Attaching ladder w/o access to transom rear

[jevery]

I purchased a small two-step transom ladder from iboats to mount on the transom of my aluminum Crestliner with a wood core transom. The ladder is a compact design attached with four fasteners. It came with 4 stainless bolts with washers and nuts for thru hull attachment. Unfortunately I am unable to access the backside of the transom where it needs to be mounted. The design of the ladder will put considerable torque on the bracket when weight is applied and I fear that wood screws will not hold long term. Is there a suitable marine fastener available for positive attachment without access to the back of the attachment? Thanks for any help.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Attaching ladder w/o access to transom rear

That's a tough one. I had an older boat with the same problem. I first used lag-bolts, they lasted one season and were becoming problematic. I ended up cutting an access hole and fitting it with a deck plate so I could access the area I needed to get to in order to properly install the bracket.

 

[jevery]

Re: Attaching ladder w/o access to transom rear

Yea it is a tough one. The only way to access the transom backside is to remove the rear fishing deck which requires removing the interior side panels first. This may be what I have to do to get the installation I want. On the other hand I dont see a downside to trying wood screws first. After all the wood core transon looks to be about 1-3/4 thick. It might hold just fine. And if it does show signs of loosening, I can always through bolt later.. Anyone else with experience with this problem?

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Attaching ladder w/o access to transom rear

Seems like using lag bolts is a great way to introduce water into the transom when the bolts work loose.

 

[jevery]

Re: Attaching ladder w/o access to transom rear

I agree, and that's my fear. I had to replace a transom in a previous boat and it's not a cheap repair. All the blind fasteners I've found so far seem to be made for thin material installations like wallboard - I've found nothing for something as thick as a 1-3/4" transom. I did find a product called a "toggler", but the illustration isn't really clear enough to tell if it's what I'm looking for. I'm gonna have to think on this one awhile.....Anyone else with an idea?

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Attaching ladder w/o access to transom rear

It's not the best solution, but you can get stainless steel toggle bolts that are pretty good. They are used to fasten seat bases to the deck in most boats. Use 3M 5200 to seal the opening.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Attaching ladder w/o access to transom rear

thats a lot of pressure on a toggle and you would have to drill a 3/4 to 1" hole to get a strong enough toggle thru.