CD16 swim platform recommendation

P

patton.neds@gmail.com

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Howdy C-brats

We have a 16' Cruiser that needs a swim platform. At our anchorage we must board from the water. It's a long step for the old folks. The transom is clean other than the 50 Honda. Are there any suggestions of a model that has worked well for you?

Appreciate your thoughts.
 
I know it's a little far out but , when boarding from actually swimming, we stepped on the Permatrim and used the button on the side of the motor to raise us up. (Be sure the motor is turned off!).
Photo_0002.jpg
 
What about using a simple, removable ladder that hooks over the side? I picked one up about five years ago and can't imagine boating life without it.
 
Thanks for your thoughts. No permatrim on this motor. Don't want some of the folks trying to ride the elevator.
We tried the ladder and may need to go back to this. The gadget needed tuning though, tippy and required some agility to climb over when the little boat tips to the side the climber is on. Maybe a transom mount would work better. Trying to avoid the extra storage.
Any other thoughts about a swim platform choice? Thanks.
 
dotnmarty":3s5u1r7z said:
we stepped on the Permatrim and used the button on the side of the motor to raise us up.
Click to expand...

I haven't tried this, mainly because I would have to step right where mine says "NOT A STEP." In a man overboard condition it wouldn't bother me, but for just swimming I'm partial to the swim platform idea.

Mark
 
Our 16 did not have one when bought it, and we bought one from C-DORY. Then we had a local shop install it, as I was worried about properly installing it and did not want any leaks. Probably not the cheapest way to go, but better than screwing up a nice boat that we intend to keep for quite a while. It came with a drop down step and makes reboarding a lot easier. The C-Squirt came with a Permatrim and​ we don't see it as a very practical way to reboard, especially on a 16 with a relatively narrow beam which will by itself result in more roll than the other C-Dories. If you add in some wind and/or some chop and maybe a little panic in a man overboard situation, one is likely to need all the advantage he can generate. There is a fair amount of discussion on this site about safety and I just don't see attempting to reboard from the Permatrim as a safe procedure.
 
A couple of years ago, when we purchased our CD-16 Cruiser we had to add a Garelick swim platform: Garelick/Eez-In 19545:01 I/O Swim Platform/Ladder

[/url]https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001445AYM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The swim platform is too tall for the CD-16 transom, so we had to use high density polyethylene or HDPE (starboard) to allow us to make a "clamp" over the transom to support the upper part of the swim platform, and drilled and set 2 bolts well above the waterline just about at the level of the motor well. Sorry I don't have photos posted to show the overall view of the swim platform, but I could PM a photo to you by request.

The CD-16 hull is all sandwich construction with thin fiberglass shells and a wood core. This makes any bolt penetration a likely point of hull deterioration, but with 2 bolts it's minimized as much as possible.

Riding the motor up with the tilt mechanism is not reasonable for lots of reasons. I feel all boats need to have a way to readily get back on board once you are in the water.
 
I have been looking over the possibilities for a while. I'm starting to think that I don't need or want a platform. My priority is not a platform to stand on while I adjust my swimming attire prior to a graceful dive. I'm more interested in the easiest way to climb back aboard while fully clothed. I'm thinking of getting this one or something similar.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KN ... GE5D&psc=1

I'll have to check fitment, but it looks like it would be possible to direct transom mount this type of telescoping ladder. Flipped down, the ladder would extend down about 40 inches underwater. The two and three step style ladders have a difficult first step. If you can touch your knee to your chin, these ladders work. That's not me anymore.

When this style of ladder is flipped down 180 degrees from the stored position, it would rest against the transom and the steps wouldn't disappear under the boat as with the rope ladders. When in the upright position, it could be held in place with a rubber "U" clip like used to hold broom handles or store oars. A person in the water could deploy it by pulling it out of the clip.

Time for some measurements.

Mark
 
Rlengle's comments about mounting bolts below the water line left me somewhat confused. The C-Dory site lists a swim platform as an option for 16 cruisers. After contacting C-Dory, to get the mounting details, I had a local professional shop install per their instructions. This left the lower bolts below the water line. So I suppose there is a chance that we could have a water issue at the transom, but on the other hand I have to be comfortable that the boat manufacturer knows what they are doing.
Jack
 
jack keifer":7hx5n32k said:
Rlengle's comments about mounting bolts below the water line left me somewhat confused. The C-Dory site lists a swim platform as an option for 16 cruisers. After contacting C-Dory, to get the mounting details, I had a local professional shop install per their instructions. This left the lower bolts below the water line. So I suppose there is a chance that we could have a water issue at the transom, but on the other hand I have to be comfortable that the boat manufacturer knows what they are doing.
Jack
Click to expand...

Yes, boat builders know how to build boats. Unfortunately they take shortcuts. The proper way to put any fitting thru a balsa cored structure, is to do the overdrive, undercut, fill with thickened epoxy, then drill the hole, and put the accessory on with a good sealant.

This method takes time, and some extra materials. Selling boats is somewhat competitive and the factory has to be cost competitive. There are a few high end builders who do it properly.

If done properly this way, with total sealing off the core with epoxy, there will be no water intrusion.
 
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