Sylvan Swim Ladder Strap Replacement - Cant find this exact setup?

gibbywmu2000

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
119
I've looked everywhere and can't seem to find an exact match for this type of strap. Everything I've seen either has a strap just to hold the ladder up, or a hook/buckle system to raise the ladder out of the water so you don't have to bend over and pull it up manually. Maybe I could just make this myself with some rivets/snaps? Looking to buy instead but certainly don't want to have a ladder strap and a hook/buckle system. This setup is perfect because it holds the ladder in place and you can also lower/raise in/out of water. This is a 10 year old Sylvan Pontoon.

Swim Ladder Strap.jpg
 

MikeSchinlaub

Ensign
Joined
Jan 14, 2025
Messages
943
I've found that strap at Ace before in their little automotive section. You buy a roll, cut what you need, melt the cut end, and install your snap. Or if you don't want to make it yourself, an upholstery shop should be able to do it in like 10 minutes if they have the stuff on hand.

I will say though, that I don't really like snaps for that application. They're a common part to get damaged or the metal they're attached to gets stripped out. With only the one strap, it's all too easy to have it fail while being towed. Then your ladder is dragging on the road all the way home.
 

gibbywmu2000

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
119
I've found that strap at Ace before in their little automotive section. You buy a roll, cut what you need, melt the cut end, and install your snap. Or if you don't want to make it yourself, an upholstery shop should be able to do it in like 10 minutes if they have the stuff on hand.

I will say though, that I don't really like snaps for that application. They're a common part to get damaged or the metal they're attached to gets stripped out. With only the one strap, it's all too easy to have it fail while being towed. Then your ladder is dragging on the road all the way home.
Dragging on the road will never be an issue. This pontoon stays at the dock all season - don't even own a trailer for it! Thanks for the feedback here - I'll look at Ace for this strap. I do like this snap design the best and it's held up for 10 years - I figured the strap would finally start deteriorating.
 

Chris1956

Honorary Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
29,146
Gee Scott, IMO anyone with a hammer, snap kit, a scissor and a piece of web strap can make that strap. I made a set of straps like that, only longer, stretched over a ridge pole, to hold up my winter cover. They snap to the boat gunwales.
 
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