Another Newb Question..ladder and gauge..

[Mosnowman]

Sorry for all these posts but you guys seem to have all the answers! We Newbs appreciate it!

Two questions....

1. I have a 3 step ladder with platform. I have found that this old fat guy could use about 4-5 steps instead of 3 for easier access from the water. I'm also going to get a knee replacement which will cause even more problems. So...I checked with my dealer about a 5 step but it was a factory install option only so I need to find some sort of extension. Any suggestions?

2. My boat is a new Harris without an "hour" gauge for the motor. I still find that unusual? There is no way I can keep up with manually trying to figure out how many hours I have on the motor. Is there a gauge that can be added ....or any ideas?

Thanks in advance...

[BoatCop]

Can't give you any suggestions on the ladder, but I'm sure some one has some ideas.

As far as the hour meter, there's 2 ways you can go.

1. Install a simple meter, analog or digital, hooked up to the "ON" side of the key switch. However, you'll have to add the hours presently on the engine, either in your head, or power the meter with 12 volts until you get to the number of hours on the engine. Run you $35-$75 dollars.

2. Have your Mercury shop install the Smartcraft gauge, which will be hooked up to the engine computer and, so it reads true hours, and also tell you oil temp/press, water temp/press, volts, and a host of other valuable info. $175 or so + installation. (Pic below)

Although I can't believe the "Performance Package" & Verado didn't come with smartcraft gauges. My Sun Tracker doesn't have an hour meter, but I'm going to install a new tach with the hour meter in the face.

[bstat1020]

Check the manufacturer of your ladder and give them a call. There should be a sticker or something right on the ladder itself. Usually on the Harris models, Bearcat Corporation produced the ladders for Harris. I replaced mine earlier this year.

I dealt with Dane at Bearcat. bearcatcorp@yahoo.com or 574-533-0448

Bstat

[STEVEBRENDA]

I bought a second ladder and had it welded to the end of my existing ladder. This added 2 steps.