Adapting a swim ladder

[axeslinger1957]

I just got a folding gunwale-mount swim ladder. Its selection was determined by the Head Bean Counter. Uhhhh... I don't think this ladder was designed for gunwales that were in vogue when my boat was built.

This picture shows the design of my gunwales:

The 7" "hook" on the swim ladder's vertical bars just is not suited to this configuration. Any ideas on a workaround - preferably something that could stay with the ladder? I don't think I'm craftsman enough to come up with something like that, and I'm not salesman enough to try to take on Accounting again...

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Adapting a swim ladder

Who exactly is going to be climbing in and out of the boat? Seems like whomever is reaping the benefits of the swim ladder should be involved, if the CFO is one of the future users of the ladder all the better.

After it's obvious that there's no hope of it working then you'll have no choice but to get one that will (and of course you'll already be armed with pricing from three suppliers of a ladder you know will work).

Actually, it would help if you could post a photo of the ladder in question also, and maybe a larger one of your boat. I MIGHT have an idea but might also be all wet depending on what that ladder looks like. Just can't picture it in my pea-sized brain.

 

[Bilgamesh]

Re: Adapting a swim ladder

Stay on the safe side dude; get one that is a fit. Otherwise you are going to spend more time and money jury-rigging this one to make it work safely.

Can you believe I loaned my stepfather a heavy band-saw and it came back with the rubber footings gone, and wooden blocks with casters in their place.

I hate rigged up stuff unless it is absolutely necessary, particularly where safety is involved.

http://www.funnyphotos.net.au/ladder/

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Adapting a swim ladder

I had to extend the lower bump posts about 4" on my portable. It hangs much better now and feels more secure. You may have to install a couple nylon pipe hangers (silent glides) that way you can insert the hanger arms into them to hold it secure.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Adapting a swim ladder

Sounds like you should have gone with the 11" hook instead of the 7". Both are the same price around here.

My boat has the wide gunnels as well and the 11" hooks fit it perfectly. Best to use the right tool for the job if you know what I mean.

 

[axeslinger1957]

Quick, cheap and good: pick any two

Quick, cheap and good: pick any two

Sounds like you should have gone with the 11" hook instead of the 7". Both are the same price around here.

My boat has the wide gunnels as well and the 11" hooks fit it perfectly. Best to use the right tool for the job if you know what I mean.

Yeah, I know what you mean. That's what I get for doing it on the cheap and misinterpreting how the shape of the gunwales would make the ladder hang.

Looks like I got me some cogitating to do... Thanks, all!