Swim Platform Buying Tips

Swim Platform designs come in many shapes and sizes and there are many reasons to buy a swim platform. For instance a place to put your beer cooler, set out your lounge chair or just a place to clean your fish and keep the mess out of the boat.

So what should you look for in a swim platform? Well, check out the tips below and you'll know way more than most on what to look for and how to shop for a swim platform. Swim platforms can be made from several different materials. In the past many swim platforms were made from Teak but these days most swim platforms are made from aluminum or fiberglass, truthfully though fiberglass is your best bet.

Fiberglass is strong, light and if it does get dinged or damaged, it's a simple matter to fix so it looks brand-new again. If you go to the time, trouble and expense of getting a swim platform, then by all means get one that's the full width of your boat, and about 30 inches deep.

You've probably seen those dinky token swim platforms that you can just barely stand on, this is not what you want. Another thing about a swim platform, make sure that inside its reinforced plywood. And of course sealed 100% with a gel coat finish.

Be sure to ask for references and to see pictures of past swim platform jobs. You don't want your boat to look like someone stuck a booger on the back of it. Make sure your vendor can color match your boat, and color match a feature stripe. You want your new swim platform to look as if it came from the factory with your boat.

Another important cosmetic item is trim molding. A heavy rubber molding trims out the top edge so the swim platform melds perfectly with your boat and helps protect your boat from any light bumps. And finally safety. Does the top surface have a nonskid material rolled into the gel coat or can you get a foam type of nonskid surface instead. You'll want to be sure to get one or the other.

A swim platform is best appreciated in pictures. If you want to see pictures of a finished swim platform and to get an idea of my craftsmanship visit my web site at: Swim Platform Designs