Bass Boat Boarding Ladder

[IdleTime]

After purchasing my 96' Champion years ago the wife and I went swimming in the middle of a cove thinking we could just pop right back in the boat or climb the motor if needed. Yes we were younger and thought we could do it but that boat and motor got real slick and proved very difficult to climb back into, I have been searching for a ladder since.

Inspired by "Lesson Learned" posted by LD Fisher last August I was re-energized to find a ladder or make one that would fit the small area on my transom. I contacted Garelick Eez-In tech support and explained what I needed and that I was looking to modify one of their existing ladders to make it fit. He suggest a ladder that they produced for OEM applications and did not list on the website product line. The ladder was exactly what I needed and I purchased for $125. Just noticed that Garelick now offers this ladder on their website, Model 19684 and is only 12" wide.

Winter project is to get it mounted for the second best addition to our boat (first - auto-inflate life jackets).

Thanks to LD my boat will have a ladder installed before we hit the water again.

[176champion]

I will have to see if it will fit my 176 champ.....Thanks!!

[troller]

I mounted the same thing about 3 years ago on my deep V.It sure gives me the peace of mind to know I can get to it and hopefully get back in especially in these cold months. I also put 2 small handles on the topside of my boat above the ladder(Lowes or Menards) to help pull myself in. Nothing's as easy as it was years ago for some reason!

 

 

 

 

[LD Fisher]

Extend your right arm in the air, bend at the elbow and pat yourself on the back!!!!!!!   I like that ladder because it is long / deep enough to allow you easy access.  I went with a custom three step all aboard ladder because I wanted to make sure it was at least as deep as the skeg of the motor, like yours.  Yours is very reasonably priced versus mine and at that price there is "NO EXCUSE" for any fisherman or woman not to have a easy to use ladder on their boat.

Good find and it looks great!  

[balsabee]

Nice Job!  I would've done the same thing but I just couldn't get the nerve to drill more holes in the transom.  Sweet Champion by the way!

[merc1997 Bo]

very nice ladder.  looks to easy to deploy and easy step-ups.  i thinks that is the best one that i have seen idle time.  thanks for sharing.

bo

[Ketchup]

For those that dont have, nor want to install a ladder, the easiest way to reboard your vessel, assuming you have a trim switch on the outboard, is to use the fin to stand on, tilt the motor up, and slide back onto the boat. Ive done this and its fairly easy. It really comes in handy when you think you have no other options. 

[MOPanfisher]

Ketchup it will definitely work, that is one method I have taught, it may not be pretty to dump yourself over the transom but you are in the boat. Also can be useful when trying to help someone else back into the boat. Climbing up out of the water with a lot of clothes on can be difficult, those clothes that can help you stay afloat become really heavy when you get above the waterline.  Idletime I like that ladder, it extends down a good way into the water when deployed.

[moguy1973]

6 hours ago, balsabee said:

Nice Job!  I would've done the same thing but I just couldn't get the nerve to drill more holes in the transom.  Sweet Champion by the way!

That's like one I want to get but I just can't see spending over two bills on one, even if it's to help get back in the boat and that it's a local company.

http://www.thebassboatladder.com/

 

The one on the OP's boat doesn't look very strong to me.  Get a 200lb+ guy standing on that thing trying to get back in the boat and I'd be scared it'd rip those bolts right out of the transom unless there's some sort of backer plate on the inside of the transom to help brace it.

[Donna G]

1 hour ago, Ketchup said:

For those that dont have, nor want to install a ladder, the easiest way to reboard your vessel, assuming you have a trim switch on the outboard, is to use the fin to stand on, tilt the motor up, and slide back onto the boat. Ive done this and its fairly easy. It really comes in handy when you think you have no other options. 

Define easy.  Not to dismiss any of the great info on this thread, and I know the ladders can be a lifesaver, but none of these are easy for round, short, old girls.  I've taken an unintentional swim a couple of times, once in full bibs, jacket and boots.  Forget the ladder.  I'm looking for an escalator.