The swim platform is close to the water which is nice for swimming. As far as getting on plane for sure this is not a problem. Just today a boat of similar size was coming up on plane beside me. He had a two to three second lead on me when I pushed the throttles forward. I was on plane before he was. One day we had five adults on the boat and two kids and still planning was not a problem. As far as coming off plane is concerned we do get a little wash up the back but it does no come in the cockpit even in a following sea. The one thing I would say if you you are looking for a 280 is make sure you have the Bravo 3 drives as they are the key to coming on plane quickly.