Classic 15-footer: Permanent Transom Swim Ladder

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Author Topic:   Classic 15-footer: Permanent Transom Swim Ladder

Binkster posted 06-16-2014 09:42 AM ET (US)
I'm planning on installing a swim ladder to the starboard side transom on my 15 footer. Due to the shape of the transom, conventional swim platform, or even the custom folding 2 step type I installed on my 13 footer won't fit. However I found online a folding 3 step dive/swim ladder I think will work;
http://www.garelick.com/ Telescoping-Stain-Less-Steel-Sport-Diver-Ladder-Platfo-Rm-Mount
Looking at the wood locating diagram for the 15 footer I see a piece of 1/2", 5"x7" plywood on that side of the transom that I think would be an ideal attaching point for this ladder. I would have to make a custom aluminum attachment point as the ladder is intended to be screwed to a swim platform.
One thing though, the notes on the wood locating diagram states the wood on the transom at that location was put into hulls S81255 and after. My boat is a 1986. hull number 5B0471. Does my hull fit into that scheme?
rich
skred posted 06-18-2014 09:39 AM ET (US)
Bink, according to my drawing, 1985-86 and later boats had the wood starting with # 581255. Your # is earlier than that. I don't know how reliable the Whaler drawing I have is...
I want to install a ladder on my 13, but find that the vertical angle of the transom causes most ladders to be angled under the boat. I've been considering the Garelick "Bass Boat" dive ladder. The attachment block appears to be angled enough to compensate for this problem...
Jamber posted 06-18-2014 10:16 AM ET (US)
Rich,
I have a 15' Super Sport and I also have been recently looking into boarding ladder solutions as well.
This boarding ladder from Bob's Machine Shop is the route that I am planning on going for now (It will be at least few months before I purchase).
I think the best part about this ladder mount is that I do not have to drill any holes in my precious Whaler. Mounts to a jack plate or the standard BIA engine mounting bolts.
http://www.bobsmachine.com/Bobs-Boarding-Ladder-45x-xxxxxx.htm
contender posted 06-18-2014 05:03 PM ET (US)
Bink, saw something the other day on a whaler, they have a ladder that was attached to the side rail, had a hinge half way on the ladder (so it would fold over itself) then the other end of the ladder was attached to the rail by using the next size larger pipe to go around the rail (this acted like a swivel/door hinge that would let the ladder go overboard, undo the middle hinge and it would hang in the water) The best way I can describe it is like a giant door hinge the rail being the door frame pin and the ladder being the door, it would rotate about 350deg. from the inside of the boat to the outside gunnel.
Binkster posted 06-18-2014 06:51 PM ET (US)
The Bob's machine shop step would let you climb into the boat while it is trailered, but in the water, well I don't think I could get up on it. I would need a picture to understand Rich's (contender) idea. I searched this site, the other site, and the web and have never seen a swim ladder installed on a 15' Whaler. I built a 2 step collapsible boarding ladder on my 13 footer it was real simple, I'll find some pics and post them.
rich

GRAND NUSSIE posted 06-18-2014 08:29 PM ET (US)
Rich's ladder sounds something like the ladder they used on the Mischief. Anybody have a pic of that?
Dick
Ferdinando posted 06-18-2014 10:30 PM ET (US)
I bought a new 15 SS back in 1985 and it came with an Aluminum folding ladder that was attached to the transom. Worked great took almost no space and folded shut when not in use and looked good to boot. Trying to locate photo to post. Was dealer installed.
Binkster posted 06-19-2014 12:23 PM ET (US)
Would Appreciate a pic of the ladder on a Mischief and also Ferds ladder if they can be found.

rich
tedious posted 06-20-2014 05:21 PM ET (US)
Martin Marine Design offers a stern platform / step for the 15. They don't have any on eBay right now, but I am sure would share info if you got in touch.
http://stores.ebay.com/Martin-Marine-Design
I did get info at one point and it was a nice unit, but still looked a bit big for a 15, to my eye.
