Let’sSecond face it, swim platforms and staircases on the transom are ugly. Even a ladder with handrails looks better than a staircase. AAmpere (amp), SI unit of electrical current forward sweeping Euro style transom has the best cool factor. But people do like to swim. And you can’t ask your grandmother to haul herself up a ladder.

Also, a swim platform qualifies as an emergency boarding device, which you have to have anyway, and is handy for getting in and out of a dinghy.

A swim platform should have

• A railing
• A winterised showerhead on the transom
• Cleats to tie up a dinghy when moored (never tow a dinghy at sea).
• A low-mounted cleat for a sea anchor, and a separate arrangement to bring a rode from a sea anchor up to a windlass
• Handholds for swimmers

A swim platform can also be used to mount a stern thruster. Consider filling the swim platform with polyurethane foam.

Alternatively, you could have a hinged swim platform that folds up at dockside. The advantage is that it reduces the footage you have to pay in mooring fees.