Telescopic Ladders with more than 3 steps

ss188rider

Does anyone know if they make telescopic ladders on the stern with 4 or more steps instead of 3 for a ss188? Finding it to be a chore climbing back onto the boat with just 3 steps.  And I'm not getting any younger.

nquirk

@ss188rider.  The good news is they do in fact make 4 step telescopic ladders.

The bad news is I've tried as has my dealer tried to convert my 3 step on the front of my SS188 to a 4 step and it doesn't fit.   To have a minimum width on the bottom rung of the ladder, the 4 step is actually marginally too wide to fit into that opening.

I believe the 3 step on the front is adequate for when the boat is beaching so you can access it in/out however direct from the water it is more difficult.

I did however go to a marine supply store a purchased a stainless steel grab handle (like at the rear of your boat near the ladder) and installed in on the front (below the stainless rail and cover snaps in front of the ladder) so when you come up, you have a handle to reach forward and grab hold of.

The handles are around $25 and include locking washers/washers to fasten it.  Simply mark and drill two holes.  Accessing the back of them is doable by using access from the anchor door and removing the cup holder there to facilitate two hand access.  (NOTE: place the handle closer towards the steps down in the boat so you'll be able to access the furthest bolt)  I'd encourage you to see how far you can reach to do this prior to drilling the holes.

Not and ideal solution, but it does make access from the front a little easier.  Hope this helps.

Ernest_T

Hey nquirk, could you post a photo of your grab handle installation.............I'm liking that idea.

nquirk

Ernest T.  I'd be glad to snap a few pics and post them.  I'm heading to the lake today and should have them posted here on Monday/Tuesday.  Stay tuned :P

nquirk

@Ernest T, here are some pics as promised.

 

The first 2 show you a few pics of the handle in respect to location.  As mentioned, if you remove the cup holder, between that location and the anchor door, you can get access to the bolts behind it.

The last one, shows it with the cover installed.

 

http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/Nelson_Quirk/media/handle_zps45f12736.jpeg.html

http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/Nelson_Quirk/media/handle2_zpsc58eef40.jpeg.html

http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/Nelson_Quirk/media/handle3_zpsa91e996e.jpeg.html

 

 

 

 

nquirk

Ernest T, I've posted a few pics to show you a close up and location of the grab handle.

If you remove the cup holder, between that and the anchor door, you can access the bolts to fasten it.

The 3rd pic shows it with the cover installed.

http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/Nelson_Quirk/media/handle_zps45f12736.jpeg.html

http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/Nelson_Quirk/media/handle2_zpsc58eef40.jpeg.html

http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/Nelson_Quirk/media/handle3_zpsa91e996e.jpeg.html

 

nquirk

Ernest T, I've posted a few pics to show you a close up and location of the grab handle.

If you remove the cup holder, between that and the anchor door, you can access the bolts to fasten it.

The 3rd pic shows it with the cover installed.

http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/Nelson_Quirk/media/handle_zps45f12736.jpeg.html

http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/Nelson_Quirk/media/handle2_zpsc58eef40.jpeg.html

http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/Nelson_Quirk/media/handle3_zpsa91e996e.jpeg.html

 

Ernest_T

Thanks!  Looks like a professional installation.  I'll have to take a look at my boat to see if there is access in that area for doing the installation.  Very good idea!