How did you replace your Boat Ladder?

[-Jim-]

Gents,

We bought a Minn Kota MK55 and mounted it last year, but in doing so we lost a "foot hold" we used to climb onto the small 2 rung stock folding ladder that came with the Larson :facepalm:.

http://forums.iboats.com/electrical-electronics-audio-trolling-motors/minn-kota-mk55-em-engine-mount-trolling-motor-tips-installing-onto-100-hp-merc-551782.html

We want to replace the existing Stainless Steel ladder on our Larson with a much longer 4 rung (~ 40" telescoping?) type - while hopefully not drilling any new holes. But on the Web all I find (if the center to center dimension is listed at all) are quite a few inches narrower.

I contacted Breakwater Marine (the local Larson Dealer in Surrey, B.C.) and they said the standard they carry (and Larson) has 9 inch centers so that?s not going to fit. I checked a few other local Dealers and no joy.

Do you have any ideas where I can find a bolt in replacement, or what did you do when faced with this issue?

Thanks for the assist.

 

[robert graham]

Re: How did you replace your Boat Ladder?

Maybe have a custom mounting plate/bracket that would accomodate your existing holes and provide for your new ladder's holes?...or fill your old holes with 5200 and drill for new holes.

 

[-Jim-]

Re: How did you replace your Boat Ladder?

Maybe have a custom mounting plate/bracket that would accomodate your existing holes and provide for your new ladder's holes?...or fill your old holes with 5200 and drill for new holes.

Thanks for the post. Yes I have thought of an adapter plate as a last resort. What is 5200? Is it a filler for holes in Fiberglass?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: How did you replace your Boat Ladder?

5200 is the mack daddy of sealant.... it's what silicone wishes it could be when it grows up

 

[DBreskin]

Re: How did you replace your Boat Ladder?

The full name is 3M 5200 since it's a 3M product. You can also buy 4200 which is not as permanent as 5200.

 

[jbetzelb]

Re: How did you replace your Boat Ladder?

I dont want to pimp sales off this site but 4 years ago I got the wider ladder from ********. Width was the same as my old ladder but the mount holes were still a little off.

 

[-Jim-]

Re: How did you replace your Boat Ladder?

Gents,

I decided to move ahead and decided to buy a close fit, as there didn't seem to anything directly interchangable. I was worried about Quality, as I was buying off the web, so I went for a 316 Stainless made in the USA JIF EQB4 ladder that was Guaranteed for up to 400 pounds. The Photo below is for a 3 step version as I couldn't find a 4 step one to show you. :facepalm:

EQB4 4-STEP OVER PLATFORM TELESCOPING BOAT LADDER W/ HAND GRIP

Length: 44" Length (Stowed): 18" Width: 12" Weight: 12 lbs.

?Ladder is constructed of 1" diameter electropolished .316 stainless steel tubing.
?Steps telescope closed, fold over platform for compact storage.
?2.5" Deep/Wide stainless steep steps with non-skid plastic tread.
?Overall Length/Height: 44"
?Length (stowed): 18"
?Ladder Width: 12"
?Step Depth: 2.5"
?Max weight capacity: 400 lbs.

The outside dimension is actually the same as the inside (between the brackets) of the old ladder. I could tig weld the two brackets together and use the existing mounting holes in the boat. But that may look a bit sloppy. I could also Tig the new Ladder Brackets to a flat piece of 316 Stainless about 14.5" x 10" and then drill mounting holes so I could re-use the existing mounting holes in the boat.

One of my neighbors wants my old ladder for his second boat (he's a General Contractor) so I said I'd trade it for the flat piece of steel. So we'll see what way I end up.

 

[-Jim-]

Re: How did you replace your Boat Ladder?

Here's a sad email exchange...:facepalm:



Jim,

Your ladder will be shipped by 4 pm today (depending when UPS picks up from our warehouse) via UPS#XXXXXXXXX. I saved you a few dollars on the shipping.
I have attached your invoice and will charge your credit card for the balance.
Thank you for your business - we appreciate it very much.

Sincerely,
Roxanne Wynn
JIF Marine, LLC
901-523-1597

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roxanne,

I received the Ladder and it seems fine. I also got the NAFTA certificate saying it qualified under it, but I'm confused as the Cardboard box said made in China. I thought it was made in the USA.

Can you advise?

Thanks for the info.

Regards,

Jim

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jim,

All of our items are made in China and shipped into USA. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Thank You,
Jimmy Freudenberg



Ouch! :faint2:

 

[Scorpion210]

Re: How did you replace your Boat Ladder?

Shouldn't have qualified for NAFTA

 

[Solittle]

Re: How did you replace your Boat Ladder?

I have one pretty much like the one in your picture. I had a neighbor weld one up for me out of stainless tube and was able to use the existing mounting hardware. Cost was zilch.

 

[skyking897]

Re: How did you replace your Boat Ladder?

We had one of those ladders on an old Bayliner we had. Worked very well but a little springy. The telescopic feature was great as it allowed the ladder to swing completely out of the way when not needed. Not sure about your issue with drilling holes as ours was mounted to the top of the swim platform and when collapsed I just flipped it up and it layed on top of the platform.