Pontoon Ladder Modification - Extension

[Mosnowman]

I would really appreciate some input on my ladder extension plans for my toon from you experienced guys. Here's the situation....I'm getting older and less flexible and want an easier exit out of the water ....thus an extension....

I contacted my dealer (Harris) about replacing my ladder with their premium 5 step. Unfortunately the 5 stepper brackets etc is welded at the factory and my bracket will not work with that ladder without tearing up my deck...which I'm not willing to do.

So my idea is as follows: http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... eviewsInfo

I am planning on putting this on the bottom rung of my current ladder. I realize it is a top of platform ladder but since it is smaller it will actually fit on top of the bottom rung of my current ladder. So my question is this...

Will 4 self tapping stainless screws hold? ( under water usage only )

Would you drill holes all he way through the bottom rung and attach screws and bolts to hold it better?

I would prefer the first option due to my laziness and lack of skills but will heed you veteran's advice...thanks!

[cwag911]

I'd go with bolts, washers and nyloc nuts.

[badmoonrising]

Screws will not hold for very long. The stress of people climbing the ladder will elongate the holes and they will work their way out fast. I agree, go with bolts an nyloc nuts.

[rbiederwolf]

+3 on stainless bolts and nylon lock nuts.

[PlaynDoc]

My family and friends were real happy when I installed this ladder to the front of my boat...

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... rchID=4006

[Mosnowman]

Doc...will that fit on a tritoon as well?

[fredeboy]

Mosnowman
It fit my tritoon but is fairly snug. Be sure and take good measurements and compare to ladder size. The ladder is GREAT

[Mosnowman]

Thanks fredeboy!

By the way I ordered a full double bimini "no seeum" screen enclosure from Kurt. It looks awesome! Can't wait for some spring toon camping!

[STEVEBRENDA]

I will see if I can find any links or pictures, but I think I have the best deep water ladder there is. I took a 2 wrung section and welded it to the back of my existing ladder, but dropping it down a total of two wrungs deeper. Total cost for buying a new ladder and paying a welder was under $200.

[lakerunner]

I will see if I can find any links or pictures, but I think I have the best deep water ladder there is. I took a 2 wrung section and welded it to the back of my existing ladder, but dropping it down a total of two wrungs deeper. Total cost for buying a new ladder and paying a welder was under $200.

Sorry I have the best ladder







Here is a friends fix

[STEVEBRENDA]

I can't view the pics

[STEVEBRENDA]

Can view pic now. Mine goes just as deep, but is made of the same factory material.

Doew the top section of your ladder drag while underway?

[lakerunner]

Can view pic now. Mine goes just as deep, but is made of the same factory material.

Doew the top section of your ladder drag while underway?

No it folds up between the hand rails.

Top is factory but I built the standout and bottom is factory Beachcomber ladder bottom.

[fredeboy]

Congrats Mosnowman on the new enclosure. Be sure and post some pics when you get to use it! I sure am looking forward to some spring time over nighters myself

[Mosnowman]

Fredeboy or Doc or anyone else that has the front ladder from Overtons...

I'm planning on putting it on the toon shortly but...

I have aluminum cross members under the toon. Looking at the pictures online I'm guessing I have to drill through them and attach the ladder to metal not wood? Or will I be using self tapping screws underneath into the metal? The toon is about 2 hours from me and I'm guessing I need different bolts than what came with the ladder according to the reviews on line? I guess what I'm getting at here is any advice for me before I make the drive...or problems attaching..tips..etc...also is it possible to do it myself or do I need to drag someone along? Thanks!