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I'm considering a swim platform and was wondering if anyone can provide feedback or a comparison
on/between Whaler's optional platform that my local dealer says is $165 and martinmarinedesign's $400 unit.

That is a significant difference in price but perhaps worth it...

Thanks
Jim

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For clarification purposes, are you referring to the classic Montauk or the more recent Montauk 170?

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Jim,

That is a significant difference. Is there a way to post a picture of what the dealer is selling? I have Martins ladder/platform. It's very well made, welded stanchions, all bolted above the water line. See my page for pictures.

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My boat is a 99 and the current platform for the 170 will fit
according to BW..The part number is 1086410 or something close
to that. Someone else on this forum first brought it to my attention.

Jon. I have seen your photos and read your posts about the platform, I know you are pleased with it.. But my better half says
that is over a $200. difference do we need it? Unfortunately we haven't actually seen either one. I'm hoping someone here has the whaler platform.

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Hi Jim,
My name is Raymond and my company, Martin Marine Design manufactures the platform you are wanting to compare to the factory platform available for the 170 models. I have found a photo of a factory platform installed on a 170 hull:

[IMG]http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d60/Martin-Marine-Design/170Montauk90HP-4S-394x381.jpg[/IMG]

The platform installed above is not much different from the ones available through just about any boat accessory store. The ends of the grab bars are crimped and bent down. Also, the platform above is not thru-bolted at any of the contact points. If you install this ladder on your boat, there is a great chance that it will eventually pull out from its mounting points.

My platform is designed specifically for your hull. All four of the contact points to the hull have welded pads. The two upper pads are thru-bolted to the transom using four bolts with nylon locking nuts. There is no chance of my platform pulling out from the transom. We have had guys over 250 lbs use the platform without any sign of loosening from the hull. In addition, the bottom two pads provide a wide support base for the platform. The platform is made from 1 inch thick King Starboard AS (anti-skid) board. It comes standard with a three step Windline ladder. I realize there is a big difference between the platforms available at West marine and my platform. However, there is a substantial difference in the way they are designed and constructed.

Thanks for your time,
Raymond Martin
Martin Marine Design

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I have one of Raymonds units he made for my 18 Newport and its is a very durable and well built piece. Worth the extra money for sure. He will make you a teak step instead of the white material if you like.

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I just installed Raymonds Platform on my 1991 Montauk 17 2 weeks ago and the fit and finish is excellent. I am 6'1 250lbs and it is strong enough to hold me!!!! I cant wait for the weather to improve here in long island so I can get some use out of it.
Ed

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Well I appreciate everyone's input, it is quite clear to me that Raymond's platform is far superior
to the competition and I'll be ordering one very soon.....Jim

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Dude,

Your are making a good decision... Mine has been on at least 2 years, fantastic. Last weekend pulled a 220lbs 20 something kayaker out of the water. I think he may have kissed the platform before climbing into my 17. He had no PFD and he was about 2 miles from where started with an almost submerged cheap kayak.. Dumb Ass...

He sat on the platform and started to drain the kayak by lifting it... until we could lift it on to the boat...

This guys was a recent graduate of Rutgers U and worked in an IT dept at a major insurance co....

Help me understand this logic...:-)

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Over the years I have seen many "smart" people do stupid things
and I will confess I've done a stupid thing or two in my life as well.
Anyway I guess I'll be doing the smart thing ordering Raymond's platform.. Thanks again for your input..Jim

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He was an IT guy that explains it!

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Just a bit of positive feedback for Raymond's platform.
Super quality!! Will last forever..Easy to install (fits hull perfectly)
And doing business with Raymond was a pleasure..

Jim

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Just to finish this thread.... I know there was questions about the strength of Martins platform on the classic Montauk. To be honest I was alittle leary too. After having 8 family members on my Montauk this weekend to the local swimming hole I can tell you that its strong enough to hold a 6ft 275lb man. The ladder with 3 steps makes reentering the boat much ezier.
Just alittle feedback.