Looking at a 302 and just wondering from past and present 302 owners, is the swim platform really as bad as it looks? Should I consider it a deal breaker? It looks like a danger at the beach and when boarding the boat from the back. Any feedback would b appreciated.
Has anyone had a 302 and a 29 outlaw? Is the bed in a 302 longer or shorter than the 29?
Thnx

Although I do not own one, there is a 302 in my tight circle of boating friends and I can tell you that the swim platform IS as bad as it looks.
There is such an angle on it that a can of pop will slide right off wether it is in a koozy or not!
I would not consider this a deal breaker but simply an extra added cost with the need to add an extended swim platform.
The bed is very roomy!

even the extended platform is dangerous it is not an if you fall and bust your azz but more of a when you fall and bust your azz as you will definately do it at one time or i should say at least once LOL

How true.......probably one of there real major design flaws.

I have a 1997 302 Boss, without the extended platform and yes it is slick with wet feet or when it has water on it. However, if your not intoxicated it is managable and even my kids 9yoa and 5yoa have adapted to it. It is not a platform for loafing around on, it will put your a@# in the drink if you are balance challenged, but that is why the 302 has such a huge sun pad compared to the 29 outlaw. Also the cockpit is much larger on a 302 than the 29 outlaw, the bed, you mentioned I am not sure on the difference as we use ours for storage of water inflatables but it holds a sh@# ton of floaties Pretty decent riding boat ,find one with at least 454 mags or 496 mags or 502s and it will run pretty decent. I would not let the platform be the deal breaker, my deal breaker would be motor option and hours. Hope this helps!

I've had my 03 302 for 4 summers now and for me, perfect. Yes, extended swim platform angled, but deal breaker, no! Just got to be careful as we did have female friend slip recently while seated and ended up needing 5 stiches when her foot hit the top of the ladder that was down. Also hard to believe but fractured a bone too. I plan to put a couple of lighted cupholders on it at somepoint, and this will solve the problem of sliding drinks. Love the cockpit space and a great overnighter especially with ac like mine has.

I have a 1999 302. love the boat and look. I have added an extended swim platform as the factory one is short and does nothing outside of a foot step. I was on the search for a 29 outlaw till I rode in the 302. much more cockpit space and larger swim pad. this is where we spend most if not all of our time. So to combat the slippery step I took white anti skid ( grip type tape ) and cut thin long strips and put them on platform no problem when wet, my kids jump off it all the time. I also clipped cup holders on the side of it ( removable ) so when rafting and kids swimming I can keep a cold one with me. the cuddy is very roomy and ton of storage as we do not sleep on it.. Also the extended swim platform gets you away from the drives when jumping in. All in all I wouldn't say it should not be a deal beaker. if price is right there's lots you can do to improve and make it the way you want. As previously mentioned motor options should be what you look for in the 302. Its all about how much room you have as there is always people coming out with us. I will try to put a picture up to give you a better idea.

The little swim platform becomes a spot for your feet and you sit on the extended swim pad up top. You are either in the boat or in the water with this boat. There is no dangling your feet while keeping your ass dry. After looking at the 29 in personI quit searching for 29s and moved on. The 29 is nothing more than a 25 with twins. There was no more room up top or down below.
If you are stuck on a 29 then go look at this one quick. Seems like a clean boat as well.
http://watertown.craigslist.org/boa/3981003819.html

I purchased my 03 302 Boss earlier this season and do love the boat. Did not want to get into 33'+ size given i boat mainly on smaller lakes (Finger Lakes Region) and for ease of trailering everywhere, storing, etc.

My boat does have the extended fiberglass swim platform and was a must for me. I was lucky that all (3) 302's I looked at had it. I believe the mold is no longer around for the extended swim platform so finding one will be a difficult task. Best bet would be to get with XT Innovators to see if he can locate or possibly make one.

With the extended swim platform it covers the drives and makes it nice and safe for kids and people jumping off back. I took the extra step and have both the extended swim platform and molded sprayed with anti-skid and cleared. Still looks good but much more grip especially when wet.

These are great boats but you have to be heavy on the tabs to keep from porpoising around 40-45 mpg range.

I like the amenities of the 302 over the 29 OL and the cockpit space and cabin are very roomy for this size boat.

My requirements were biggest stock power i could find and extended swim platform....best of luck to you.

I went thru the same thought process.. like the cockpit space for the kids and wanted a head for kid emergencies. Wife didn't like the windshield and couldn't find one with screen and mags.

She like the 29 looks better and for the prices I was finding 2000 I sh 29's, I found my 33!!!! Love it.. so does she and kids aren't scared anymore running in 2-3s we get caught in gulf. Brand new mags with 12hrs and alum trailer
I wanted!! Just put bimin that covers whole cockpit too so we can get out heat during long idles.

Good luck..