Ladder or Platform on 1973 Mustang??

I'm not a "keep it original" kind of guy, so for me, adding a swim platform is just a smart practical way to make your boat more user friendly. Once you've had one, it's hard to not want one.

Thanks TRBenj. I remember seeing this ladder before. I am really thinking of removing it.   

I think I have found a good place to do the gel coat work. They said orange and green are the hardest colors to match.   

how do you even board the boat without a ladder or platform? original or not, a swim platform is a must imo.

jbach wrote: how do you even board the boat without a ladder or platform?

Old school method by pulling yourself up and over the gunnels like you did as a kid getting out of the deep end of a swimming pool. We NEVER used the ladders as they were too far away from the diving board.

HOWEVER........ you can buy a folding ladder that hangs over the side and get up that way. Definately easier but it does take up valuable storage space. The boat wasn't designed as a hang out on the lake all day kinda boat. I've done the all day boating thing both ways......Best way is to leave it orignal (if it didn't come that way) and hang out with CCFans all day who have platforms on their boats and just use theirs.

Doesn't hurt to keep those muscles working for you anyway. You neeeded to work off that cold beer you drank before your set.

And, when the boat is in the water, the platform is way less visible than a ladder.

When we go out, and just want to hang-out, swim, relax and enjoy the Correct Craft, we just sit right there on the swim platform and say stuff like:   "Ah - Isn't this really wonderful" and "Oh, hey look at those folks who don't have a platform, is that why they're waving at us because we're sitting here on our platform enjoying all of the benefits of a platform lifestyle?"

TRBenj wrote: Platforms were not an option until '78 and don't look appropriate on the smaller colored hull boats, IMHO.

So they're ok on the bigger colored hull boats?

Timbob - I'll challenge anyone who's willing to pulling themselves up over the Riviera's gunnel! I was thinking I should really add a step inside (maybe jumpseat) to help passengers climb into the boat. It's a big step down even for a man child.

Yeah, that's probably where I would draw the line on platforms.
I wouldn't add one to the Riviera or a Wildcat etc...   They're big enough to keep and store a folding ladder.
On the old Mustang, we would either climb in using the rudder as a step or climb in over the rear gunwale.

Those little asses look like they're heading for that Malibu.

TRBenj wrote: I bet those clowns are pretty good at rowing in circles. Is that the recommended paddling method in Maine?

Only if you have a RH'd and LH'd person in the same canoe.

Hollywood wrote: Those little asses look like they're heading for that Malibu.

if you look at the paddle positions it looks like one is heading there and one is heading the other way   probably a cc fan

DrCC wrote: climb in using the rudder as a step climb in over the rear gunwale.

Al,
Sounds like you and I came from the same school! Old school!

Riley wrote: Pete & Al, how do you like people using the splash rail as a step? I saw someone break one off on an old Century once. The boat owner wasn't too happy.

Bruce,
I'd have to say the owner of the Century had some problems. Aft splash rails are typically screwed from the outside into every frame and then from the inside between the frames. The splash rails are prone to rot. The bedding between them and the hull side dries out and water is easily forced in rotting it as well as the planking. My X55 needed rails. The gen 1 SN with the wood rails is a good example too. BTW, yes, I have used rails as well as the rudder for a step.

Ladders are for Bayliners. Ski boats have platforms. Your family will thank you for it. The only reason it didn't come with one is they hadn't thought of it yet.

Those are horrible

Looks like the Bryant even has drink holders!