Vernon, I hear what your saying. I did some research and determined that the All Aboard ladder was what I needed.....and I ordered a custom 3 three step version that attaches to my talon bracket and extends 28 to 30 inches into the water from the bottom of the bracket. At 67 with two artificial hips I wanted to make sure it was deep enough, ridged enough and strong enough for me to grab the rails and talon on the back to get back in. And as Bo said, I plan to test it before the water really gets cold!!!