Swim Platform for MacGregor 26'

[RZRobinson]

So I've gotten back to sailing and me and my father have been enjoying it very much lately, but we've decided that the ladder on the back of the boat is really pretty annoyingly useless as far as getting back into the boat. We thought about looking for a rear boat deck and found it to be called a swim platform. So I continued my search for buying one and keep finding problems with finding a company that will be able to meet my search. Eventually I decided that "well... I don't think it will be too hard to make I guess" and also i'm kinda ok with making things. So... (here it comes ) I have been looking and i'm kinda finding no plans or discussion on most sites about details for making a swim platform. Now we have arrived at the point of the post and I know some would call it silly to make a platform for this boat, but... I would really appreciate it if any of you guys who have built one would offer some direction and insight into the how's and why's for those how's of building a swim platform. I'm Kinda new to working on boats as well but hopefully with ya'lls help, I can get this thing built in a fashion that I can be very satisfied with later, . okies... now you might want a few details... but the things I have to worry about are the motor on the port side and a rear tiller, other than that there's not alot of room for attachments to the boat, but again, any IDEAS would be appreciated.

Mac Gregor 26' (1988)

[CalebD]

1st = Welcome to sailnut RZR.

It appears that you have a MacGregor 26' "S" or "D" model sailboat which means that your boat is a better sailor then the 'X' or 'M' models. I have sailed on a friend's 26 "S" so I am familiar with the boat.

If your existing transom ladder is useless then you should remove it and replace it with something beefier and more usable. Your cockpit should be your 'swim platform' when you are not in the water cooling off. If you had a decent swim ladder then you would not need a swim platform hanging off the back of your boat.

A swim platform as seen on many motorboats is a non starter with the M 26. Besides the fact that both the engine and the transom mounted rudder are in the way this is not a common modification to your boat and few other people would consider it desirable if/when you go to sell this boat. At best you would only have a small area on the starboard side of the rudder where a small platform would not interfere with your engine or rudder. I also doubt that an extra appendage like this would make trailering the boat any easier.

The no brainer fix for me is to change the swim ladder to something you and your father can use. Your boat is your platform.

G'luck.

[denverd0n]

I have to agree with CalebD. Finding a ladder that works better would be my approach.

[Daydreamer22]

Check out ebay.
I've been considering changing my ladder too.
I found a ladder / platform combo that is sized for one person to sit or stand on, made with teak or star board.