Pontoon ladder modification question?

[CZSteve]

We have the following ladder (four rung instead of three as shown).
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boat...ing-accessories-boat-dock-ladders/_/N-1100605

I want to add 3-3.5" standoffs to keep the ladder vertical or a little beyond to make it easier to climb aboard but am concerned about damaging the tubes / logs. I'm batting around ideas of how to build a stand-off; thinking the end result will be a hard plastic with about a four square inch surface area on each vertical section of the ladder.
How big is the concern of damage to the aluminum of the logs?
I see this style of ladder has factory standoffs that are about an inch and I would imagine you would run the risk of damaging the logs walls. Or, is this type of ladder for standard fiberglass type hulls?
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boat...ing-accessories-boat-dock-ladders/_/N-1100605

If we were buying new I'd go with one of these.
http://www.amazon.com/4-Step-Pontoo...CHC8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329578488&sr=8-1

I have access to a fabricator I use for work and plan on having some stainless strips bent to make brackets for sliding & storing our existing ladder below deck similar to the Amazon unit. Still need to address keeping the ladder vertical when in use; is a ladder with a standoff pressing against the side of the logs a bad idea over time?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[MinUph]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

The first Cabelas ladder above states it slips into brackets on the floor. We have one similar and it stays in place fine. Ours is a bit heftier and squared off more but the design is close. Do you have the brackets mounted on the floor on the correct place? The uprights of the ladder should be held in place by the edge of the deck. I don't know if its call a gunnel on a pontoon.

 

[CZSteve]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

Ahh, good point about the placement of the brackets. They were installed by the factory or dealer and apparently not in the right spot - I can move them back where the ladder uprights are resting against the deck edge / rub strip.

EDIT: I just went out and looked at the bracket placement. They're not far off but can be moved in about an 3/4" - I'm wondering if having the ladder verticals resting against the deck will create too much leverage with the fulcrum point being too high up.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

Steve, there are still thousands of the portable, fold-up ladders still in use today, w/ the stand-offs pressing against the side of the toons. Worked fine for us w/ our older Bentley, and Starcraft. Haven't seen any issues w/ this type. Good luck !!!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

Plus one for The Roostah. Also, you'll be amazed how much the water will mitigate the force with which the ladder impacts the toon. Our barge has a fold up/drop down ladder on the back rather than the side, but it works the same way, and it's never been an issue.

 

[jjohnson120]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

I have the very last ladder you listed up front on mine, and after using others, I wouldn't own any other ladder. The guy I bought my boat from bought it brand new and had it added as an upgrade, and let me tell you, people have a way easier time getting in than they did on my old boat. Might be something to consider the upgrade.

 

[Pontuned]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

I have the very last ladder you listed up front on mine, and after using others, I wouldn't own any other ladder. The guy I bought my boat from bought it brand new and had it added as an upgrade, and let me tell you, people have a way easier time getting in than they did on my old boat. Might be something to consider the upgrade.

I also have this ladder and it is a much better option than the ones I had previously.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

I carry an 6 ft fiber glass ladder with me. I hang it over the side when not in use. It has 6 steps to climb up on.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

I went with this one because it folds up for easy storage and it has the stand off built in

 

[MinUph]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

I'm wondering if having the ladder verticals resting against the deck will create too much leverage with the fulcrum point being too high up.

Thanks,
Steve

I a bit over 200 lbs and no problem with mine resting on the rubrail of the deck.

 

[CZSteve]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

Well, I ended up getting the aluminum slide-in ladder that stores under the deck up front.
Question: For some reason I was expecting some sort of latch to keep locked when stowed; obviously boats don't stop on a dime and I don't imagine the ladder would unexpectedly slide out; but, those that have this ladder - have you added some sort of latch?

Also - thoughts on whether to mount the ladder center-line or off to the side? Not a big deal at all but center mount will require removing and drilling holes for the bow eye.
I realize personal preference and not that big of a deal but I tend to over analyze things...

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

I have the same one under the front of the boat. It has a small nylon strap with a snap to hold it in place. That being said, we rarely use that ladder. It is a real PITA to use it. Always use the fold down one at the rear.

 

[CZSteve]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

Jeep Man; out of curiosity why do you not like the front-undermount ladder? BTW, I like your signature....

Follow-up on the undermount I just installed. As mentioned ours did not come with any way of locking the ladder in place while under way; should I add a strap, chain, something else, or is it just fine as is?

 

[jjohnson120]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

Jeep Man; out of curiosity why do you not like the front-undermount ladder? BTW, I like your signature....

Follow-up on the undermount I just installed. As mentioned ours did not come with any way of locking the ladder in place while under way; should I add a strap, chain, something else, or is it just fine as is?

Mine came with a pin that goes through up front that is connect to a small cable so it doesn't fall into the water. Real simple and easy to use.

 

[Pontuned]

Re: Pontoon ladder modification question?

Mine has no strap and I have seen no use to have one. It has never even tried to slide out at any time other than when I have used it. I think you may be overthinking the design a bit.