Swim Platform for 1995 Escape 209

MattB

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Hi Everyone -- I've got a new-to-me 1995 Escape 209, and looking for some help finding a proper transom ladder/platform, something like that on page 10 or 14 of this GW catalog: http://rnr-marine.com/images/Grady-White_all-boats_1996_Catalog.PDF. Does anyone have experience with those from Boat Outfitters? This certainly looks like the right form-factor, but the upper attachment has me worried with the tube being squashed and bent-over, rather than being welded to a mounting plate: https://www.boatoutfitters.com/inboard-outboard-swim-platform-with-3-step-ladder
Any other sources for this sort of thing that you'd recommend?
Thanks!
Matt
 

SkunkBoat

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They are a pretty generic product now. Like your picture shows, I prefer the "I/O" model that has both brackets above the water line.
There is an "Outboard" version that has one bracket going down(bolt hole below water line). This supposedly makes it easier for people to get in thru the wotorwell.

The ones with the bent over tabs work fine but you can't easily remove the platform if you want to because it is bolted thru and sealed with 4200/5200.
There are some that have brackets that mount with removable pins. Will you need to remove it?? probably not.

I would recommend a 3 step ladder mounted underneath, not on top. That way you can use it as a step at a dock.
Without a ladder, you'll be stepping on the motor lower unit to get in from the water.....
 

MattB

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Thanks for the quick reply! Can you elaborate on "...mounted underneath, not on top", please? Do you mean one without the swooping brackets above the water line? If so, I'd imagine that it would mount higher on the transom to make room for the supports underneath, right? All of the examples I've found (some examples, below) have one at least one support above - can you point me to an example?
https://www.boatoutfitters.com/parts/swim-platforms
https://www.wholesalemarine.com/searchresults.html?search=swim+platform
https://www.fisheriessupply.com/sitesearch.aspx?keyword=swim platform

or perhaps crafting something, perhaps using the bracket shown at the bottom of this page?
https://www.defender.com/category.jsp?path=-1|7504&id=2290225

Thanks again!
 

SkunkBoat

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No I mean the LADDER mounted under the platform. You WANT the swooping brackets above the water line.

Some of the ladder kits swing up on top of the platform and some slide out from the bottom of the platform.

001990.jpg


Also something to note. These are all designed for flat transoms angled out about 10 degrees from bottom to top.
If you have a curved transom or an angle from the sides backward, you might have to shim one or more of the brackets.

I think your transom is flat. You probably need an 18" wide one. You need to check for access to thru-bolt all 4 corners with oversized SS washers and lock nuts.
 
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MattB

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(face palm...) Of course, sorry 'bout that. And yes, the Grady transom is flat with a bit of an angle.
Thanks so much for the assist!