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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