How much weight can the swim platform on a 2002 342 fv hold safely

cls10105

And how many can you have on your boat legally or weight wise. Thanks

JPC

I talked to Rinker before I put my 360lb Walker Bay on my ‘05 342.  They said it was tested with several thousand pounds and should have no issues with that dingy on the swim platform.  

Willhound

I can't speak to the platform weight issue, but your 342 will be "Yacht Certified" which means there is no posted limit on number of passengers or overall weight capacity for the boat. It is up to the Captain's discretion to maintain a safe load. A general rule of thumb I have seen is one passenger for every 3 feet of length.

Glassguy54

..."A general rule of thumb"...You haven't seen my brother-in-law!!!

Willhound

Yeah.... here is a link to an article about somebody that tried to cram 27 people on a 34' Silverton with predictable results. The article is basically a rant on how the NMMA needs to do a better job of providing guidance on load capacity.
http://themarineinstallersrant.blogspot.com/2012/07/yacht-certified-whats-that-mean.html

pault1216

I too would be interested in knowing the capacity of the factory swim platforms.

skennelly

My rule is everyone gets a cup holder.  That would be 6 on my 270.

cls10105

@skennelly so if i count the 3 on the table i have 15. Lol

reneechris14

When you get 15 people on your swim platform take pic it will demonstrate load quality.

cls10105

@reneechris14 i dont have any cup holders on the swim platform we were talking about the boat

reneechris14

@cls10105 I was being funning. As far as your boat I would think 12 people or 1700 lbs would be max. Me my self 8 is to many.

Stodge

Not sure about the rated capacity, but I have a 10 foot RIB with a 2-stroke 8hp engine on mine.  I would guess the combine weight to be around 130 Lbs.  She takes a little longer to get on plane with the extra weight back there.  

As far as structure, I have had a few adults back there at a time.  Most weigh more than 130 lbs.  

Yacht certificate means "captain's discretion".  That said I'd lean toward the number you can seat in the cockpit.  And of course there has to be 1 life vest per person.

Black_Diamond

The platform will not support a Sea Doo Spark. That is ~400 lb dry weight. Of course that figures in the ‘bouncing’ while under way abuse. 

cls10105

Thanks guys for all the help really appreciate all of uou!

RINKERPGH

@Black_Diamond ...  can you clarify / elaborate on your comment with the spark... what was used to affix the spark and I was told from factory that the platform can hold up to 2K lbs?  Especially if using systems like the PWC Cross deck rail system with is top mounted and that system is able to hold up to 1K lbs

rasbury

Put as much weight as you want, stop when it does the titanic.

raybo3

I know rasbury was tongue and cheek but 15 people on the platform would probably put it under water......... Just say'n 

Liberty44140

I would never ever have put a boat that weighs 1000 lb or 2000 lb on my 342 platform under way. Not that kind of party. Most I’d do under way wood be a 10’ dinghy with a 9.9hp on it. Ras is right, have 1000 and 2000 lb of people stand in your cockpit and you’ll see why.