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View Full Version : Classic 22 Swim Platform installation



Murphy
08-08-2002, 06:21 PM
Thought some like to see this. The platform was custom made by Beachcomber Fiberglass http://www.beachfiber.com/platforms.html
They molded it to fit the curve of the transom and color matched the creme gel coat. I'll add the stripe. The platform is light but extremely strong and perfectly made. It is designed based on the water-line of the boat to sit level when the boat is at anchor. The ladder they supplied is made by GG Schmitt & Sons of Lancaster, PA. Outstanding quality piece. It slides out and unfolds like stairs. The brackets are just as nicely made. If you call Beachcomer, ask for Michael.

http://www.donzi.net/photos/rwestcott1.jpg
http://www.donzi.net/photos/rwestcott2.jpg
http://www.donzi.net/photos/rwestcott3.jpg
http://www.donzi.net/photos/rwestcott4.jpg

Murph

Greg Maier
08-08-2002, 07:00 PM
Nice job ! What would a total setup like that cost?

GEOO
08-08-2002, 08:08 PM
Hey I could hide the blender under that!!!

Sagbay32
08-08-2002, 09:08 PM
Form follows function....maybe my family would let me get another classic hmmmmmmmm.

Murphy
08-08-2002, 09:14 PM
Cost was $1299 plus shipping. I looked pretty hard for alternatives. Problem is platforms are either real cheap or real expensive. Low end catalog units that look cheap and don't really fit a Donzi stern run $400 or so. Custom built welded units anodized to match the boat run $2000 or more. This is the only product I could find that promised a high quality custom fit in anything resembling a reasonable price range.

Murph

Stix Magill
08-08-2002, 10:48 PM
Murphy,
Does the swim platform decrease the loudness of the thru the hull at, idle, planing, and WOT?
This could be a dual purpose accessory for some, including me.
Looks good!

Jake
08-09-2002, 02:13 PM
That's a beautiful installation. How did you find the ladder company in Lancaster. That is where I live and I have never heard of them. It looks just like the ones used on the ZX's. Good work.
Jake

gjohns6896
08-09-2002, 02:14 PM
ROB! Nice looking swim platform! I KNEW you would get her done sooner than later.

But that IS a nice chunk of change.

Even so, it is TOTALLY customized now.

On a side note, I just bought a 4- blade prop myself, so we'll have to go "testing" someday.

I am not doing anything NOW...how about YOU?!?!

George

Murphy
08-09-2002, 06:01 PM
Thanks for the feedback. I'll report on the noise level change tomorrow after testing. I gotta believe the noise level in the boat will be lower at very least. The ladder was recommended by Michael at Beachcomber. I told him it was going on a Donzi Classic and nothing less than the best would do. Apparently this is the only ladder they use and it's easy to see why. I weigh in at about 185 lbs. and can stand on the lower rung without so much as a creak or groan from the platform or the ladder. I was slightly worried about the transom since it's only about 1/2" thick where the brackets mount. I used 3/16" thick full-length backer plates and 3/8" bolts torqued down pretty good. Needn't have worried. Transom doesn't flex like I thought it might even with two adults on the platform. George... give me a call... I've got the next three Friday's free and would enjoy a tour of your lake before summer's over. Are there any float-up bars on that puddle?

Best Regards,

Murph

gjohns6896
08-09-2002, 08:22 PM
Rob, I would absolutely LOVE to show you my little "pond" here in Decatur. But, from what I read, mine is larger than some other's ponds out there.

At any rate, I will SURELY be calling you...but I am waiting on that 4-blader and don't know WHEN it will show up at my door. Soon, I hope!

I actually had some other boater ask me about my Donzi tonight...while we were eating dinner at the "Steak on the Lake," which is the floating bar you ask of. There are actually three places to dock...one is the DAV <never been in there>, and the other two are owned by a woman and are called "Marcia's." Good places!
:D wink :p :cool:
I have your number, and will be calling you soon.

Cheers,
George

Murphy
08-11-2002, 09:49 PM
Results with platform installed are good. No change in boat performance, etc. but I didn't expect there would be. Sound level is changed. At idle, about 5% less. Most noticable change is at mid-range cruise speed. I'd say the decrease in this range is about 10-15% overall inside the boat. Our sophisticated measuring system was based on how loud we had to yell to carry on a conversation. It is quite a bit easier now. Can't really say what changes it might have made from a distance. The best benefit, as expected, turns out to be for my family. We now have a boat they can enjoy as much as I do.

Best Regards,

Murph