Tim
Binkster posted 06-21-2014 08:08 AM ET (US)
http://stores.ebay.com/Martin-Marine-Design
Thanks for the info.
rich
zotcha posted 06-24-2014 09:14 AM ET (US)
Rich, Raymond Martin is the man! Not sure if you've seen his welding abilities for custom T-Tops on The Hull Truth, but he lives 30 minutes from me. Great guy to work with. I'm coming down to Hernando Beach around the first if you need anything up this way. zot.
Binkster posted 06-26-2014 10:14 PM ET (US)
Zot, I looked at Raymond Martins swim platform and it didn't look much different than the many others I saw on the internet. I emailed him and asked how his platform bolted to a transom that is foam filled. He emailed me back and what he said makes sense. His platform braces screw into the TOP of the transom where the forces are down and the bottom braces screw into the transom and are under compression. Only thing is I don't like screws going into the transom below the waterline, I don't like Starboard, and $395 is out of my price range for a swim platform. So I kept looking, most won't fit on a 15'Whaler. The distance from the top of the transom where one would mount a ladder is 16" on the inboard side and about 13" on the other side, due to the deadrise. Most don't fit, but finally I found one that would. It's a 3 step that folds up to 12". It can be mounted on top of the transom and the hold offs just rest against the transom. And the price was right.
I ordered it and will take some pics when I install it.
BTW Zot do you know of any freshwater outboards up your was? 50-70hp.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/360916392389?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT& _trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_2667wt_1145
rich
Tom C posted 06-29-2014 12:48 PM ET (US)
I am currently restoring a 1988 15 SS and the swim ladder you ordered looks like something I would be interested in having. Please let us know how you feel about the quality of this item and what if any problems in installing. Thanks, Tom
Binkster posted 06-29-2014 10:40 PM ET (US)
The swim ladder should be delivered on Wed. 7/2. I'll let you know how it looks.
rich
EJO posted 06-30-2014 12:38 PM ET (US)
Binkster can you show a transom picture showing why a "Std" swim boarding ladder won't fit?
Here is my 15' with a swim ladder that is deep enough when extended down to get my old and the admiral's body out of the water and was standard OEM supplied when the boat was bought.
Here is picture with it down.
http://wilsonbrinker.com/ej/1000%20isles%20174.JPG
Binkster posted 07-01-2014 08:26 AM ET (US)
Wrong boat, your modern Whaler has a flat transom throughout. Any type of swim ladder will fit. Apparently you are not familiar with the classic Whaler design. I made it clear in my first post my boat was built in 1986. BTW the top step on your ladder is a long one, be careful.
rich
jimh posted 07-01-2014 09:00 AM ET (US)
The transom of the classic Boston Whaler 15-foot can be seen in detail in an illustration found in
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/bracket15AuxMotor.html
Jamber posted 07-01-2014 09:34 AM ET (US)
Rich,
Looking at the ladder you ordered/linked I am curious on how you plan to mount it to your 15. The top of the transom is curved on the 15. Please post about it here (with photos) after you mount it. I may consider going this route as your brought up a very good point about ease of use with the Bob's ladder I was considering.
Thanks.
EJO posted 07-01-2014 02:52 PM ET (US)
Rich, sorry i misunderstood and thanks for your concern. It seems to work for both our old bodies as we can grab the back of the railing to keep our balance with the last step onto the back.
