Swim Platform and Pregnant Wife

[ffmedic74]

OK....I need some help. My wife is pregnant and is due July 28th with our 2nd child. How am I going to get her back in the boat???? I have thought about a rope ladder and hooking it to another rope that would attach to the rear lift ring so that she could get her belly on board. Any other thoughts would help my cause to be on the water at least part of the summer!

[NautiqueJeff]

When my wife was pregnant, we ran into a similar issue. I found that people floating behind the boat are surprisingly easy to lift onto the platform if they turn to face away from the boat, and fold their arms into an L shape. If you lift her by the arms, it is pretty easy to lift them into a sitting position on the platform. From there she can spin around sideways, and you can help her stand up.

[cedarcreek216]

Not trying to be an ***, but your pregnant wife should not be on the boat. May be a little over protective, but in my opinion you can be too protective when dealing with the health of your unborn child. Of course if you're just cruising and then parking to float and soak in the water totally different story, and of course the lakes around here are pretty choppy most of the time so if you're on a calm lake again, not as big of an issue. Just my two cents, which aren't really even worth two cents.

[Latonkaboarder]

Not trying to be an ***, but your pregnant wife should not be on the boat. May be a little over protective, but in my opinion you can be too protective when dealing with the health of your unborn child. Of course if you're just cruising and then parking to float and soak in the water totally different story, and of course the lakes around here are pretty choppy most of the time so if you're on a calm lake again, not as big of an issue. Just my two cents, which aren't really even worth two cents.

Not trying to be an ***, but some opinions are better off being kept to yourself.

ffmedic74, I agree with Jeff's idea and think it is great you and your wife still want to enjoy the boat during your pregnancy.

[cedarcreek216]

Not trying to be an ***, but some opinions are better off being kept to yourself.

ffmedic74, I agree with Jeff's idea and think it is great you and your wife still want to enjoy the boat during your pregnancy.

Like I said, there are a lot of variables to be considered in making this decision. If the idea is to just float around and enjoy the water and get out, that's great, but I would not put my pregnant wife in a boat on rough water while sporting. Same thought process as not putting my pregnant wife on a roller coaster.

It was just my opinion, I was not trying to pass judgement on anyone who might have a different opinion.

[steve-o]

My third is due March 15. Doc said wife can do anything she feels like doing until the last couple of weeks. I think it all depends on how easy/hard/problematic previous or current pregnancies have been and the overall health of Mom.

Lifting to the platform is the easy way. Just don't remind her how heavy she's getting......my eye is almost back to normal.

[Chexi]

I would think you could do what Jeff says and then lift her again the same way onto the sunpad / rear deck. At that point she could very easily stand up on the swim platform... or just roll into the back of the boat. Of course, be sure you don't have a slippery swim platform like my cetol marine finished teak. I really need to scuff that thing up this year.

[Hlymons]

I agree with the turn and lift however I would use the rafting method. grab the top of the shoulder part of the life jacket and do a small dunk followed by the lift.

[bkhallpass]

I don't know if there is a right or wrong answer on pregnant women in the boat. Heck, I know guys whose wives think is too dangerous for a baby to be in the boat until they are 3 or 4 years old. Overkill in my opinion, but that's my opinion.

I live in a waterfront community. Lot's of the women ski into their 4th or 5th months of pregancy, as did my wife.. I've not heard of anyone losing a child as a result. I suppose it's happened somewhere to someone.

As Jeff suggested, I simply picked her up and sat her bum on the swim step. She turned to her side on the platform, and I helped her to her feet. No problem. Unfortunately she couldn't go in the water after her sixth month. I had back surgery and couldn't pick up 10 lb weight, much less her, but that' s another story . . . Of course, there were some, legitimately concerned for my health, that also thought I should not be in the boat so soon after back surgery. I guess you just have to go with your doctor's advice, and what you are comfortable with.

BKH

[DanielC]

I am on a waterski team. I believe the last pregnant woman was allowed to do "Safe stuff" by her doctor. No pyramids, no barefooting. She was advised to use a drysuit to prevent water intrusion, as the pregnancy progressed.
Mom and daughter are happy, healthy, and doing fine.

[jonfo]

My wife was surfing in her 7th month (Sept), son was born in Nov. She didn't wakeboard due to possible impact. We had enough weight in the boat that the swim platform on my 220 was way underwater on the port side so it was easy to get into. Our son leans a little to the left now though so i do understand the concern.

[Quinner]

Our son leans a little to the left now though so i do understand the concern.

No doubt, next thing you no he will be a Democrat, LOL!

[cedarcreek216]

I'm glad to read all these posts, good to know next time my wife is pregnant we can at least get her out during the early terms, I thought we were being way too cautious but being our first we had no idea.

Thanks for not dog piling me too much with my wussified post.

[johnboyy7]

Not trying to be an ***, but some opinions are better off being kept to yourself.

ffmedic74, I agree with Jeff's idea and think it is great you and your wife still want to enjoy the boat during your pregnancy.

Wow. Your punkin a guy for trying to give advice or help in a humble and considerate manor. Nice. I would recommend that she sit in back of boat, aka not as rough.

[sodbuster88]

Just ballast the boat, get everyone to stand in the back and float her right on to the platform...!