Swim Platform

Dack Heslop · **Joined:** Sat Jun 25, 2011 7:05 am **Posts:** 21

Okay new topic...swim platforms for H180

Any one have any experience with them? I have looked at the ones from swimplatforms.com they look good, just wanted some feedback.

Also this may be a strange question, but does anyone know of any platforms that are easily removed or fold up? Thing is I keep my boat in my garage and it just fits...a swim platform would make it too long.

Any thoughts/tips?

Dack Heslop
Toronto, ON Canada
2008 Four Winns H180
Volvo Penta 3.0 GL/SX 135 h

aguyindallas · **Posted:** Tue Jun 28, 2011 8:42 pm

I am not normally a search freak...but this topic has been thrown at the wall as much as the "which prop is best" topic. Take a look at some searched info in the forum, there is a ton about swimplatforms.com and the mass concensus is they are awesome products. I personally know 6-7 people with them and they all love them.

Good luck!

hambone · **Joined:** Tue Aug 10, 2010 11:30 am **Posts:** 7

I called a Four Winns dealer in Canada and the lady who looks after repairs, etc said it's very difficult to put these on the boats aftermarket (and this would be a platform ordered through a dealer and installed by a dealer). She said unless they come on the boat, be careful. I was quite surprised by this as I really wanted one for my 2010 180LE. I would defintely get a marina or similar to install given you're drilling in to the boat. Anyone able to talk to this?

aguyindallas · **Posted:** Wed Jun 29, 2011 8:57 am

Of the people that I know that have them, half were self installed, the other half were installed by service departments. It would be slightly scary, I agree, but I dont think its not something that somebody with some basic skill cant get done.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Wed Jun 29, 2011 9:14 am

hambone wrote:

I called a Four Winns dealer

Your first mistake. Asking a FW dealer if you can install something that they would make money off of. Of course she told you it was difficult and that an aftermarket ESP would take some care to install. It's not that difficult, just follow the instructions.

aguyindallas · **Posted:** Wed Jun 29, 2011 10:09 am

I think the biggest thing in installing one of these is having some sort of stand to hold the platform up while you get it properly aligned and mark the holes to be drilled. If you can get past that...should be fairly easy.

Spook · **Posted:** Wed Jun 29, 2011 11:06 am

I just installed a swim platform from http://www.swimplatforms.com this last weekend. It was relatively easy and I did most if it myself. I used four ratchet straps and suspended the platform from my garage rafters. Then I just rolled the boat back and forth as needed and the platform just hung there. i was able to adjust all four corners easily by tightening and loosening the ratchet straps.

Just an idea.

Dack Heslop · **Joined:** Sat Jun 25, 2011 7:05 am **Posts:** 21

Thanks for the tips guys...I fall into the DIFM, as in have someone Do It For Me, category - as drilling holes in the boat to install something is way above my league if I do decided to get one.

Tried looking for a flip up platform and haven't been able to find one - not sure if they exist or not as need to be make sure it fits into the garage.

Let me know if anyone has seen anything out there.

Dack Heslop
Toronto, ON Canada
2008 Four Winns H180
Volvo Penta 3.0 GL/SX 135 h

hambone · **Joined:** Tue Aug 10, 2010 11:30 am **Posts:** 7

I've contacted another Four Winns dealer asking about the swim platform for my 2010 180LE Horizon. They don't recommend it on the 3.0L 180. I'm a little surprised as to why given I'm not planning to tow adults, etc. Just want the platform for the kids to jump off and not have to worry about them hitting the motor. Any idea why it's such a big deal??

robbo3 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 08, 2011 11:15 am

For some reason, it's not listed as an option for the 180LE, but available on the H180. My only guess is that the LE comes in one configuration to keep the price lower as an entry point. I can't see where it wouldn't be recommended.

The platform is a $1,046 option for the H180, you could check and see if your dealer will order and install. Otherwise, the other after market sites would be your best bet.

Dack Heslop · **Joined:** Sat Jun 25, 2011 7:05 am **Posts:** 21

Here's an update from Swim Platforms...

We are working on a removable platform mounting system. Still on the drawing board. Check back this fall when our prototype is done

Ron
Swim Platforms Inc.

So looks like one is in the works...Stay Tuned.

Misterbulbous · **Posted:** Mon Jul 25, 2011 8:25 pm

If I recall, there is a fairly detailed step by step summary of a swim platform install somewhere on this forum. If you have kids, or like getting in and out of the water, I HIGHLY recommend the full size swim platform. I was hesitant to get it when I bought my H190 in 2002, but couldn't live without it now. My family literally lives on the platform when we go boating, plus it's great size for holding a tube, black lab, cooler...all at the same time.

scottmph · **Posted:** Tue Jul 26, 2011 10:00 am

i regret not getting one for our 203 - and now unable to find one..

winman · **Joined:** Sun Aug 28, 2011 9:13 pm **Posts:** 1

Hi,
I just bought a 2011 H180. I didn't come with an ESP and Bimini Top. The Bimini Top I bought at the dealer and installed it myself (EASY). I am looking to buy the OEM extended swim platform. Has anybody tried to get it from Four Winns directly? Or what would be the best and cheapest way to get it ???? I will install it myself. ..... In need of advice....Thanks W.N.

ric · **Posted:** Mon Aug 29, 2011 9:32 am

Swimplatforms.com looks really nice, they also make a "fitted" model for my hull H180 (99-2002).

www.iFourWinns.com

Swim Platform

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