Jim thanks for the link I now understand Rich's problem
Binkster posted 07-05-2014 10:23 PM ET (US)
I recieved the transom swim ladder I ordered and installed it on Thursday. No problem with the installation, I think it looks great. Of the many I looked at online, this one is the only one that I thought would fit in the small transom area of a 15 footer. I'll get some pics of this inswtallation up in a few days.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New- 3-Step-Stern-Transom-Mounted-Boat-Boarding-Ladder-/ 360916392389?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item54084b19c5& vxp=mtr#ht_2700wt_1145
rich

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Author	Topic: Classic 15-footer: Permanent Transom Swim Ladder
Binkster	posted 06-16-2014 09:42 AM ET (US) I'm planning on installing a swim ladder to the starboard side transom on my 15 footer. Due to the shape of the transom, conventional swim platform, or even the custom folding 2 step type I installed on my 13 footer won't fit. However I found online a folding 3 step dive/swim ladder I think will work; http://www.garelick.com/ Telescoping-Stain-Less-Steel-Sport-Diver-Ladder-Platfo-Rm-Mount Looking at the wood locating diagram for the 15 footer I see a piece of 1/2", 5"x7" plywood on that side of the transom that I think would be an ideal attaching point for this ladder. I would have to make a custom aluminum attachment point as the ladder is intended to be screwed to a swim platform. One thing though, the notes on the wood locating diagram states the wood on the transom at that location was put into hulls S81255 and after. My boat is a 1986. hull number 5B0471. Does my hull fit into that scheme? rich
skred	posted 06-18-2014 09:39 AM ET (US) Bink, according to my drawing, 1985-86 and later boats had the wood starting with # 581255. Your # is earlier than that. I don't know how reliable the Whaler drawing I have is... I want to install a ladder on my 13, but find that the vertical angle of the transom causes most ladders to be angled under the boat. I've been considering the Garelick "Bass Boat" dive ladder. The attachment block appears to be angled enough to compensate for this problem...
Jamber	posted 06-18-2014 10:16 AM ET (US) Rich, I have a 15' Super Sport and I also have been recently looking into boarding ladder solutions as well. This boarding ladder from Bob's Machine Shop is the route that I am planning on going for now (It will be at least few months before I purchase). I think the best part about this ladder mount is that I do not have to drill any holes in my precious Whaler. Mounts to a jack plate or the standard BIA engine mounting bolts. http://www.bobsmachine.com/Bobs-Boarding-Ladder-45x-xxxxxx.htm
contender	posted 06-18-2014 05:03 PM ET (US) Bink, saw something the other day on a whaler, they have a ladder that was attached to the side rail, had a hinge half way on the ladder (so it would fold over itself) then the other end of the ladder was attached to the rail by using the next size larger pipe to go around the rail (this acted like a swivel/door hinge that would let the ladder go overboard, undo the middle hinge and it would hang in the water) The best way I can describe it is like a giant door hinge the rail being the door frame pin and the ladder being the door, it would rotate about 350deg. from the inside of the boat to the outside gunnel.
Binkster	posted 06-18-2014 06:51 PM ET (US) The Bob's machine shop step would let you climb into the boat while it is trailered, but in the water, well I don't think I could get up on it. I would need a picture to understand Rich's (contender) idea. I searched this site, the other site, and the web and have never seen a swim ladder installed on a 15' Whaler. I built a 2 step collapsible boarding ladder on my 13 footer it was real simple, I'll find some pics and post them. rich
GRAND NUSSIE	posted 06-18-2014 08:29 PM ET (US) Rich's ladder sounds something like the ladder they used on the Mischief. Anybody have a pic of that? Dick
Ferdinando	posted 06-18-2014 10:30 PM ET (US) I bought a new 15 SS back in 1985 and it came with an Aluminum folding ladder that was attached to the transom. Worked great took almost no space and folded shut when not in use and looked good to boot. Trying to locate photo to post. Was dealer installed.
Binkster	posted 06-19-2014 12:23 PM ET (US) Would Appreciate a pic of the ladder on a Mischief and also Ferds ladder if they can be found. rich
tedious	posted 06-20-2014 05:21 PM ET (US) Martin Marine Design offers a stern platform / step for the 15. They don't have any on eBay right now, but I am sure would share info if you got in touch. http://stores.ebay.com/Martin-Marine-Design I did get info at one point and it was a nice unit, but still looked a bit big for a 15, to my eye. Tim
Binkster	posted 06-21-2014 08:08 AM ET (US) http://stores.ebay.com/Martin-Marine-Design Thanks for the info. rich
zotcha	posted 06-24-2014 09:14 AM ET (US) Rich, Raymond Martin is the man! Not sure if you've seen his welding abilities for custom T-Tops on The Hull Truth, but he lives 30 minutes from me. Great guy to work with. I'm coming down to Hernando Beach around the first if you need anything up this way. zot.
