Swim Platform weight limit

[boatymcboatface]

Hi,
I have a 2010 ranger Tug R29 which I bought last year. The boat came with a tender which is a ABAlX aluminium hull center console and weighs 450#. It is on the back of my boat hanging on a Dinghy Butler supported by swim platform. My question is am I overloading my swim platform?

Thank you.

 

[SJI Sailor]

I would call the factory and ask but would imagine that you need additional support for that much weight. I've seen limits stated for much larger (40') boats' swim steps in the range of 350-400 lbs. The worry is not so much static stress but the strain of bouncing around when underway.

Another question is how much force is transferred to the transom. That depends on the dinghy butler mounting setup.

 

[dbsea]

I second SJI's recommendation to check with the factory, but I agree that 450# is probably too heavy. For reference, my C-30 CB came with the factory RT260 RIB which weighs about 90lbs, and my outboard weighs about 60lbs, so 150lbs total. I would not want to exceed the 250lbs range overall with motor and outboard on my boat. I would be very leary of 450lbs on that swimstep with the factory support struts, especially on a boat that's smaller than mine.

 

[Todd Tugnut]

I live in a floating home. When a boat goes by with a lot of weight on the swim step, it makes a huge wake. It’s pushing a lot of water, rather than slicing thru it. That’s got to be hard on the boat and it has to cost a lot in fuel. Besides, it rocks my world and my R21-EC.