The One Feature Nautiques Don't Have...

[RDT-G23]

I'll admit it - I am a "homer" when it comes to Nautiques. I think in general - the quality and features are head and shoulders above the competition...with one glaring exception. When Malibu bought Cobalt, it gained access to a feature that I think is the best in the business-for what it does; this is the flip down step from the swim platform. This same step-when flipped back up sits flush with the rest of the platform-and is genius, in my opinion. My wife (who is 5'2") always makes me lower the ladder for her when we are anchored. Our ladders are fine, I suppose; they are essentially like any telescoping ladder that can be found on boats for some 40+ years. That flip down step though... It provides the access for people needing it without the balky, telescoping ladder - and is also quite aestheically pleasing. It is easy and practical. There would be no shame for Nautique to adapt a similar system - if not for those pesky patents...

[Team230]

I have to agree with you. That flip platform is awesome. I tied up next to a person who had it last year and I was impressed.


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[shag]

That is pretty cool

[paticus]

Interestingly, MB Boats didn’t seem to be blocked by a patent. They have a nice step too.

I just got a factory ladder installed on my 230.

[WakingAround]

The patent is on the locking mechanism. Does the MB step lock down or float freely? Sea Ray tried to get away with using the step and suffered a significant loss in litigation. Much more than just a slap on the wrist.

[MikeC]

The problem with Malibu boats is that they keep hanging things off the back that are ugly, the wedge, surfgate and now this. While I admit it is a cool functioning step, aesthetically it's just an ugly platform. For 90% of the people the cheesy ladder under the platform works, I just wish it had some sort of indication on the LINK screen to indicate it's up. I haven't driven off with it up, but I have seen the results on another boat of the damage it can do to a platform when you do.
If I was a betting man, I'd bet that Nautique has been working on a similar step that could circumvent the patents that will not only be as functional but also much more aesthetically pleasing (think NSS vs Surfgate - simple, effective and blends into the hull). I don't think Nautique has become the innovator it is today by taking the first or most simple solution, they will find an innovative way to blend it into the platform.

[MikeC]

Or we could just go back to this

[srock]

Power actuated that lowers the entire platform...and something else electrical to control from a screen.

[mlange]

MikeC You're complaining about Malibu hanging ugly stuff off the back and then tell people to fallback to a cheesy ladder under the platform?

[BoatGuy2019]

Call me lazy, but I wouldn’t complain if they came out with power retracting board racks.


Sent from my iPhone using the force of my 2019 G23

[paticus]

The problem with Malibu boats is that they keep hanging things off the back that are ugly, the wedge, surfgate and now this. While I admit it is a cool functioning step, aesthetically it's just an ugly platform. For 90% of the people the cheesy ladder under the platform works, I just wish it had some sort of indication on the LINK screen to indicate it's up. I haven't driven off with it up, but I have seen the results on another boat of the damage it can do to a platform when you do.
If I was a betting man, I'd bet that Nautique has been working on a similar step that could circumvent the patents that will not only be as functional but also much more aesthetically pleasing (think NSS vs Surfgate - simple, effective and blends into the hull). I don't think Nautique has become the innovator it is today by taking the first or most simple solution, they will find an innovative way to blend it into the platform.

What happens to the platform if you leave the ladder down?

[GMLIII]

Call me lazy, but I wouldn’t complain if they came out with power retracting board racks.


Sent from my iPhone using the force of my 2019 G23

Funny you said that because I recall a manufacturer having a beta model in the test stages with remote control board rack swivels but I can’t remember the manufacturer

[MikeC]

MikeC You're complaining about Malibu hanging ugly stuff off the back and then tell people to fallback to a cheesy ladder under the platform?

You can't see the ladder, it tucks up cleanly underneath the platform and sticks down maybe 2 inches. The only reason I call it cheesy is because it can be found at any marine supplier for less than $200, it's the same ladder you'll see on some pontoon boats. And I stand behind my statement that Malibu hangs way too much stuff off the back of their boat. And I didn't say fallback - I said that it works for most people. The second post of the old swim ladder was a joke.

[MikeC]

What happens to the platform if you leave the ladder down?

The platform I saw had two large half moon shaped gouges in the rear of the platform where the ladder had come unlatched, extended and beat against the lip of the platform. It was basically like taking a hammer to the bottom edge of the platform where the two legs hit it. I don't know any of the details of how it happened other than what I wrote, but I saw the results.

[LakesideRec]

Somebody just needs to invent the ladder that just flips up and latches itself in the stowed position if you forget.