Gulfstream swim platform access

seasick

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I was wondering how those who own a Gulfstrean 232 find it difficult to access the swim platform. Until recently, I never seriously considered the model but some aspects of it are appealing, primarily the wide beam and the availability of twin motors on a 23 foot hull. My 'co-captain' has expressed concern that the model does not have a transom door and thinks that climbing over the rear lockers would be either inconvenient or even risky.
If you are familiar with the hull., please chime in.
Thanks
 

Fishtales

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I wouldn't say risky but it does take more effort than a model with the euro transom with the door. Most boats are a tradeoff. I like the larger cockpit, the fact that it is fully enclosed is better with children if you ask me. I like that you get a 9'3" beam versus just about everything else that is 8'6" in that class.
 

DennisG01

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The setup in my Offshore is very similar. I step from the swim platform, over the transom and onto a seat and then the floor. Sometimes I step onto the transom, first. I can't say I've ever once thought it to be a problem. If agility is becomming an issue or you're carrying something heavy/awkward, an easy way around this is to (from the platform) sit on the top of the transom and spin - the 'ol "sit-n-spin' maneuver.

Don't get me wrong, though... the flat, straight walkthru (no steps or elevation change at all) of my last boat (Sea Ray Sundancer) was awful nice!
 

magicalbill

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I relied on Dennis's sit-&-spin maneuver for the 10 years I owned mine. We anchored a lot and accessing the cockpit or the swim platform was never a big deal for me. I enjoyed the whole ownership experience enough that I didn't care about not having a transom door.
 

seasick

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Thanks to all for your feedback.