22 Classic Swim Step- anyone know who makes these?

[yorkey]

I found this boat online, I am intrigued by this swim step. I love the Classics and don't necessarily want to change the look of the boat by adding something like this, but I have small children and would love to have something that makes a Classic more accessible for them. Have any of you guys come across someone making / selling things like this? Ideally, it would be something that is somewhat easy to remove when not needed :-).

Thanks for weighing in!

Jeff

84757

[yeller]

My guess is its custom made. The market for selling swim grids to Donzi Classic owners is next to zero, so it's unlikely to be an "in stock" item.

Call around to different manufacturers. I'm sure most (if not all) would make one to your dimensions.

If you don't really like the looks of it and you'd be happy with a ladder, try looking at removable dive ladders. You will have to permenantly install the mounting bracket, (which I always thought would look crappy), but after seeing one in person on a 22C, it didn't took too bad.

[JParanee]

I have a custom one on my boat

it came with it so I do not know its origin

what I like about it is the way it is supported and mounted

I too have smaller kids and my prop is real sharp I don't want them climbing the drive

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa302/jparanee/Vehicles/image_89.jpeg (http://s200.photobucket.com/user/jparanee/media/Vehicles/image_89.jpeg.html)

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa302/jparanee/Vehicles/image_92.jpeg (http://s200.photobucket.com/user/jparanee/media/Vehicles/image_92.jpeg.html)

[yorkey]

Any chance you might share a couple of photographs?


I have a custom one on my boat

it came with it so I do not know its origin

what I like about it is the way it is supported and mounted

I too have smaller kids and my prop is real sharp I don't want them climbing the drive

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa302/jparanee/Vehicles/image_89.jpeg (http://s200.photobucket.com/user/jparanee/media/Vehicles/image_89.jpeg.html)

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa302/jparanee/Vehicles/image_92.jpeg (http://s200.photobucket.com/user/jparanee/media/Vehicles/image_92.jpeg.html)

[45171]

I think that looks appropriate on there. Matches the boat well.

[Carl C]

As much as I'd like a swim platform I just can't do it. I really worry about people climbing the drive though.

[Pat McPherson]

I added these type platforms to both my 24' Pantera and 24' Superboat. I bought from Extreme Marine. They're vary functional and look pretty good. Haven't thought much about adding one to my Donzi though...

[Fishermanjm]

Pat, is there a pic of what your referring to???

[Greg Guimond]

I found this boat online, I am intrigued by this swim step. I love the Classics and don't necessarily want to change the look of the boat by adding something like this, but I have small children and would love to have something that makes a Classic more accessible for them. Have any of you guys come across someone making / selling things like this? Ideally, it would be something that is somewhat easy to remove when not needed :-).

Thanks for weighing in!

Jeff



Do fold down mini platforms to the left and right of the drive. Does the job and easier on the eyes.

[Pat McPherson]

Pat, is there a pic of what your referring to???

See Yorkey and JParanee's post...

Check out extreme marine on line... http://www.extrememarine.cc/index.htm

[45171]

Is there something that is undesirable about having a swim deck on a Donzi? I'm sure it's just a matter of opinion for us all.

I really like the look of these boats on the water with the thru hull exhaust showing. And I guess a swim deck would cover those from view, but I think that the boat on the trailer JParanee posted looks more appealing with the deck instead of just the out drive hanging out there.

And I look at mine in the garage every day backed up to the wall with the out drive down so all I see empty space behind it and think that a teak and polished aluminum swim deck would look great there.

[Pat McPherson]

My old 24' Superboat in these pics.
http://www.extrememarine.cc/swim_platforms_extreme_offshore_photos.htm

[yeller]

Is there something that is undesirable about having a swim deck on a Donzi? I'm sure it's just a matter of opinion for us all. Nothing undesirable beyond what some would feel is it hurts the aesthetics...and as you say, it's just a matter of opinion. A lot of people are of the opinion these boats shouldn't be modified. I appreciate the purists and their desire to maintain originality, but I'm from the camp for doing whatever you want. It's your boat. If you like the looks of them, then go for it.

[Carl C]

I agree with customizing to make your boat they way you like it. I just really like the look of a transom that is all business. I guess we will continue to climb the drive.

http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/xx275/CARLC222/Pictures086_zpsebbaa693.jpg (http://s763.photobucket.com/user/CARLC222/media/Pictures086_zpsebbaa693.jpg.html)

[Pat McPherson]

Do fold down mini platforms to the left and right of the drive. Does the job and easier on the eyes.
Not sure what you are referring to. Got a picture or link?

[45171]

My old 24' Superboat in these pics.
http://www.extrememarine.cc/swim_platforms_extreme_offshore_photos.htm

I dont see any pictures that match your description Patrick but I do like how custom all of these look.

[45171]

Nothing undesirable beyond what some would feel is it hurts the aesthetics...and as you say, it's just a matter of opinion. A lot of people are of the opinion these boats shouldn't be modified. I appreciate the purists and their desire to maintain originality, but I'm from the camp for doing whatever you want. It's your boat. If you like the looks of them, then go for it.

I'm all for agreeing with the purists on an all original boat, but mine has been repainted and everything else so I wouldn't mind making the addition.

