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Author Topic:   swim ladder

jonha posted 05-05-2003 08:40 AM ET (US)
need ideas on type and placement of swim ladder for 1988 15 super sport. don't really like the portable type. thanks
where2 posted 05-05-2003 12:36 PM ET (US)
Do a search on this site for this topic, which should result in a previous thread which I suggested this: http://tfn.net/~wendtm/ladder1.jpg http://tfn.net/~wendtm/ladder2.jpg
The ladder is a model available from numerous places, including http://www.basspro-shops.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=803&hvarTarget=search
The trick is the mounting spacers that are fitted to the through bolts shown in the Ladder2 photo above. The spacers apply pressure evenly to the large washers inside the transom. The lower screws do not take much load.
jonha posted 05-05-2003 03:26 PM ET (US)
where2, many thanks- just what i am lookin for. good pictures. now if i could work a computer like you- jonha
Mike Brantley posted 05-05-2003 08:24 PM ET (US)
Where2,
I'm considering going this route for my 15 Sport, too. What exactly is the purpose of the spacers you mention? Are they to account for the curvature of the inside of the transom on the 15 hull? So the washer is fairly flat against the hull, and the spacer allows the nut to push evenly on the washer, right?
Just making sure I understand it. Also, did you make the spacers somehow or purchase a part?
Lastly, does the finished installation work well? In other words, can you get back into the boat easily?
Sorry for so many questions! Thanks.
where2 posted 05-06-2003 01:02 PM ET (US)
Previous owner had a machine shop fabricate the spacer. The washer was bent slightly to conform to the hull curvature. The bolt head goes inside the transom, the nut goes on the outside.
The spacer takes the pressure that would normally tend to compress one side of the washer into the gel coat and leave the other side loose, and converts it to even pressure across the face of the washer.
Versus a fold-up ladder that you have to store in the boat, this wins hands down! If I were doing it again, I would probably choose the 3 step version. That would be my only change.
At one point, I had a piece of bungee cord that automatically folded the ladder up when you hit around 7mph. That was REALLY handy! The new design at Bass Pro Shops has springs which may help this happen.
Mike Brantley posted 05-07-2003 01:14 PM ET (US)
where2, thanks for the detailed explanation. I have done something similar for mounting a kicker motor bracket on the starboard side of my 15 Sport transom. Because the bolt spacing for the kicker bracket is much narrower than your swim ladder, I didn't have quite as much curvature to deal with.
When I saw your pictures, I immediately thought I might mount a swim ladder on my port side (since the kicker is to starboard). But... I went out to look at the boat and realized I had completely forgotten about my stern light to port. Oh, well. I don't want to mess with that, so it looks like I will get the telescoping gunwale ladder discussed in an earlier thread.

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Author	Topic: swim ladder
jonha	posted 05-05-2003 08:40 AM ET (US) need ideas on type and placement of swim ladder for 1988 15 super sport. don't really like the portable type. thanks
where2	posted 05-05-2003 12:36 PM ET (US) Do a search on this site for this topic, which should result in a previous thread which I suggested this: http://tfn.net/~wendtm/ladder1.jpg http://tfn.net/~wendtm/ladder2.jpg The ladder is a model available from numerous places, including http://www.basspro-shops.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=803&hvarTarget=search The trick is the mounting spacers that are fitted to the through bolts shown in the Ladder2 photo above. The spacers apply pressure evenly to the large washers inside the transom. The lower screws do not take much load.
jonha	posted 05-05-2003 03:26 PM ET (US) where2, many thanks- just what i am lookin for. good pictures. now if i could work a computer like you- jonha
Mike Brantley	posted 05-05-2003 08:24 PM ET (US) Where2, I'm considering going this route for my 15 Sport, too. What exactly is the purpose of the spacers you mention? Are they to account for the curvature of the inside of the transom on the 15 hull? So the washer is fairly flat against the hull, and the spacer allows the nut to push evenly on the washer, right? Just making sure I understand it. Also, did you make the spacers somehow or purchase a part? Lastly, does the finished installation work well? In other words, can you get back into the boat easily? Sorry for so many questions! Thanks.
where2	posted 05-06-2003 01:02 PM ET (US) Previous owner had a machine shop fabricate the spacer. The washer was bent slightly to conform to the hull curvature. The bolt head goes inside the transom, the nut goes on the outside. The spacer takes the pressure that would normally tend to compress one side of the washer into the gel coat and leave the other side loose, and converts it to even pressure across the face of the washer. Versus a fold-up ladder that you have to store in the boat, this wins hands down! If I were doing it again, I would probably choose the 3 step version. That would be my only change. At one point, I had a piece of bungee cord that automatically folded the ladder up when you hit around 7mph. That was REALLY handy! The new design at Bass Pro Shops has springs which may help this happen.
Mike Brantley	posted 05-07-2003 01:14 PM ET (US) where2, thanks for the detailed explanation. I have done something similar for mounting a kicker motor bracket on the starboard side of my 15 Sport transom. Because the bolt spacing for the kicker bracket is much narrower than your swim ladder, I didn't have quite as much curvature to deal with. When I saw your pictures, I immediately thought I might mount a swim ladder on my port side (since the kicker is to starboard). But... I went out to look at the boat and realized I had completely forgotten about my stern light to port. Oh, well. I don't want to mess with that, so it looks like I will get the telescoping gunwale ladder discussed in an earlier thread.