Need a Swim Platform for 265 Express

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weatherguage

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Express 265
Hi Folks,

I Just bought a 2000 265 Express and it doesn't have a swim platform. Wondering what others have done in the absence of the platform; Add one, get an over the side boarding ladder? If you did add one, any recommendations?

Thanks in Advance!
 
I bought one of these:

Amazon.com: SeaLux Marine 4 Steps Drop Down Boarding Ladder with Extra Wide Curve up Steps 400 lbs. Capacity, Round Tubing Over Mount : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: SeaLux Marine 4 Steps Drop Down Boarding Ladder with Extra Wide Curve up Steps 400 lbs. Capacity, Round Tubing Over Mount : Sports & Outdoors
www.amazon.com
and installed it on the port side of my outboard bracket using SS through-bolts / nuts and SS washers. (bought separately)

VERY pleased with the unit. Heavy duty, well built and solid....it even holds me (280 lbs) with no problem!
 
Finest Kind said:
I bought one of these:

Amazon.com: SeaLux Marine 4 Steps Drop Down Boarding Ladder with Extra Wide Curve up Steps 400 lbs. Capacity, Round Tubing Over Mount : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: SeaLux Marine 4 Steps Drop Down Boarding Ladder with Extra Wide Curve up Steps 400 lbs. Capacity, Round Tubing Over Mount : Sports & Outdoors
www.amazon.com
and installed it on the port side of my outboard bracket using SS through-bolts / nuts and SS washers. (bought separately)

VERY pleased with the unit. Heavy duty, well built and solid....it even holds me (280 lbs) with no problem!
Click to expand...

So the lower side of the port transom, to get up and then walking through the drop down transom wall for entry?
 
Love to see some pics, my 01 doesn’t have one. We use the over the side folding ladders and they trash the bolsters
 
Taking a closer look at the pics, not sure that will work on the 265 transom since there is no bracket on the 265
 
SeaVee said:
Taking a closer look at the pics, not sure that will work on the 265 transom since there is no bracket on the 265
Click to expand...
I’m thinking this is my best bet but pricy:

marineproducts.net

Armstrong Ladder

Marine Boarding Ladders are an essential part of the boats. Armstrong Ladders from Birdsall Marine Design are ideal solution solution to access boats with ease.
marineproducts.net marineproducts.net
 
1603835792124.png On my 265 I bring one of these folding portable ladders (over the gunnel) for when we pull tubers. People have a much easier time with it than on my old boat trying to use the little swim platform ladder near the motor.
It takes up a lot of room so I don't always carry it. I've thought about the Armstrong style in previous post. I would probably put mount on gunnel not transom.(might need 5 step collapsable)
 
We bought out 2002 265 express two years ago, and we went with this model and mounted on port side transom next to the engines. We just climb over the back side to get back in the boat, not through the folding engine compartment door. It's worked well so far, no issues with it. Before that we had bought a four rung ladder as mentioned above, but when I pulled the boat to have some work done we added this as well. The ladder tends to get in the way.

www.boatoutfitters.com

Outboard Swim Platform with 3 Step Ladder

Make your boat more accessible with Boat Outfitters' Outboard Swim Platform with 3-Step Ladder. Get yours today and enjoy the water!
www.boatoutfitters.com www.boatoutfitters.com

I'm a bit tied up at the moment but if I get around to it this afternoon I'll try to get a picture.
 
jbusch21 said:
We bought out 2002 265 express two years ago, and we went with this model and mounted on port side transom next to the engines. We just climb over the back side to get back in the boat, not through the folding engine compartment door. It's worked well so far, no issues with it. Before that we had bought a four rung ladder as mentioned above, but when I pulled the boat to have some work done we added this as well. The ladder tends to get in the way.

www.boatoutfitters.com

Outboard Swim Platform with 3 Step Ladder

Make your boat more accessible with Boat Outfitters' Outboard Swim Platform with 3-Step Ladder. Get yours today and enjoy the water!
www.boatoutfitters.com www.boatoutfitters.com

I'm a bit tied up at the moment but if I get around to it this afternoon I'll try to get a picture.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the input. When you say the ladder tends to get in the way you meant the 4 rung pole ladder?
 
jbusch21 said:
We bought out 2002 265 express two years ago, and we went with this model and mounted on port side transom next to the engines. We just climb over the back side to get back in the boat, not through the folding engine compartment door. It's worked well so far, no issues with it. Before that we had bought a four rung ladder as mentioned above, but when I pulled the boat to have some work done we added this as well. The ladder tends to get in the way.

www.boatoutfitters.com

Outboard Swim Platform with 3 Step Ladder

Make your boat more accessible with Boat Outfitters' Outboard Swim Platform with 3-Step Ladder. Get yours today and enjoy the water!
www.boatoutfitters.com www.boatoutfitters.com

I'm a bit tied up at the moment but if I get around to it this afternoon I'll try to get a picture.
Click to expand...
that is the same ladder I have on my 2005 265 exp works good
 
there are two styles of those...either both support bars up or one up/one down(below water line)

The latter type makes for easier entry to the motorwell but you have to put a hole below waterline.
 
weatherguage said:
Hi Folks,

I Just bought a 2000 265 Express and it doesn't have a swim platform. Wondering what others have done in the absence of the platform; Add one, get an over the side boarding ladder? If you did add one, any recommendations?

Thanks in Advance!
Click to expand...

Not sure if you ended up deciding on a solution for this, but I actually have a swim platform I removed from my 265 that I would be willing to sell if you are interested. I will send you some pictures.
 
If he is not interested I am, where are you located?
 
I am interested if your deal falls thru let me know
 
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