Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I need a ladder on Frankenboat. Because of the lack of a rear platform or door, and my trailer being a scissors-lift one I can't mount a ladder center-front or back. I'm considering a 4-step telescopic ladder to be mounted just beside the front corner of the fencing so I can use the railing as a hand-hold as I climb, and then side-step onto the "porch". When stowed the ladder would be strapped to the rail, out of the way of the porch entry.

Now the question: In all the photos I've seen of the "deck mount" telescoping ladder the brackets aren't quite 90 degrees to the ladder. I don't know why they would make it so it can't hang vertical--please someone look at yours and confirm what I think I see.
Thanks!

Telepathic Bladder? What???

BobG wrote:Telepathic Bladder? What???

Time for your annual eye doctor visit Bob....

I actually attached one of those on the bottom step of my current 3 step ladder for easier access from the water. I tried to buy a Factory Harris 5 step but it required a different bracket and wouldn't fit without tearing things up. It isn't ideal, but the top actually fit between the current factory ladder steps. My point being they are narrower than most so take that into consideration. They also aren't as thick and sturdy like factory ladders, but it is serving my purpose and they slide in well for storage with a velcro strap. And to answer your question they are not vertical but do extend out into the water to make climbing on easier than straight up. Good luck!

Mosnowman wrote:... they are not vertical but do extend out into the water to make climbing on easier than straight up. Good luck!

So the manufacturer's intent is for the leverage of standing on the ladder to pry up the bracket? I'm OK with it as long as people find they hold up well and don't just kink where the tubes contact the bracket lip...or rip the bolts out of the deck

Guy...very valid concern! I'm 6'3 about 280 and I feel the "stretch" when climbing on. I am concerned it will actually rip out some day...hope not but I get what your saying!

2nd the last, 6'3" 315 and I'm nervous every time

As for the original post I'd be concerned with encouraging friends to grab onto the fencing, we have a deck boat so I don't know exactly how sturdy they are just seems if some slipped and pulled it could get expensive. Ok so not sure I'm thinking this will work like I see it but what about a hang on ladder one of those with the cane shaped tops but with a actuall hole for the ladder to sit in ( ok for you young at heart that want a laugh a female port for each of the male ends of the ladder)

My telescoping ladder on the back of the Benni is mounted on the aft-starboard side and has a slight angle when deployed. There are two very sturdy grab rails mounted on the deck. The slight angle makes it easier for those of us who have mobility issues (fat, old, out-of-shape) to climb.
We have a swim ladder on our dock that also has a slight angle and it is so much easier to climb than the old one which went straight up and down.

What about one of these ...... (which conservatively will hold 300 lbs...)

http://www.pontoonstuff.com/under-deck- ... adder.aspx


....and as to your weight ...don't forget, you don't weigh that much IN the water....

My trailer would destroy that ladder. Can't hang anything in the tunnel.

Well I'm not hearing any negatives so I'll probably get one.
A member posted recently to a prop topic that he got a real bad gash when a plastic rung on his ladder snapped and ripped open his leg as it went through. Really got me thinking about getting a metal ladder.

Oldsailor wrote:What about one of these ...... (which conservatively will hold 300 lbs...)

http://www.pontoonstuff.com/under-deck- ... adder.aspx


....and as to your weight ...don't forget, you don't weigh that much IN the water....

Greatest thing since sliced bread.