 13, 2012 7:01 pm

Wet Doggg wrote:

Swimplatform for sure. We will be doing the same thing come spring. Received a quote of $1,750 for one from swimplatforms.com. Not sure I want to install it myself or not at this point. I also called the local Four Winns dealer. Price for a new platform from the factory for my boat is $3,200...and that did not include install :shock:

That seems kind of high. I paid $1650 for the factory one for my 97 Sundowner. I like the factory one better as there is no step down to the next platform

LouC · **Posted:** Sat Jan 14, 2012 12:22 pm

All nice options, the swim platform is nice esp if you have little ones who love to jump off the stern, keep them out of harm's way. I don't have one because it gets in the mechanic's way (me) doing drive R+Rs, plus then you can't change the prop with the boat in the water (unless you want to be a diver dan)...

www.iFourWinns.com

camper top, windlass, or swim platform

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