MacGregorSailors.com

We saw this video and a post elsewhere with someone who had a fiberglass swim platform. I would 100% buy this if it were sold somewhere. If anyone finds a lead, please let me know.

Also did you see the one guy (non-english YouTube video) that put bow thrusters in his 26M... looking for that one as well.
Did a really nice job.

AD

There was another guy who rigged up a trolling motor in line with his bow line that was able to extend/retract AND steer it via a wireless remote fob.!!!!



And then there are items like the Minkota Auto-Deploy Trolling motors (with extended shaft) coupled with a hand held wireless controller. Some even have GPS position hold options.

There's a rather cleverly designed swim platform shown in this video. Fast forward to 6:59 to see it. Not much info other than a few seconds of video.

Cool thrusters!
A bit "bulky" with all the tracks etc... but not a bad idea!

AD

Something we came across while project window shopping…. Put one on each side of the engine and they could possibly double as dock boarding steps





Here is another style on the same theme with only one upper hand rail that can be mounted on either side of the platform…






Just wondering if something like these might provide a viable option improvement over the standard fold down ladder instead of a full wrap around platform….?

Best Regards,
Over Easy

@OverEasy

While I like that solution, wouldn't it interfere with the rudders?

Hi Piddle and Futz

Good point but not necessarily …. It depends on how far outboard to the side you can mount them…

Hanging my head over the stern (while we are still on the water at Lake Champlain VT) it looks like either of the models would clear the rudders on our Mac26X! Particularly if we allowed them to slightly splay out to each side when mounting by not adding any shims to square them up.

Wouldn’t know for absolutely sure without getting out of the water and make a cardboard mock-up (always a good idea for me “before drilling holes” not that I’ve ever had a problem….. naw, not me )

Anyway, with a tape measure hanging off the stern it sure looks feasible

Best Regards,
Over Easy

We have a similar swim platform on our 26M.

Have a look near the end of this discussion on the Australian Forum.
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=28114

Richard

Great platform!

Anyone know where we might get one in the states? (or could at least identify the manufacturer/distributor in Australia?)

Would love to have one.

I'm based in Perth Western Australia and would also like one of these platforms. If anyone knows where a good place to start looking would be it would be appreciated

Piddle and Futz wrote: ↑Sun Oct 31, 2021 12:11 pm @OverEasy

While I like that solution, wouldn't it interfere with the rudders?

Hi Piddle and Futz!

The loop arm and the under brace arm are reversible.

Placing the platform bottom above the rudders let’s them move freely.
If placed outboard of the rudders:
So the under brace goes on the outboard sides and the loop arm goes on the inboard side.

If placed inboards for the rudders:
So the loop arm goes on the outboard sides and the brace goes on the inboard side.

Best Regards
Over Easy


Example of something similar on a Mac26M

WADR, I see a tendency for a fixation on a "rear" swim platform. If you think a little more flexibly, a "side" swim platform or ladder makes much more sense. No having to avoid the propellers, etc.

Hi DiAndersson!

Good Point!
Yes, I like the aspect of missing the prop and rudders.

We’ve seen a couple side entry swim ladders that looked interesting.
One was a mod made back several years ago, something like “Side entry with a twist” or similar.
It had a SST bar that mounted it to the top of the starboard cockpit gunnel on and could be either folded in half and left on the side, flipped up and/or easily removed.
Not sure if they repeated the mounting hardware on both sides or not.

They had some hull flex issues if I recall correctly.

Believe that a ladder with a gunnel over hook style would possibly work better loading wise but would require storing it some place.

What we haven’t seen as yet is a side swim platform ….
That could be an interesting idea!

Best Regards
Over Easy

I use a SS 4 -step ladder that hooks over either side.

I also use a water pad on the water tied to the bottom of the ladder


No complaints.

Best Regards
Over Easy
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