Weight limit for extended swim platform?

Question

I am looking at getting a 2008 mariah sx18 with an extended swim platform and i am curious of how much weight the platform can hold and in one place such as one person that weighs upwards of 350 pounds rather than a few smaller people spread out. thank you for your time.

Answer 1

great topic, cause I'm big!

I'm a stone or two heavier than the 350 pound mark, and own a 21 foot maxum with swim-deck (it holds 1600 pounds; 1350 without gear)

I sit on the back, have no problems-even with the kids and wife next to me--this isnt a 17-18 footer, but 21 with 8'6'' beam. My platform is molded fiberglass--I dont kow how the teak/wooden ones will hold up with a bigger person on 'em.

I am sure the bow would point at the sun if you hit the throttle, I wouldnt drive with anyone sitting back there in the first place-it does fine sitting still. Water doesnt come aboard, I can lean on each side of the boat-it leans of course but not taking in water or causing other riders to fall-over.

I like the first response-very detailed & thats hard to come by on these forums!

Answer 2

Wow, don't think I can improve on Capt. John, so I won't try.

However, I will point out what I think is important for all boat buyers. On the water, on the water, on the water, you must use the boat as you will once you buy it.

The Capt. went thru an important answer about buying the right boat for you. Please assess your needs honestly, and you will be please with the boat you buy. Beware of two foot-itis.

Answer 3

That is one good question, and I am sure had some other people asked it... they would be much happier in their boat purchase.

The boat you are thinking of buying has a little more than a 7 foot beam, a "V" shaped bottom (or hull) and has a "maximum" weight "all cargo & passengers" of just over 1200 lbs.  ( I know the plaque says 8 person capacity - but the "boating industry" assumes each of us only weighs an average of 150 lbs.)

The total maximum capacity in pounds is your limit.

So, putting all this together: V shaped hull (rolls side to side), 7 ft. beam (narrow beam = bigger roll), inboard engine in the rear, 22 gal or (176 lbs of fuel) in the rear... I don't think it will matter at all if the "swim platform" will hold a (as you put it)  "one person that weighs upwards of 350 lbs."

All conditions on this vessel - tell me that you are unlikely to enjoy it.  That one person leaning (or falling) over or against the side, will undoubtedly bring everyone else in the boat against the same side - and OOPS! And since that one person = 1/3 the total weight capacity of the boat, it is very unlikely an extended swim platform will hold him or her...

Even if it did... the first time someone gave that boat any gas with that person "back there" your bow will probably point in the general direction of the noon day sun...

But, all is not lost... my I make this recomendation:

All boating concerns (good ones anyway) should be more than willing to give you a "in the water demo" .  So, try the boat out in the water... and if that "upwards of 350 lb person" is not you... be sure to take him or her with you on this demo.

Have that person walk around on the boat... port to starboard and bow to stern while the vessel is underway...  And get a feel - for how it feels in the water.

Then... go do the same in a pontoon and in a deck boat.  Both of these have much more room, completely flat uncluttered deck space, bigger lounge furniture... but most importantly... a pontoon especially, and a deck boat will ride much more stable and flat - even with 350 lbs against one of its side rails.

If for some reason this is not a desireable option for you...  you might want to favor a bit bigger and bit wider Mariah or other make of boat.

Either way... make sure you get an in water test ride before you purchase any boat. Don't let them make you sign a contract first - either... You are the buyer... and you are in the drivers seat on this one.

Just a suggestion!

Happy & Safe Boating!