Installing swim ladder

[EricT22]

I have a new to me 1988 sea ray Seville and the original swim ladder is missing. The boat has 2 small swim platforms on both sides on the lower unit and the original ladder was mounted below one of the platforms. My question is how to mount a fold up telescoping ladder to the top side. The ladder I purchased has 4 holes so can i simply screw it into the top side? What size screws should i use if so so that it is strong enough not to pull out or crack the fiberglass? New to owning a bout so any advise is appreciated.

 

[wahlejim]

How thick is the platform? Is it all fiberglass?
If you can safely drill through the platform, my preference is stainless bolts over screws. Much sturdier and longer lasting. Not that expensive at your local hardware store. 4 bolts, 8 washers and 4 nylon locking washers should run less than $5.

 

[EricT22]

[No message]

 

[EricT22]

Don’t think I can bolt through it. I’d rather do that but not going to work I don’t think

 

[wahlejim]

What does the bottom look like?

 

[EricT22]

I’ll grab one tomorrow

 

[Lowlysubaruguy]

Its always amazed me how little some ladders fasteners are. I dive out of a boat with two 1/4” ss screws not bolts with lock nuts on each side of the ladders hinge ran through the rear deck thats a lot like yours. And there from the 90s. His glass is pretty thick? and I wish had a picture of the over designed transom swim deck I built for my older boat of which I made a sliding ladder ( dissapears under the deck) that has one 1/4” bolt on each side as sliding hinge and load bearing point for the ladder were 275 pounds with dive gear on it and that’s been in heavy use since 98. If your loading platform is in good condition you could start with screws if they loosen up try running bolts with lock nuts all the way through of course some marine silicone the holes.

 

[EricT22]

The holes in the bottom were from the original swim ladder that pulled off (previous owner). i want to mount the new one on top. I think i can bolt straight through but just asking before i do otherwise i can try the screws on top

 

[Lowlysubaruguy]

Key issue with the holes from the bottom is the force is straight down, if the hinges for a telescoping ladder were in from the top the force will be more rearward adding a great deal more strength. One option may be expansion nuts this might triple the surface area for each bolt . Another thing could be a piece aluminum or ss angle used as a bracket for your ladder this bracket could have more screws anchoring it to the boat , a little grinding and tapering of the bracket and polishing its edges could limit any issues with bare feet and look better, if that makes sense.

 

[EricT22]

I want it to be too mounted not bottom mounted. Just wanted to know what everyone thought as far as just screwing from the top or drilling through the platform and bolting it. Not sure if the bolting through was an option for this type of platform. Screws on top would obviously be easiest but just want to make sure it’s going to be strong enough that way

 

[Old Ironmaker]

. Another thing could be a piece aluminum or ss angle used as a bracket for your ladder this bracket could have more screws anchoring it to the boat , a little grinding and tapering of the bracket and polishing its edges could limit any issues with bare feet and look better, if that makes sense.

I like that suggestion. It makes perfect sence. Use a liberal amount of Marine 5500 on the fasteners, 5200 if you ever tend on removing it. For the life of me can I remember the brand name. Guys here will help my memory loss. I'm not Old Ironmaker for artistic effect. Maybe I inhaled too much Iron Oxide and CO or 5500. I did. I have sat here for 5 minutes and still can't remember. Drives me nuts, couldn't remember my sis in laws name today.

 

[Lowlysubaruguy]

Today I could not remember the combination to open the shop safe where all the customers cars keys live. Took me a minute. Im blaming it on being overworked in the heat and a lack of time on and in the water. Been a very dry year for me.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

3M, it's 3M brand adhesive. Oh my.