Considering a hydraulic swim platform for my 450 Sundancer

[Narmour0]

I'm thinking about adding a hydraulic swim platform to my 1996 450 Sundancer, which weighs around 600–650 lbs. With my 300-lb RIB dink and existing heavy gear, I'm worried about how extra weight on the transom will affect handling, planing, and overall performance. Anyone experienced this?

 

[RayRed1]

Oh yeah, you can expect it to be slower and handle differently. Think about the total weight you'll have and see if the boat can handle it. If the boat can handle it then go for it, but try to move some of the weight around if possible to bring back the balance as close to stock as possible

 

[Conmak_]

That's a pretty valid concern, have you considered trim tab upgrades or weight redistribution? I am curious how your current setup handles under full load, it might help estimate how much cushion you've got left.

 

[Narmour0]

Oh yeah, you can expect it to be slower and handle differently. Think about the total weight you'll have and see if the boat can handle it. If the boat can handle it then go for it, but try to move some of the weight around if possible to bring back the balance as close to stock as possible

I'll check the weight distribution and see what I can shift forward. I still want the upgrade, just hoping to keep performance hit minimal. Thanks

 

[Narmour0]

That's a pretty valid concern, have you considered trim tab upgrades or weight redistribution? I am curious how your current setup handles under full load, it might help estimate how much cushion you've got left.

Good point, under full load, it squats a bit but still planes okay. I'll look into trim tab upgrades too, it might help offset the added weight from the new platform