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Searay 44 Sedan Bridge - hydraulic swim platforms

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Mac Holley, Feb 18, 2024.

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  1. Mac Holley, Feb 18, 2024
    #1
    Mac Holley

    Mac Holley New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2024
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    Jacksonville, FL
    I am considering purchasing a 2008 Searay Sedan Bridge that has a hydraulic swim platform. On a sea trial, I noticed the boat ran a little "heavy" on the stern and the water spray from the stern was running well above the water line when underway. I've reached out to Searay corporate to ask if a hydraulic platform was a factory option for that year/model. Haven't heard back yet. I'm thinking the platform is likely aftermarket and the extra weight on the stern is causing the boat to run low on the stern. The platform has evidently been there for many years and the boat is in very good shape. Also, I see many boats of the same model and year range with hydraulic platforms.

    Has anyone had this experience or have any thoughts? Would greatly appreciate your input.
  2. Pascal, Feb 18, 2024
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,731
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    What size boat? Was there a dinghy on the platform ?

    i ve seen many small sea rays with hydraulic platforms and dinghys, they all seem fine. As long as the prop
    Wash doesn’t hit the underside of the platform I wouldn’t worry about spray.
    Make sure the trim tabs work and are full down while getting up on plane, they are usually much needed on these boats. Once on plane the plateform should be well clear of the water
  3. Capt Ralph, Feb 18, 2024
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,866
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    I remember a customer's 58 SB with the factory hydraulic swim platform. The factory weight spec for a RIB back there was rather light.
    I believe a few of our YF members have this model and may chime in here soon.
  4. ranger58sb, Feb 19, 2024
    #4
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2013
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Chesapeake Bay, USA
    I don't know about a 44DB, but ours came from the factory with a hydraulic platform made by General Hydraulic Solutions (GHS). Nothing special about it.

    Wouldn't have been my first choice for a hydraulic lift. I think I'd prefer FreedomLift, without any first-hand experience with one.

    Carrying a dinghy on the platform like that comes with issues: coming down off plane gracefully, crossing stern lines at the dock, etc. All manageable.

    SR has sorta "gone silent" this last year when it comes to answering owner questions. They seem to refer the questions to dealers, but since they don't make bigger boats anymore, there aren't many (any?) current dealers who have a clue and/or are willing to share it.

    -Chris
    wiredup likes this.