Swim Ladder: Transom mount vs. Gunwale Fold-up

[dhipwell]

I am new to this forum and just bought my first boat - a 1994 17.5 feet Sea Nymph Deep V. I want to get some type of swim ladder for the kids (and myself) but am unsure of what the best model would be. <br /><br />Lowe makes a transom mount swim platform ( or I could get a OEM model from the dealer ). The other choice is a fold-up over the gunwale type lader w/ four steps.<br /><br />From your experience - what is best? Thanks & glad to be a member! Doug

 

[salty87]

Re: Swim Ladder: Transom mount vs. Gunwale Fold-up

welcome to iboats!<br /><br />i don't have a ladder but have used transom mounted ones....the little 2 step ladder? if so, they're tough to climb when you're tired.<br /><br />is making a swim platform feasible for you? if so, that's the easiest to use.<br /><br />can't help with the others but i'm sure someone else can...

 

[jtexas]

Re: Swim Ladder: Transom mount vs. Gunwale Fold-up

The over-the-gunwale ladders work fine, and aren't all that much trouble if you have room to stow it. If I did more swimming/tubing/skiing/pleasure boating & less fishing, though, I'd be thinking how much more convenient a permanent one would be. Don't they have some four-step models with legs that fold up out of the water?

 

[BillP]

Re: Swim Ladder: Transom mount vs. Gunwale Fold-up

I have two different types...the main complaint about over the side ladders is some can move around if the water is choppy. The one that slides into keepers doesn't do it. Storage is the only other problem. When mounted on small boats the boat can tip enough to make climbing awkard. The good part is they are inexpensive and can go from boat to boat. <br /><br />I like telescoping transom ladders best but they have to be deep enough to get your first foot on easy.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Swim Ladder: Transom mount vs. Gunwale Fold-up

I have had all kinds. My current boat came with a small transom platform that was/is mounted on the starboard side of the transom. It had a single folding step that would not go into the water deep enough. I was *****ing about it to a neighbor and he volunteered to replace the single step. He welded up a stainless steel tube four step job that has made it easy to get in and out of the boat. This is especially important for us "older" folk. My wife would never get into the water with the old one. I have never seen one like it except on dive boats.<br /><br />Simple construction - he used single tube for the side rails and three tubes for the steps. It sticks up a bit when it is pulled up but so what.

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: Swim Ladder: Transom mount vs. Gunwale Fold-up

Have had experience with both; go for the transom mount. It is much more stable to come up over the transom than to come in over the side. Just watch out for that engine.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Swim Ladder: Transom mount vs. Gunwale Fold-up

bad.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />

good

 

[dhipwell]

Re: Swim Ladder: Transom mount vs. Gunwale Fold-up

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the advice...I'm going with a transom mount w/steps that telescope deep into the water!

 

[stevens]

Re: Swim Ladder: Transom mount vs. Gunwale Fold-up

Good! Don't forget some kind of rail or handle to grab on to as you try to climb up. Also, try to find the kind that stops the steps as they point downwards; if the steps are allowed to swing further in under the boat, it can get a bit awkward. Finally, it is a good safety feature if the steps can be released and swung down by a person already in the water.