'02-'03 270 Swim Platform issues?

[Nauti Duck]

It seems like Rinker changed the 270's cockpit layout somewhere middle of 2002 models?  I see some boats listed as 2002 with the older layout with integrated swim platform, and some 2002's with the newer style cockpit and bolt on swim platform.  My question though is really about the '02-03 bolt-on platforms.  It seems that the earlier boats swim platforms were attached to the hull very low, right at the waterline, and that Rinker, at some point, raised the swim platforms a few inches.

Are there any issues (drag when loaded, trouble planning, damage to the platform or attachment points from dragging it in the wake) that have been prevalent with the boats who have the lower mounted swim platforms?  Does anyone know if their was a definitive model year when the change was made bringing the swim platform mounting height up?

[DaleM]

Not real sure about the change but I do remember some having "dig" problems with their swimplatforms when powering up.  My 2000 has an additional bolt on platform that is about 1"-2" below the standard platform area.  That puts it about 12" above the waterline.  It doesn't come close to the water when I hit it.  I have seen some models with a much lower swim platform but I think they may have been aftermarket units and were installed too low on the transom.

[Nauti Duck]

Not real sure about the change but I do remember some having "dig" problems with their swimplatforms when powering up.  My 2000 has an additional bolt on platform that is about 1"-2" below the standard platform area.  That puts it about 12" above the waterline.  It doesn't come close to the water when I hit it.  I have seen some models with a much lower swim platform but I think they may have been aftermarket units and were installed too low on the transom.

Maybe these photos will help.  You can clearly see the difference in the mounting position of these factory Swim Platforms on the two boats out of the water, and how the lower mount sits so close to the water on the boat in the water..

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[Nauti Duck]

It would only let me upload three photos, here is the higher mount in the water..

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[DJ]

Scott & Nadia

FYI - The 270 in the third picture down is actully my boat. Bought it last year in MD from Jonathan Foster Yacht Sales, Inc..

[DJ]

The lower swim platform does create additonal drag while getting on plane  - however once on plane there are no issues. The one benefit to having the swim platform lower is that its' much easier to get back on when in the playing in the water

[Nauti Duck]

Hey DJ,

    That's funny.  Small world.  I called about that boat, and the day I called Jonathan said he had someone coming in to look at it, and he'd let me know if they passed.  Never heard back, so you must have been that someone!  How's it been for you?

     The other boat is actually board member Louperman's old boat too, they were just the most convenient photos I could find on my hdd that illustrated the point.

[DJ]

Nauti Duck

It's been a great boat - the only issue we had was with the ECM, but it was replaced under the extended warranty. I recently replaced the tv/vcr with a 15" LCD and DVD player. Lori & I had her out for the first time this year this past weekend and spent the night at waterside marina in Norfolk.

[Nauti Duck]

Nauti Duck

It's been a great boat - the only issue we had was with the ECM, but it was replaced under the extended warranty. I recently replaced the tv/vcr with a 15" LCD and DVD player. Lori & I had her out for the first time this year this past weekend and spent the night at waterside marina in Norfolk.

Glad to hear it has been a good find for you.  I'm a little jealous, but happy for you none-the-less  

[Polish Ninja]

Hey I really like the canvas in the last picture. Been thinking of adding a second bimini and side curtains. Really makes the boat more usable in nasty weather. Not to mention it looks good!

[saleen8927]

My 2007 250EC still has the lower mounted swim platform.  It doesn't seem to be a problem for performance, and as DJ said, it's easy to get out of the water onto it.  The downside is that you need to step down from the dock onto the swim platform, and it's quite a step.  This boat's rear sits low in the water as it is, so the platform almost submerses if a couple of people stand on it.  I'm used to it, but if you have elderly or less mobile passengers, they may have a hard time with it.

[htyler]

I have a Fiesta Vee 250 and when I have more than 2 people in the boat it is dragging in the water. I takes me minutes to get the boat on plane. Does anybody have this problem? Besides buying another boat how did you correct it?

[Talon]

Do you have trim tabs?

[htyler]

Yes I have trim tabs. The boat is a 2005. Swim platforms actually has a water line on it. It is most frustrating. 4 people on board and the platform is under water. Looked at other 250s same platform.
If there is chop or a lot of wakes it makes a pleasurable day a drag trying to get on and off plane.

[Quarter Life Crisis]

I have a 2002 fiesta vee 270 with the same issue. I actually called Rinker and spoke to Randy Rinker about the issue.  They were aware of it and suggested fiberglassing a wing under the back portion to allow he water to pass  faster as the lip of the swim platform is creating dar when the boat has more then 3ppl on it.  I have yet to do this to mine yet- this might have to be a spring project of mine.