[HelthInsXpert]

I'm in the market for a casting platform. Been using a Yeti for a while and it's just time. I've always appreciated carbon parts for vehicles I've had, but generally would only purchase if there was SOME functionality.

I've been eyeing the Carbon Platforms from EvolutionPlatforms.com but it's hard to justify a grand for one. Just was curious what the consensus was on whether they are worth any extra money over aluminum. I figure a good quality aluminum platform is about $650 installed, and the Carbon platform is about $1100.

Are they just eye candy? I fish the lagoon with no trolling motor in a 17.8 Waterman, and while weight-saving is cool........I'm not sure I would see a difference.

 

[Capnredfish]

You won’t see any difference in catching fish. My aluminum one is from 99. So longevity is not an issue. Weight. Most boats don't need to save weight on the bow. My opinion would be save the money and tip me for saving you some cash.

 

[el9surf]

If the weight savings is the deciding factor it's not worth it. Having said that it depends on what you want to stare at on the front of your boat. Aesthetically the carbon fiber platforms look better in my opinion. The carbon marine platform is a little less expensive than the evolution platform you mentioned. Plus Joe's customer service is amazing. You will be hard pressed to find another person that will go to the lengths he does to make his customers happy.

 

[jmrodandgun]

When I was building my boat I shopped the carbon platforms. They were 9 pounds and had 10.5 inch legs. Things may have changed since 17' but that's what I was quoted back then. My similarly sized aluminum platform is six inches taller and weighs 16 pounds with turnbuckle and stainless shackle hanging from the bottom.

The difference is about as much as a six pack of gas station tall boys.

 

[Smackdaddy53]

Do you wanna be cool?

 

[jmrodandgun]

Rule #1. Look cool.

 

[Net 30]

Depends if you're single and the chicks you chase dig carbon fiber...

If you're old, married, have kids and have given up hope of ever being checked out by the opposite sex ever again....aluminum for you.

 

[dbrady784]

A member (@Jred ) on here made me a carbon fiber one, and I’ve been putting it through a “torture test” so to speak. Has been great so far. Looks good too.

 

[Jred]

Carbon fiber does look cool

 

[Smackdaddy53]

Carbon fiber does look cool View attachment 74042 View attachment 74044

I need to sell my aluminum one and buy one from you. Pm me

 

[Capnredfish]

Buy an aluminum one and wrap it with carbon wrap. Not only will it look cool if you’re into it, but you will also appear smart. Now if someone made carbon trim tabs it would be a game changer. You could shave maybe 4oz off the transom and reduce draft by 4/1000.

 

[Redhead]

If you decide to go carbon buy an Evolution. In my opinion they are the best. I have a CM and want an Evolution

 

[Capnredfish]

Evolution does look nice. The original question, is it worth it. I don’t think so. Look at it this way.

 

[Smackdaddy53]

Buy an aluminum one and wrap it with carbon wrap. Not only will it look cool if you’re into it, but you will also appear smart. Now if someone made carbon trim tabs it would be a game changer. You could shave maybe 4oz off the transom and reduce draft by 4/1000.

Chittum makes carbon fiber tabs

 

[Capnredfish]

Guess one could just cut or lay up some flat carbon fiber and replace your stainless ones.

 

[I Heart Big Ugglies]

I've had the Evolution Design Carbon Platforms for just over a year now. Last week my buddy (weights 250-275) fell from my poling platform onto my step up platform directly underneth. He fell on his stomach laying across the platform. I watched this happen in what fell like slow-motion thinking the platform was going to give... No problem! The carbon is extremely strong. Yes In my opinion it looks awesome as well. Weight savings? YES... Enough to make a difference NO.

 

[Boneheaded]

Spray paint you're aluminum bow platform, or better yet....its superficial anyways.Cant poke too much fun my poling platform top is CF from Egret.

 

[mtoddsolomon]

I'm in the camp of it's not worth it unless you just think it looks cool. Also, if you have a bare aluminum poling platform I think a carbon casting platform will look kind of out of place. Either way i feel like you're over estimating an aluminum casting platform, I'd imagine you'll be able to get an oversized aluminum platform for between $400-$500.

Also, a powder coated aluminum platform will be around $600 or less and from 20' away you won't notice a difference between that and carbon

 

[jsnipes]

I paid $440, including tax, for my bluepoint aluminum casting platform. Same model as they put on new HB's. And then $60 or whatever it was for a Seadek pad for the top.

 

[el9surf]

Funny how this site is full of folks that have spent ridiculous amounts on their skiff and arsenal of tackle and the focus is on whether carbon fiber is worth the extra $300.