A swim platform extends the usable space around your yacht, makes climbing out of the water far more comfortable and quickly becomes the most popular sunbathing and chill-out zone on board. This guide explains what to consider in terms of size, mounting and materials – and which platform suits which type of boat.
The right size for your boat class
Sailing yachts 28–35 ft
On smaller sailing yachts, compact pack size and low weight are key. A 1.5 × 2 m platform is usually the sweet spot here: roomy enough for two, yet easy to stow and manageable single-handed.
Sailing and motor yachts 35–50 ft
In this class, platforms around 2 × 3 m are the popular choice. They offer space for the whole family, secure neatly to the stern and double as both a sun deck and a boarding aid.
Motor yachts 50 ft and up
Here you can go generous with 3 × 4 m platforms, often paired with a sunshade and a ladder. The platform becomes a fixed part of the layout and can even serve as a tender dock.
Mounting: keeping the platform attached to the boat
A swim platform is generally mounted at the stern. Common methods are:
- Bathing ladder attachment: Quick to set up, ideal for spontaneous stops.
- Cleat lines: Two or four lines to the forward D-rings – very secure, even in a swell.
- Anchor setup: A separate anchorage as a floating island away from the boat.
Important: the platform should always have its own D-rings for tow lines and should not be suspended solely from the boat.
Materials and build quality
High-quality platforms are built from drop-stitch construction with double-layer PVC – this ensures stiffness and UV resistance. The deck should be finished with a non-slip EVA pad so that even wet feet have sure footing.
Look out for:
- Working pressure of 10+ PSI (no flex under load)
- UV-stable PVC rated 1000D or higher
- EVA deck at least 5 mm thick
- Multiple carry handles and D-rings all around
Accessories worth having
- Ladder: Makes it easy to climb straight onto the platform.
- Sunshade: A must for summer outings.
- Repair kit: Small punctures can be patched in 10 minutes.
- High-pressure pump: An electric pump saves time – especially on larger platforms.
The bottom line
The right swim platform comes down to the size of your yacht, your mounting options and how you plan to use it. For most privately owned yachts, platforms 1.5–3 m long are ideal. In our platform range you will find every Yaska model, with bespoke sizing available on request.
