1997 Larson sei 206 ladder loose

[Wlefrancois]

Just tore apart the inside of the boat to try and get to the nuts on the bolts for the ladder on the outside. Anyone have suggestions on how to tighten these up?

 

[Grub54891]

Are there actually nuts on the inside?

 

[71beepbeep]

I believe on a 97 the ladder fastener screws directly into the transom. You’ll have to remove the faux trim panel to gain access to see. The screws are hidden in the carpet. These years of Larson’s are know for water intrusion at the swim ladder causing transom rot.

 

[71beepbeep]

My boat is a 96 model. The ladder is mounted with machine fasteners. It isn’t directly mounted to the transom.

 

[JASinIL2006]

The carpeted panels are screwed into the transom core; if you feel around the edges in the carpet, you can locate the screw heads and pull the panel. (You may need to remove some of the gear that is attached to the carpeted panel.)

The ladder is held on with machine screws thru-bolted to the transom. On my boat, the ladder screws allowed water intrusion that led to a rotted transom, wet foam and rotted decking. I hope you find something less troublesome.

if you post up some pictures of your transom after you have removed the carpeted panels, we can give you some better health.

 

[Wlefrancois]

thanks for the replies. I read on a mother post that the ladder was fastened by through bolts and nuts. I spoke to someone at a Boat center and they told me I night have to cut out some of the foam to get to them. I was concerned about that because I wasn't sure what foam to replace with once I get that out. Here are a couple photos on the inside. I was able to pull the panel out of the way. I poked around and didn't seem like the transom was soft anywhere.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I don't think your ladder is mounted where the foam is; the foam is mostly on the bump-out area of the transom and your ladder should be below that.

I would guess the carpet is covering the screws that penetrate the hull. On mine, the ladder fasteners were just an inch or two above the level of the deck. Try peeling back the carpet and I bet you will see the fasteners. Regluing the carpet is easy, so it's not a big problem if the fasteners aren't found back there.

 

[Wlefrancois]

you are exactly right. wow, what a relief.I see rust so I assume water has been leaking in, however, it is not soft, so no rot. I think I will change the bolts out and put a plate there. you guys are awesome, glad I found this blog. My next question will be on the motor, but I expect that should be a new post.

 

[Woodonglass]

Don't want to rain on your parade but...Poking at the transom reveals NOTHING! Drill some 1" deep holes with 3/8" drill bit and check if the internal shavings come out dry. If not, you've got a lot of additional work to do!!! If the shavings are Light colored and dry, just fill the holes with 3M 5200 and continue on with the rest of your repairs.

 

[Wlefrancois]

ok, so drilled some holes. nothing wet, but some of it came out dark, but dry. just seems to be around the holes for the bolts to the ladder.

 

[JASinIL2006]

You might want to check the deck (and foam underneath) below the ladder screw holes. Water tends to soak that deck wood and the foam underneath.

Also, how far below the holes did ou find dark wood? Dry is good, but dark shavings are not...

 

[Woodonglass]

If its dark that means water has been there at some time. Once it does the rotting process begins. It may be good for a few more seasons but eventually it will go bad

 

[Wlefrancois]

well, we'll get it through this season and then worry about it this winter. thanks.