What if you were to...
 

...Remove the swim platform?

Anyone ever tried it just for grins to see how much speed you gain. I mean, it's a pretty large piece of metal back there and I'm sure being so far back has some effects on the cg.

What's it weigh anyway?

Daze,

I don't think they are that heavy, are they? I have never picked one up, so I am only guessing. They are aluminum aren't they? Nice Avatar by the way.

I may order my next one without a swim platform. They are a ***** to clean and they make cleaning the transom 10 times harder.

So far I really like mine. The transom on the 36 is a nightmare to clean with K-planes, two drives, hydraulic steering, swim platform, indicators, four mufflers and some gelcoat.

It takes me twice as long on the transon as the whole outside of the rest of the boat.

I really get a lot of compliments on the swim platform. Most people have never seen one like it before and are taken back.

It I had to guess the weight I would say 40 to 50 pounds.

The funny thing is the total load we carry.

In my head adding up wife & I, tools, safety gear, life vests, towels, cooler, fenders, lines, anchor and rope, pillows, extra cloths, bags, cell phones, 235 gallons of fuel, 10 gallons fresh water, cleaning supplies, cockpit cover and poles, spot light, two flashlights, two small fans, small waste basket, liquor, food, extra engine and drive oil, backup handheld VHF and GPS, battery jumpstart pak, Bible and something else I'm sure?

Total comes to around 2300 pounds.

WOW, and we wonder why our boats never go as fast as the magazine test boats!

Thanks guys.
I was actually thinking more like 100-110#. It doesn't seem like much, but I was just wondering if it would even be worth it for a poker run or race. Now, I'm sure it wouldn't make much difference on larger boats, but on my little 25, maybe it will. Of course, it probably wouldn't even be noticible.

Don't get me wrong, I love the platform. It looks good, and I think it is a must for boarding while out at the islands. The wife wouldn't have let me buy one without it.

Just bored on a wednesday afternoon! :)

Evil,
Thanks on the Avitar....It's one of my favorite pics!

Dock,

I agree, I love my platform. The transom just like you said is difficult to clean no matter what. With two of everything and the hydraulics and the Stabilizer bar(I guess thats what you can call it tying the two lower units together) it would be a ***** if there wasn't a platform. Getting in and out not to mention someone stepping on all that equipment and bending or breaking something.

Daze,

That picture makes me wonder why I am still at work and not out enjoying the day! That is a perfect picture. (It might be better if I was in it so I too could of enjoyed the weather!) Could I trouble you with a few more pictures to post. I got some shots of the boat in water. I have to learn to do this soon!

hey eviltwin,

just fyi... the bar connecting the drives together is called a tie-bar.

Baja Daze,

Sharp boat! I drooled over a 29 Outlaw with the same graphics last year at Big Thunder (loto) before buying my used one this spring.

DTH, Drew

Daze... where is that? Water around here is on the opposite end of the color spectrum.

Evil,
Anytime, my friend....Send away. Do you still have my addy? If, not here it is: [email protected]
Posting pics is a piece of cake...If you would like some pointers, I'll be happy to let you know. (And, yes...It's a ***** sitting here at work--Especially now, as I am watching the sun rise over the water directly outside my office window...It's a miracle I get anytying done :D;) )

DTH, I know the feeling...Drool we did, and the next thing you know my wife is elbowing me: "Honey, I really like this boat..."
The rest is history. :D

Dloftis,
That photo was taken at Shell Key, which is just barely offshore the southern tip of St. Petersburg. The water was actually a little murky on that particular day...You should normally be able to see the outdrive and prop on most days :p :D