Bill:

There was an article in one of the old Montgomery Newsletters on how to install a boarding ladder on an M15 without cutiing inspection ports. 

Based on the article I installed the boarding ladder and have been happy with the results.  If I can do it - anyone can do it.  I purchased a small ladder at West Marine.  It works fine.  I use it many times each year.  I understand there are better quality boarding ladders but I don't know of any personally. 

Good luck,

Rich Cottrell   M15

 Bill Riker <wriker@mindspring.com> wrote:

It's time to bite the dreaded bullet and tackle two long-procrastinated
projects. Adding a boarding ladder and motor mount to Storm Petrel's stern.

I would appreciate any suggestions and warnings as to the best make and
model boarding ladder for the M-15.

Tod, yours is the Garelick #18017 (WM #283770), right? Does it extend far
enough into the water to get your foot on it?

Charless Fowlkes has a Windline 3-step telescoping ladder, WM # 165037.
Charless, what kind of modification was needed when installing yours? I
assume it was because the ladder is desinged for attachment to a swim
platform. I like the telescoping models, but are they strong enough? Does
the ladder lay against the transom when extended? It seems to me that the
sturdiest design would rest against the transom to spread the horizontal
load. Those that stand off put the load on one place, usually where they
pivot. I'm leaning toward the Windline TT3X. It stands off, but is made for
direct transom attachment, not to a swim platform.

I know Doug Kelch added one last summer. What did you use, Doug, and are
you happy with it?

As much as I dislike cutting holes in the boat, I'm leaning toward
installing inspection ports for access to the transom bolts. I'm sure I
could fish a backing board/plate into place and attach it with Tee nuts, but
then I can't check or adjust, if needed. Wow. I just looked up ss Tee
Nuts in the WM catalog: $47.49 for a pkg of 25 ea 1/4", or $31.49 for ten
5/16". And I might need both! It's only $11.00 each for inspection ports,
and it might simplify installation.

Anyway, all advice, taken or not, will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill Riker
wriker@mindspring.com
412-341-7198


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