Bill, I have the predecessor to the #18017. It's a two step lader as well but only one step folds down. I was able to mount it so that the submerged step is about 12" underwater when in use. It's a little shallow but works ok. I thought you used mine at last years CBR? The new one looks like it will be deeper in the water but may stick up over the transom. The older one doesn't stick over the transom which turns out to be a good thing for my temporary vane steering mounting. I don't think you will find a better one around because it seems to be the only one around. I was able to find T nuts at a local speciality store, (wholesale) and got them for about $.20 each. If you decide to go that route I will try to find it again. I mounted mine 3 years ago by threading the backing plate through and it has worked well. The T nuts have little sharp tabs which pull into the wood as the bolt is tightend. I varnished/sealed the backing plate and set the Ts in epoxy before I installed the plate. There has been no hint of any detioration so far. Thanks Doug --- 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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