Transom boarding ladders

[Moody Blue]

This season I want to install a folding transom boarding ladder on my 16ft runabout with outboard motor. In the past I used one of those portable over the gunwale type ladders but it's just one more thing I have to store away when not in use and space is at a premium.

I have seen lots of pictures of older boats with the transom ladders that have the handholds that loop up and over the transom and attach to the top deck, but I've been looking online for one and have had no luck. All the ladders I've come across attach just to the transom.

Anyone come across a source for such a ladder? I'm not partial to aluminum or stainless, but would really like the handhold feature to help get into the boat.

 

[mphy98]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

try this one right here http://www.iboats.com/Garelick-Comp...07349813--**********.552349090--view_id.38656

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

One of these might be closer to what you're looking for:

http://www.iboats.com/Garelick-Outb...46438850--**********.249257078--view_id.38751

http://www.iboats.com/White-High-De...6438850--**********.249257078--view_id.163139

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

Thanks for the links but not what I'm looking for. Don't want any kind of platform, just a folding ladder BUT with an extension of the side rails up and over the top of the transom and bolt onto the top deck.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

Don't want any kind of platform

Ummm had one without the platform. Was a PITA to get in the boat.. I would go with a platform.. Gives you something to stand on before you have to make the step over the transom.. Otherwise you have to make a belly dive

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

That is a good point, but I've had no issues with using the portable over-the-gunwale type ladder other than having to store it somewhere. A more important feature to me, is the "handrails" to help with the transition up and over the transom into the boat.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

How about just modifying the portable one you have to mount it? Is it just that it doesn't fold? But as far as a swim platform they are kind of nice to have, you can towel off out of the boat and not drag as much water in. Might want to think about it.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

But as far as a swim platform they are kind of nice to have, you can towel off out of the boat and not drag as much water in. Might want to think about it.

Another good point. I might take another look at the small platforms. Have to drill holes into the transom either way so might as well get the most out of it. Any recommendations on the good and bad ?

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

Something like this may work for you...
Platform with ladder

We had a challenge getting our more physically challenged guests back in the boat on the Starcraft. Last year I added a four-step removable ladder to the second rung of the three-step ladder on the deck of the boat. Secured with velcro straps, even my most challenged guests could make it back in the boat when coving.

 

[blifsey]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

What is reasoning for not wanting a platform? The motor is already there so platform doesn't stick out any additional distance. It doesn't prevent turning, planing, etc. As mentioned, they are great to transition from climbing ladder to standing, letting majority of water run back into lake, etc. Heck, I'm thinking about adding a second platform to our boat and setting it up for my daughter's dog to climb back into boat. I have same storage issue with the portable doggie ladders/ramps as you with the portable ladder.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

OK now I'm really torn on which type to get. I managed to find what I was originally looking for here

http://www.pridemarine.com/index.cfm?category=10221|11160&product=7754470&code=773692279824 (victory 4 step)

but I also really like this one

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10105&subdeptNum=10397&classNum=10398

which has the two grab rails and telescoping 4 step ladder.

I have found that the more ladder under the water, the easier it is to use.

Oh now what do I do ? I'm leaning toward the platform but it's a little pricey.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

OK now I'm really torn on which type to get. I managed to find what I was originally looking for here

http://www.pridemarine.com/index.cfm?category=10221|11160&product=7754470&code=773692279824 (victory 4 step)

but I also really like this one
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10105&subdeptNum=10397&classNum=10398

which has the two grab rails and telescoping 4 step ladder.

I have found that the more ladder under the water, the easier it is to use.

Oh now what do I do ? I'm leaning toward the platform but it's a little pricey.

I like the second one. My FIL has replacement knees and my other guests have dimensional challenges that prevented them from using the ladder on the deck and bow of the Starcraft. I needed to get as much ladder in the water as I could.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

The one step is 2 too few. I have a 3 step and I like it but the 4 step would be very nice. The dive-and-dog looks like a good match but doesn't have the handles over the top. To be honest those will probably be hard to find in a permanent mount since transom designs differ. Maybe you could do the platform and then add grab handles to the top of the transom? Something like this:

http://greatlakesskipper.com/product/5_92_93-boat-deck-and-docking-hardware-stainless-steel-handrails/13170--standard-stainless-steel-7-inch-boat-grab-rail-handle.html

 

[ziggy]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

but would really like the handhold feature to help get into the boat

can you mount a hand rail to the boat, then climb up the drive? my boat has a rail that goes around the transom area. it's my hand hold. the drive is my ladder. i'm 51 and still get in my boat this way.
agreed. the over the gunnel type are a drag to store. and i do have one on board for folks that can't climb up the drive (ladder stored under my back to back seats and is a drag to obtain but there if needed).
i also find that folks that can't climb up the drive also have trouble climbing up the ladder...

just food for thought.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

Have used the motor as a step for climbing into the boat, but not something I want to be doing repeatedly.

Went out and took a few measurement and I found that there will be a big step down to the swim platform from the deck. This boat has a really high free-board, and if I mount the platform about 4" above the waterline (too high, too low ???) there will be about a 20" step down to the platform from the deck. Without trying it, it looks a little awkward.

Another thing I've seen is that the platforms with handrails on both sides are advertised as I/O type, and single sided handrails as outboard. Why is that?

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Transom boarding ladders

The one sided is so the outboard doesn't contact the rail when steering, you'd want to measure that also. I have the same step but have a padded part of the transom so I just sit on that and spin around rather than step over. You could mount a small step to make that easier.