Binkster	posted 06-26-2014 10:14 PM ET (US) Zot, I looked at Raymond Martins swim platform and it didn't look much different than the many others I saw on the internet. I emailed him and asked how his platform bolted to a transom that is foam filled. He emailed me back and what he said makes sense. His platform braces screw into the TOP of the transom where the forces are down and the bottom braces screw into the transom and are under compression. Only thing is I don't like screws going into the transom below the waterline, I don't like Starboard, and $395 is out of my price range for a swim platform. So I kept looking, most won't fit on a 15'Whaler. The distance from the top of the transom where one would mount a ladder is 16" on the inboard side and about 13" on the other side, due to the deadrise. Most don't fit, but finally I found one that would. It's a 3 step that folds up to 12". It can be mounted on top of the transom and the hold offs just rest against the transom. And the price was right. I ordered it and will take some pics when I install it. BTW Zot do you know of any freshwater outboards up your was? 50-70hp. http://www.ebay.com/itm/360916392389?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT& _trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_2667wt_1145 rich
Tom C	posted 06-29-2014 12:48 PM ET (US) I am currently restoring a 1988 15 SS and the swim ladder you ordered looks like something I would be interested in having. Please let us know how you feel about the quality of this item and what if any problems in installing. Thanks, Tom
Binkster	posted 06-29-2014 10:40 PM ET (US) The swim ladder should be delivered on Wed. 7/2. I'll let you know how it looks. rich
EJO	posted 06-30-2014 12:38 PM ET (US) Binkster can you show a transom picture showing why a "Std" swim boarding ladder won't fit? Here is my 15' with a swim ladder that is deep enough when extended down to get my old and the admiral's body out of the water and was standard OEM supplied when the boat was bought. Here is picture with it down. http://wilsonbrinker.com/ej/1000%20isles%20174.JPG
Binkster	posted 07-01-2014 08:26 AM ET (US) Wrong boat, your modern Whaler has a flat transom throughout. Any type of swim ladder will fit. Apparently you are not familiar with the classic Whaler design. I made it clear in my first post my boat was built in 1986. BTW the top step on your ladder is a long one, be careful. rich
jimh	posted 07-01-2014 09:00 AM ET (US) The transom of the classic Boston Whaler 15-foot can be seen in detail in an illustration found in http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/bracket15AuxMotor.html
Jamber	posted 07-01-2014 09:34 AM ET (US) Rich, Looking at the ladder you ordered/linked I am curious on how you plan to mount it to your 15. The top of the transom is curved on the 15. Please post about it here (with photos) after you mount it. I may consider going this route as your brought up a very good point about ease of use with the Bob's ladder I was considering. Thanks.
EJO	posted 07-01-2014 02:52 PM ET (US) Rich, sorry i misunderstood and thanks for your concern. It seems to work for both our old bodies as we can grab the back of the railing to keep our balance with the last step onto the back. Jim thanks for the link I now understand Rich's problem
Binkster	posted 07-05-2014 10:23 PM ET (US) I recieved the transom swim ladder I ordered and installed it on Thursday. No problem with the installation, I think it looks great. Of the many I looked at online, this one is the only one that I thought would fit in the small transom area of a 15 footer. I'll get some pics of this inswtallation up in a few days. http://www.ebay.com/itm/New- 3-Step-Stern-Transom-Mounted-Boat-Boarding-Ladder-/ 360916392389?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item54084b19c5& vxp=mtr#ht_2700wt_1145 rich