Swim platform ladder question

[nicks_dad]

I have a '94 Sea Ray 200 BR with a 2 rung fold up ladder that stores on top of the swim platform. My buddy's Crownline has the same ladder but with a 3 rung. That extra rung is really nice. I bought a brand new 3 rung ladder that I found online but this one is an undermount.

I was going to just disassemble it and put the extra rung on mine but now I'm wondering if I could take my old one off and mount this one underneath the swim platform.

I'm 6'4" and 300 lbs so I want it be mounted in the strongest spot. I'm not sure how the underneath mount attaches but I thought if it was mounted through the swim platform with button heads on the top & nuts on the bottom that it would be a pretty clean install.

Am I better off just modifying the ladder that I have now or mounting this underneath.

The ladder is a G.G. Schmidtt

Thanks,

John

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Swim platform ladder question

I don't know the type of ladder you have but I'd stick with the under mount hardware for the platform as it's engineered to place the weight differently and is more rugged than the above platform (at least from what I can tell from their website)

If they 3 step will interchange with the 2 step ladder, why not? However,typically the 3 step is a bit wider at the top mount points and doesn't interchange as easy.

The under mount looks to be twice the price new from their website. Take the measurements and look at www.windline.com. Windline makes great SS ladders and may be a more cost effective under platform mounting solution.

...Nelson

 

[mthieme]

Re: Swim platform ladder question

I agree with Nelson. I'd use the undermount ladder.
I used 3/8" SS carraige bolts on mine. I'm a hair over 200# and it's sturdy.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Swim platform ladder question

Isn't that a moulded swim platform on that boat? I don't know how you could use an under the platform ladder. I looked at doing the same thing you're trying, but as stated above, all the 3 step ladders were wider and wouldn't fit. I wonder if Sea Ray might sell one that would work or maybe they know of someone who does.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Swim platform ladder question

I wonder if Sea Ray might sell one that would work or maybe they know of someone who does.

I have a Hurricane but they simply put a Windline ladder on it. I ordered the part cheaper than thru the dealer. Go to any parts place or online that sell these ladders and you can save a few $$$. There are no differences in the ladders (in my experience)

Again, this all assumes you can identify the ladder manufacturer.