Swimstep ladder

[Randygh]

I've been looking for a fold-down or telescoping swimstep ladder that can be mounted on the underside of my teak swimstep. I haven't seen such a ladder, just the type that mount on top. Other than some stainless steel flathead bolts, I don't want to mount any hardware on the top of the step. Occassionally the Admiral and I swim in Lake Chelan and we use the outdrive as a step, but it's still hard to get up on the swimstep. I could design and have a custom stainless step made, but it would be very expensive. Any thoughts?

[Go Aweigh2452]

I've been looking for a fold-down or telescoping swimstep ladder that can be mounted on the underside of my teak swimstep. I haven't seen such a ladder, just the type that mount on top. Other than some stainless steel flathead bolts, I don't want to mount any hardware on the top of the step. Occassionally the Admiral and I swim in Lake Chelan and we use the outdrive as a step, but it's still hard to get up on the swimstep. I could design and have a custom stainless step made, but it would be very expensive. Any thoughts?

Hi Randy, Bayliners with swim steps have underside ladders that telescope out and have a snap that locks it in the up position when not in use:
http://www.bremertonnjrotc.com/goaweighto/boat%20cup/DSC08649.jpg
The ladder extended... Four bolt heads show on top of the swim step.
http://www.bremertonnjrotc.com/goaweighto/DSC08454.jpg

I assume you could order it through bayliner?

[Fred P]

How about the rope ones with PVC steps? They don't take up much room and they are longer than any of the mounted ones. They are ez to get out of the water with. The down side is that it is not there if it is rolled up and put away.

Fred P..............

[Nehalennia]

I think this is your ticket right here
Windline Under Platform Telescoping Drop Ladder (http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=75148F&WT.mc_id=gb1)
The price doesn't look too bad and the ladder looks good too.

http://www.go2marine.com/go2_structure/7/5/1/4/75148F-f.jpg

I would use stainless steel carriage bolts to a piece of flat stainless which you would then attach this ladders mounting brackets to. If you spread the load is several locations accross your teak it will disperse the load and all be hidden beneath the teak. Keep in mind you may want to drill additional holes in the stainless as well for draining.

Best of luck.

[tolly28]

Fisheries has all kinds of options... http://www.fisheriessupply.com/online/search.asp/mode/1/Ntt/ladder/N/14310/Nty/1l/catalog_name/FISCO/act/A99/Ntx/mode+matchpartial+rel+Inactive

[SomeSailor]

I've been looking for a fold-down or telescoping swimstep ladder that can be mounted on the underside of my teak swimstep. I haven't seen such a ladder, just the type that mount on top.

I just had one in my hands yesterday at Boater's World. They're $158 and are just like the one Doug has, but without the U-Channel spacer he has on his.

They had 5 of them on the wall... they also make them in a smaller 2 step model.

[1northernstar]

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/_Boat-Parts-Accessories-Gear__windline-ladder_W0QQ_nkwZwindlineQ20ladderQQ_fxdZ1QQ_ptasZ1

[Go Aweigh2452]

yep, I'd recommend this one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Windline-2-Step-Slide-Mount-Boat-Ladder-SS_W0QQitemZ180224741015QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item18 0224741015

It has more base width...

[Randygh]

Thanks for the input. I'm looking at two 3-rung Windline retractables with slotted mounts on eBay. They are considerably less expensive on eBay than from other vendors. $138.00 (including shipping). Hope noone bids on them, I'll get one at the last minute.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Randy, register with these guys... http://www.auctionstealer.com/home.cfm you get three free auctions per month and they bid up for you (up to your max bid) but only bid the minimum amount above the current highest bid about 10 secs before the end. I have NEVER lost a bid because of this service...

[Nehalennia]

Did you click on my link?

It's $91

[Randygh]

Todd--I want the Windline with the slotted mounting brackets. It will be stronger and more stable. Thanks for looking.

[sunnydude2]

Great thread though! I am watching the ebay one you posted Todd. With my dingy mounted you can't flop the original ladder into the water.

[Randygh]

I finally got my swimstep ladder this week from an eBay vendor. Took 2 months but the guy upgraded to the locking model at no extra charge. I paid $139.00 (including shipping) for a 3 step Windline that is listed at Fisheries Supply for $209.00. It is very stout and easily supports my fat arse.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Nice install. Whats with the different color end caps? Does she lock in up position or do you have to add a velcro or snap attachment?

[Randygh]

The red end cap is the button to unlock the ladder for usage. Push on the button and pull out the ladder rungs. Really slick.

[Nehalennia]

Randy that looks really good and so does that nice wood transom platform.

[II Lucky]

Just a quick side note on Windline. When we got our boat the bottom rung of our swim ladder was missing. I contacted Windline for a replacement. I told them that I was not the original owner but would like to replace the part. Two days later, I received a brand spankin new complete ( the whole thing) ladder replacement. No Charge. Sometimes you just get lucky. I have found Windline, Whale, and Bomar to have excellent customer service. In this case, great customer service cost me $00.00. A very unusual case in this day and age.