Bass Boat Boarding Ladder

[vernon]

16 hours ago, balsabee said:

No need for a handle at all.  Top of the transom, jackplate or bracket on dual cable steering all work very well in my case.  I've used it many times.

Man, I don't get it but good for you - I'm glad you're happy with it and that that method works.

However, for me, without something to hold onto and pull myself up I can't do it.  It would be like trying to climb out of a bathtub with no arms.

[TTJJ]

 

  

[IdleTime]

Many great comments, options and pictures. I choose this ladder due to my limited real estate on the transom and still looking for a good place to mount a grab rail. As noted this ladder only has two mounting brackets and is rated at 400 lbs. so have removed the fuel tank and bolted through the transom. The pictures show the install still in work and I didn't realize the posted pictures would be so large are would have wiped her down. As the brackets are not exactly 90 degree's I am placing some 1/4" stainless between them and the gel coat. On the inside planned to install similar backing plate but then notice the 150HP mounting bolts only have a washer behind them and after 20 years no cracks.

After hearing of 96 Champ's transom problems and replacing one in my neighbors Lund this past summer I was very reluctant to place any holes in the transom but need the ladder and took care to drill good holes and will protect with 4200. To my relief the transom show's no signs of moisture are damage.

Winter project still in progress as you can see the boat is off the trailer to replace the bunk carpet and add ratcheting tie downs. The boat is getting LED's in the live wells and under the consoles, switch panel and switches, new motor rigging and had to splice the transducer cable that got pinched by the trolling motor mount (still need to see if that works).

She don't look quite as good as 96 Champs boat but if I can get her to shine a little more maybe I'll catch half as many fish as he does :).

[96 CHAMP]

26 minutes ago, IdleTime said:

Many great comments, options and pictures. I choose this ladder due to my limited real estate on the transom and still looking for a good place to mount a grab rail. As noted this ladder only has two mounting brackets and is rated at 400 lbs. so have removed the fuel tank and bolted through the transom. The pictures show the install still in work and I didn't realize the posted pictures would be so large are would have wiped her down. As the brackets are not exactly 90 degree's I am placing some 1/4" stainless between them and the gel coat. On the inside planned to install similar backing plate but then notice the 150HP mounting bolts only have a washer behind them and after 20 years no cracks.

After hearing of 96 Champ's transom problems and replacing one in my neighbors Lund this past summer I was very reluctant to place any holes in the transom but need the ladder and took care to drill good holes and will protect with 4200. To my relief the transom show's no signs of moisture are damage.

Winter project still in progress as you can see the boat is off the trailer to replace the bunk carpet and add ratcheting tie downs. The boat is getting LED's in the live wells and under the consoles, switch panel and switches, new motor rigging and had to splice the transducer cable that got pinched by the trolling motor mount (still need to see if that works).

She don't look quite as good as 96 Champs boat but if I can get her to shine a little more maybe I'll catch half as many fish as he does :).

Looks good Jerry

[176champion]

The ladder posted by the OP will not fit the transom on my 176..from jackplate to edge of transom is only 11 inches....i dont have to worry about my transom it's solid composite core from when i redid it year and a half ago.

[vernon]

1 hour ago, TTJJ said:

Bought 184 Champ in 1989. Probably bought ladder in 1990, from Elk River Marina (Champion dealer). Ladder (still looks new) is ~ 26 years old and used to get a lot of use during the summer months. This design type works great for any size adult or kid. Originally 2 small rubber deals kept ladder folded up, the rubber catch lip on 1 of them broke off, so I use a rubber bungee cord to hold ladder up, bungee cord is easy to remove.

I don't think having kids climbing on motors while tilting motor is a good idea. My 1997 Merc 175EFI (Plano Marine - TX) cowling doesn't have any handles for little kids to hold onto, plus I'd be afraid that they could maybe get their hand crushed by the motor tilting upward, who knows what they would grab onto (?). My 1997 A45 25P Tempest prop (Elk River Paradise) is sharp enough to do damage if kid foot slipped off cavitation plate and hit the prop.

  

That is the basic design of the factory installed ladder on my 2004 Ranger 520.  Works like a charm.  In fact, years ago, my 81 year old father was able to get back in the boat with no problem.  The new and "improved" version on my Z521, however, is a completely different deal.  My (almost) 64 year old butt and 59 year old wife just as well go rope climbing somewhere!

That motor climbing deal can and certainly does work but can be dangerous too.  I had a buddy of mine slip getting back into my boat one time and ended up with 20+ stitches in his foot from hitting the prop when he fell.  Ain't done it since.

[garyw]

an old topic but just found this.  http://www.garelick.com/EEz-In-6-Step-Wide-Body-Over-Platform-TEelescoping-Ladder

[vernon]

13 hours ago, garyw said:

an old topic but just found this.  http://www.garelick.com/EEz-In-6-Step-Wide-Body-Over-Platform-TEelescoping-Ladder

Man!  Could use that baby in the fall to clean gutters when you're done fishing!

[boatrestorations]

I bought a transom ladder from Marine Depot Direct this year for my Tracker Bass Boat and it works great!! I highly recommend checking them out. https://www.marinedepotdirect.com/telescoping-folding-transom-ladder.html