Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

[skargo]

I need to add a ladder to my swim platform and am looking for recommendations. I have a full platform, seen here,

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

I've got this one and it's great. Easy to deploy and completely out of the way when stowed. I don't know for sure if you can mount to a wooden platform, but I don't see why not.

http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cach...36F+windline+ladders&cd=8&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Here it is on my boat.

 

[skargo]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

Thanks, that's exactly what I am looking for. As my wife and I get older, and not lighter, it can be a chore climbing when a few years ago we wouldn't give it a second thought.

Do you have the latch or strap lock?

*edit* is this the same ladder?
http://www.boatbandit.com/windline-over-platform-telescoping-drop-ladder-4740.aspx

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

That link is an over the platform ladder. Mine stows under the platform. It telescopes in and slides into it's cradle. There is a black rubber T-handle that you pull over a small stud at the end of the ladder to hold it in place. You can just barely see it in my photo. I've got a better photo of it I think, I'll post in a second.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

Here you can see how it stows. It's rock solid when it's stowed. Get the 3 step version!

 

[skargo]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

That's great, thanks!

 

[JFoshee]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

Skargo, Did you mount that ladder to your swim platform?? I need to do the same thing and am considering buying the 3 step ladder. Have you had any problems with it wanting to break the wood? My wood is in good shape, but some of my boat passengers are not.

 

[skargo]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

Skargo, Did you mount that ladder to your swim platform?? I need to do the same thing and am considering buying the 3 step ladder. Have you had any problems with it wanting to break the wood? My wood is in good shape, but some of my boat passengers are not.

I sure did. No problem at all with the hardware I used. I'm 260# and it doesn't budge.

You can barely see it here!

Here's another shot with it deployed. I used stainless bolts, larger than what originally came with the ladder, that I got used on ebay.
I used large washers and it's very strong.

 

[oops!]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

DR ....that ladder is fantastic.

 

[JFoshee]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

That looks great, I was hoping you got the one that mounted under the plat form. That's the one I wanted, but yours dosen't look "out of place". I will consider it when I decide to purchase. For sure if it will hold 260#.

 

[skargo]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

That looks great, I was hoping you got the one that mounted under the plat form. That's the one I wanted, but yours dosen't look "out of place". I will consider it when I decide to purchase. For sure if it will hold 260#.

Yes sir, it holds 260 no problem. I probably would have preferred the under mount, but I bought it used on ebay because I'm a cheap sumgun! It's a Garelick stainless steel, and I got it for $60 shipped. I did have to buy a $14 bit to drill through it, it was TOUGH!

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

Man, Skargo, that Nova has a big ***!

 

[skargo]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

Man, Skargo, that Nova has a big ***!

Well thanks, it matches it's owner!

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

If you are concerned about it pulling through the wood or such, just get some 1/8 aluminum and make a plate to bolt for the back side instead of washers (well, in addition to washers). 7-8$ for a piece of aluminum stock from Lowes/Home Depot and you can cut/drill it with just about anything..

 

[skargo]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

If you are concerned about it pulling through the wood or such, just get some 1/8 aluminum and make a plate to bolt for the back side instead of washers (well, in addition to washers). 7-8$ for a piece of aluminum stock from Lowes/Home Depot and you can cut/drill it with just about anything..

I thought about that, but was wondering about dissimilar metals.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Adding ladder to existing swim platform.

It's not a problem, aluminum and stainless go together all the time. I haven't ever heard of an issue with that, maybe with things that conduct electricity but even then it shouldn't be a problem.