Inflatable swim platform?

[toddster8]

For high-freeboard boats that lack a swim platform. One of those ideas I thought I had invented in a thought experiment/idle daydream. Now I see that not only is there such a product, but it's on sale. I thought it might be useful in an anchorage as a swim platform/ work platform/ small craft dock.
Anybody use such a thing?
Just easier to use the dinghy?
Just another piece of gear there isn't room for on the boat?

Probably wasn't the best idea to take publicity photos with a boat that already has a permanent swim platform.

[a64pilot]

I saw the thing too, and thought best use is a platform to dive from.
However I guess you would have to tow it behind the dinghy for it to be of any use.
Can that thing really be just air and be so firm? What kind of pressure?
How big is it rolled up?

[toddster8]

It appears to be a drop-stitched HP affair like a SUP, so 15-18 psi is pretty much rock solid. Probably made by the same factory in China that makes all the inflatable SUPs.

Extreme edition:


I suppose if every boat in a club carried one piece...

[john61ct]

Build a little houseboat on that, 10HP outboard 8-)

[Captain Randy]

Tower Paddle boards makes a real nice one. Been looking at it myself

[toddster8]

I think the "Nautibuoy" units, pictured above, are the same as the "Tower" model, except they're even more expensive and have stabilizing bags, like life rafts have, glued on the bottom to prevent them blowing over. For a thousand extra bucks, I think I could string plastic buckets from each corner... The smaller, 5x8 ones shown in the first pic are the only ones that would have a hope of living on my boat.

AFAIK, all of these drop-stitch floaties come from the same manufacturer and are just colored differently and have different accessories glued on for the different "brands'

[Jim Cate]

Well!! I think we have a new leader in the "things you don't want or need on a cruising boat" sweepstakes.

jim

[Outlaw7]

Can the two kids on the first one look any more out of place? Some one needs to give them some idea of how to hold a fishing pole.

[CaptNemoO2]

I bought one from Amazon for $350. Used it to wax the side of the boat once it was in the water since I didn't have time to do it at the yard before launching. I was quite surprised how well it worked. And I'd rather damage and muck up that than the rib. Plus its lower so getting right down to the waterline was no problem.