[45171]

I agree with customizing to make your boat they way you like it. I just really like the look of a transom that is all business. I guess we will continue to climb the drive.

if climbing the drive is good enough for you on a great looking boat like that then it's good enough for me on mine. How much climbing around on should one of those drives take before it may start causing problems??

http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/xx275/CARLC222/Pictures086_zpsebbaa693.jpg (http://s763.photobucket.com/user/CARLC222/media/Pictures086_zpsebbaa693.jpg.html)

if climbing the drive is good enough for you on a great looking boat like that then it's good enough for me on mine. How much climbing around on should one of those drives take before it may start causing problems??

[Fishermanjm]

Very cool Carl

[Carl C]

Thanks. The only problem I see is if someone's foot slips into the prop and that could be very bad. I wish there was an easy solution. I've tried ladders with limited success. Always go back to climbing the drive.

[barrieM5]

When I had my Minx, it came with two small teak swim platforms...one on either side of the drive and below the exhausts so they didn't "hide " that nice look !

I was told that they were installed at the factory at the original owner's request. I found them very handy to get in and out of the water and further added a foldable swim ladder ( not shown in this photo) under the right side platform to make it even easier !

[Pat McPherson]

I think I'd go with the full aluminum tube platform, if any.
I looked at the dive latters but not convinced...

[Pat McPherson]

Cost for 2" dia aluminum tube platform from xmpinc starts at $1500...
They have made them for 22ft classic but didn't have a picture...
Not sure, but I will think about adding...

[Greg Guimond]

....................

[Ghost]

I've thought about a minimalist approach, putting one or maybe two of these below the waterline:

http://www.jmsonline.net/step-boarding-chrome.htm?gclid=CPqN4P_futACFchXDQodilIKFQ
http://www.jmsonline.net/step-boarding-4-1-2-x-11.htm

[Pat McPherson]

Greg, nice find. Any idea who makes that?

[Carl C]

I used to use a modified over-gunwale ladder that worked but not real well. I think something like that is a better solution. Several problems with the rear swim platform I have are: They don't look right, drilling lots of holes in transom, adding weight, still have to crawl over engine hatch, permanent installation and you still need some sort of ladder attached. We need a way to enter the boat from the side. JMO

[chip w]

I used to use a modified over-gunwale ladder that worked but not real well. I think something like that is a better solution. Several problems with the rear swim platform I have are: They don't look right, drilling lots of holes in transom, adding weight, still have to crawl over engine hatch, permanent installation and you still need some sort of ladder attached. We need a way to enter the boat from the side. JMO

How about a rope tied to a rear seat grab rail with a few knots in it, tossed over the side? That might work for my 6 year old monkey.:lookaroun:

[Pat McPherson]

I think I actually like the look of the platform mounted at the rub rail level like JParanee's a little better. I would want a telescoping ladder mounted to the bottom with one at that height.
Not sure you need a ladder if mounted below the exhaust.
I'm not in on climbing up a ladder on the side but I do hear you Carl about climbing over the engine hatch; I've got some buds that are on the bigger side.
I showed my wife pictures of the platforms on 22 Donzis last night and she said, "we need one of those". I knew that would be the reaction; getting back in the boat has been an issue since we've owned it...:rolleyes:

[45171]

I think that looks really good on that Texas Twister boat. I understand being concerned with putting holes in the transom and walking on the engine cover but I assume both of those areas on the boat can take being used in that manner.

Does anyone know if that is a drive shower of sorts on top of the out drive on that boat?

[Pat McPherson]

Does anyone know if that is a drive shower of sorts on top of the out drive on that boat?

Yes.

[Carl C]

Has anyone tried these? http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Stainless-Steel-Folding-Step&i=21111

[tmdog]

Has anyone tried these? http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Stainless-Steel-Folding-Step&i=21111

Carl, exact steps were used on the head rack of commercial car haulers. Steps were welded to the head rack (above the cab) to aid driver to climb down after loading car.

Bet you seen plenty of haulers in your neck of the woods.:)

[Greg Guimond]

Has anyone tried these? http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Stainless-Steel-Folding-Step&i=21111


Carl, exact steps were used on the head rack of commercial car haulers. Steps were welded to the head rack (above the cab) to aid driver to climb down after loading car. Bet you seen plenty of haulers in your neck of the woods.:)

Mounted on the transom as low as possible those could work well but would still require a pretty well placed grab rail to get the needed leverage.

[Greg Guimond]

Greg, nice find. Any idea who makes that?

I do not have the vendor unfortunately Pat but that may be a custom job.

[Greg Guimond]

If you want the ladder only, you could go with one of these approaches below and have them stored in a snap-in carrier under the engine hatch

[Greg Guimond]

I would personally go with something that was kind of an "in-between" like this one below.

The small platforms would be just enough to perch your butt on and they could be permanently installed to the left and right of the exhaust tips. The ladder itself is easily removable for storage. You can now get stuff like this that is made in carbon fiber, and then have it painted to match the boat's transom color. The small fixed swim platforms would be low key visually IMO and the ladder would weigh less than 5lbs done in CF.

[Carl C]

So many solutions but none are perfect!

[Ghost]

Feels to me like a small Perko step would do well for most if you made a short, dedicated handhold line to loop from the ski tow hook to the stern cleat. Much easier than stowing a ladder. Most of the ladder setups I've seen look like they're under-engineered, in one or more ways, to deal with torque. Not all, but most.

[oko440]

Thanks. The only problem I see is if someone's foot slips into the prop and that could be very bad. I wish there was an easy solution. I've tried ladders with limited success. Always go back to climbing the drive.

You may find something acceptable at armstrong ladder. It s easily removable, and it s very comfortable as it does not go straight to the bottom. There is a certain angle. Check and you will see. I had it on my 16