Swim platform...Keep it or ditch it?

[Sterling]

I currently have a swim platform on the back of my boat and I've been considering taking it off to minimize the slapping it does when I am on the hook or drifting (I usually troll), and to alleviate some paranoia that it's going cause an issue when backing down. At the same time, it's come in handy for landing fish, provides a little extra space and is nice on the rare occassion you need to board from the water.

Many of the west coast and southern boats have them, many on the east do not. I've run boats with and without but am on the fence here. Anyone have some additional insight I should be considering?

[gottaflylee]

I'm not a big fan of them. I ran a 43' Tara with one that I really wanted to take off but the owner wanted it on so his wife could get on and off at the dock easier... Both wiring fish as well as backing down, it sometimes would become an issue. The owner backed into the slip one day and crunched it good...great month of fishing while we weighted for the new one to arrive...

[Lobo Marine Products]

i just ditched mine!

[Phat Mann]

We had one years ago and hated it. It would really cause issues in a following sea.

You don't need to be standing on that thing while wiring or gaffing a fish. Great way to have a real bad day.

[sushi42]

i just ditched mine!

Hey lobo, what did you do with it once off? I have been thinking of taking mine off too and I know that they bring good money at a consinement store.

[clt_capt]

I had one on my previous boat - a 29' Phoenix. It pretty much got in the way of a decent gaff shot. Never did much backing down, so that wasn't an issue for me.

The only reason I could see for the swim platform is if you can utilize it like Capt Josh...

[Capt. Brian Daley]

Loose it

[Fritz]

It will play like this in your next tournament. We had the winning White in the 500, but lost it on the swim platform. There would be no question, off it comes.

[Captain Michael Buffington]

offshore overhaul.

Mike

[giantfan]

Yeah.... I got one too. I would love to get rid of it but the wife won't let me.

I guess that tells you who the boss is