help with swim ladder replacement

[s2gots]

I hope you all can see the pics, this is my first post with uploaded pics..anyway, I want to replace the ladder with a wider, more durable ladder. I also would like to have it mounted to the transom area if possible. I dont like how its attached to the platform with only 4 screws, and it keeps coming loose. Any ideas, or recomondations?
TIA

 

[62 ROYAL SCOTT]

Re: help with swim ladder replacement

HELL-O s2gots If the holes are wore bigger i would put toggle bolts with lock washers [STAINLESS STEEL ] or just lock washers

 

[DBreskin]

Re: help with swim ladder replacement

Most folding or telescoping swim ladders are attached with four screws, and four properly fastened screws should by enough for any swim ladder.

It looks like your ladder is fastened similar to mine, and the end of the bolt/screw is not accessible from inside the boat. If the screws have loosened you may need to replace the existing screws with a larger diameter for better grip. If bolts are used you'll need to find some way to tighten them.

 

[s2gots]

Re: help with swim ladder replacement

It probably is very similar to yours DBreskin, and no way to get to the underside. Which is another reason why I'd want some other sort of setup. One of the screws has striped the fiberglass, and another is starting to do the same.

 

[jeepnsam]

Re: help with swim ladder replacement

I just replaced my 3 step with a 4 step and it was a real PITA

The bolts go through the swim platform and there should be two 1/4" aluminum backing plates.
The nuts should be "Lock nuts", so if yours are coming loose, then the nylon locking part
is probably worn.

Now the fun part.
The ladder I replaced did not have the same bolt holes as the original, so I was only able
to use two. I filled the two unused holes with 3M 5200.

To get to the nuts, I made a wrench extension out of some aluminum conduit and jammed
the 5/16 open end wrench inside. Once the boxed in was secure on the nut..I had a buddy
unscrew the bolts. The nuts fell into the bilge, but you can get them out easily.

Once you get the holes drilled...in the swim platform, you'll want to pre-drill the backing plates..
I super glued the lock nuts on the backing plate and was able to reach far enough under
the swim platform from inside the boat enough for my buddy to catch the 1st few screw threads.
Before you tighten everything down...put a nice glob of 3M 4200 between the swim platform
and the ladder and onto the bolt threads.

Once both bolts are pre threaded, use the conduit and wrench extension to hold the lock nuts
while the buddy screws in the bolts.

ENJOY!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: help with swim ladder replacement

Thru bolt them and use 5200 for keeping it watertight. Use acorn nuts on the underside for a cleaner appearance and to guard against accidental injury.

 

[seaboo]

Re: help with swim ladder replacement

On my four winns it is thru bolted. If yours isn't and you dont want to fill the holes with epoxy (or marine tex, or whatever) redrill and tap them. What are you NOT happy about with your ladder? The steps or the width of the ladder? If it is that you would like to have actual "steps" instead of the bars look at this thread, good (factory) cheep upgrade.

 

[s2gots]

Re: help with swim ladder replacement

the steps are too narrow, and to have actual 'steps' would be nice. I dont mind sealing up holes, I just dont see how I can thru bolt a ladder. It is hollow between the upper and lower part of the swim platform.

 

[zopperman]

Re: help with swim ladder replacement

Are you sure that the swim platform is hollow? Think about it like this -- the way it's designed, it can hold the weight of a person and it hasn't ripped the ladder out yet. I feel like there is something inside the swim platform.. being it fiberglass or wood or something structural.