Ladder suggestion for a V-Hull outboard

[Dadwith2boys]

I have a 15' V-Hull with an outboard motor. I am trying to figure out what type of ladder I can use on the side of the boat that will be study and easy for kids to use.

I can not really put it on the transom as there is not enough room (100hp motor).

I don't think that a "normal" ladder will work due to the curvature of this sides of the boat.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Ladder suggestion for a V-Hull outboard

I'd be surprised if a Garelick Hook ladder wouldn't work.

http://www.garelick.com/product.php?pnumber=05041

 

[Thad]

Re: Ladder suggestion for a V-Hull outboard

Are you sure there is not enough room to mount a small fiberglass swim step with a fold down ladder? There are various sizes available. I imagine one could even be fabricated with little effort. Not to mention it would be much stronger and safer.

Now that that is out of my system, what rotory suggested would work IF;

1) You are willing to drill holes or mount receptacles on the gunwale.
2) There is enough room and strength in and on the gunwale to not stress and give way from the added "stress" and weight being put on it.
3) You are prepared for all of the scratches and gouges in the side of the boat.
4) It is long enough to reach down in the water to provide a safe distance of reach for the kids.

These are in no particular order. And, this is just something to think about.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Ladder suggestion for a V-Hull outboard

I installed a little swimdeck on my last boat which had an outboard on it, worked well and had a ladder built in to it. They sell them here on I boats.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Ladder suggestion for a V-Hull outboard

I use a gunwale ladder but added 6" extentions on the bumpers for just that reason curvature of the hull.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Ladder suggestion for a V-Hull outboard

1) You are willing to drill holes or mount receptacles on the gunwale.
2) There is enough room and strength in and on the gunwale to not stress and give way from the added "stress" and weight being put on it.
3) You are prepared for all of the scratches and gouges in the side of the boat.
4) It is long enough to reach down in the water to provide a safe distance of reach for the kids.

These are in no particular order. And, this is just something to think about.

You don't need to drill anything. The ladder is designed to hook over the gunwale with the ends of the hooks inside the boat. I would hope that the gunwale of any boat is strong enough for this task. Back in the 60s-70s and earlier gunwale mounted hook ladders were the norm. Scratches and gouges could be a concern. The little standoffs that go to the hull side should have nice rubber ends to help prevent scratching. Length could also be a concern. Garelick offers a 3 and 4 step model so you have some choice on length.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Ladder suggestion for a V-Hull outboard

You don't need to drill anything. The ladder is designed to hook over the gunwale with the ends of the hooks inside the boat. I would hope that the gunwale of any boat is strong enough for this task. Back in the 60s-70s and earlier gunwale mounted hook ladders were the norm. Scratches and gouges could be a concern. The little standoffs that go to the hull side should have nice rubber ends to help prevent scratching. Length could also be a concern. Garelick offers a 3 and 4 step model so you have some choice on length.

That is exactly what I have for my little MFG 16' V hull, the standoffs do have nice thick bumpers and the over gunwale arm are plasticoated, never had a problem with hull scratches from it, as stated earlier the only thing I did do is add about 6" to the standoffs to jack it out a little. it helps alot when the hull rolls to the side while climbing up. Those portable ladders work very well once custom modified it to your boat.

 

[Thad]

Re: Ladder suggestion for a V-Hull outboard

You don't need to drill anything. The ladder is designed to hook over the gunwale with the ends of the hooks inside the boat. I would hope that the gunwale of any boat is strong enough for this task. Back in the 60s-70s and earlier gunwale mounted hook ladders were the norm. Scratches and gouges could be a concern. The little standoffs that go to the hull side should have nice rubber ends to help prevent scratching. Length could also be a concern. Garelick offers a 3 and 4 step model so you have some choice on length.

Never really thought of it that way. I guess I was trying to compare how it goes on my buddies pontoon. Nothing to hook it over, had to drill the holes and put the receptacles in.
That is why I thought the gunwale might not hold up, I was picturing the ladder mounted in the top flat of the gunwale.

I see a little more clearly now

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Ladder suggestion for a V-Hull outboard

Hook ladder. Your boat is too small to clutter with attachments.
You have boys. Let them scramble up the side, or gaff them.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Ladder suggestion for a V-Hull outboard

Hook ladder. Your boat is too small to clutter with attachments.
You have boys. Let them scramble up the side, or gaff them.

little buggers won't be gettin in the water and being pests much then either, eh?

seriously, we use a temporary / hooks over the side. I do have room for a swim platform and had a factory installed ladder on the back... but it was ugly as sin and in the way so I removed it.