150 SPORT: Transom-mounted Boarding Ladder

[truebaca]

[Inquires if readers have] any recommendations on a transom mount swim ladder for a 2003 Sport 150--no platform, just a ladder. I see some decent ones on Amazon, but the instructions say the ladder needs to be mounted on a horizontal surface.

[Phil T]

For a small boat, the telescoping type is highly recommended.

E.G. http://www.garelick.com/Stainless-Steel-Gunwale-Eez-In-Hook-Ladder

[macfam]

We have a 2008 150 Montauk, which is the same hull as your 2003.
The telescoping swim ladder is super, and flips up to store against the transom.
I highly recommend it! (I'm 66 and 180 pounds, and it works great for me!!)

See link below and scroll for picture near the bottom. Pictures show in both positions, up and down.

https://bostonwhaler.smugmug.com/Series/Montauk/150

[Dutchman]

Like mcfam has, I have a 50th-year edition, too, and, yes, the transom telescoping fold ladder works well. But we use a rope with loop or knots to grab when you are half way up to pull yourself in the boat. Having a cushion on the small rear corner deck for your knees is advantageous, too. I'm almost 100-lbs heavier and same age but my shorter spouse need that extra handle to make climbing into the boat easier.

[jimh]

I think MACFAM is referring to this image:

https://photos.smugmug.com/Series/Montauk/150/All-Photos/i-LVFMBXr/1/e995897e/XL/15MT_Ladder_5092-XL.jpg

[jimh]

I am another 66-year-old. We often swim from the boat and need to re-board the boat from the water. I have tried many different boarding ladders on many different boats. Based on my experience, the boarding ladder that I found the best to use was the type called a diver's ladder. It has a central vertical pole with steps protruding from it. There are no outside rails on the steps. The pole is typically attached to a very sturdy mount with a receiver to accept the fitting on the pole. The pole and fitting are designed so that the ladder enters the water on a gentle slope downward. I found a ladder of this type to be the easiest to use when trying to get back aboard the boat from the water. The only drawback is the ladder is not telescoping and does not stow easily on a small boat. And it will be very hard to deploy it from the water if not already in place.

To see an example of a diver's boarding ladder, see

https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=9047

The ease of re-boarding should be considered as a primary factor in choice of a ladder. In a desperate situation, being able to get back aboard the boat could be critical to safety. And the possibility that a swimmer might be tired or somewhat disabled and have a problem with a shallow and small ladder is another factor to consider.