Hi Arnold, Windline makes a 4-step folding ladder that was my choice for our M17. See http://tinyurl.com/fvow7 for pictures. This ladder is used on the Potter 19, and last I checked was only available for purchase through International Marine. Here is the ladder listed for $160 on their web site http://www.westwightpotter.com/content/MiniShopProduct.phtml?0/0/177 . When mounting the ladder on our 1988 M17 I found the top 1/2 of the transom is thicker and sturdier than the lower half. The top 1/2 I believe is plywood cored. If you have visual access to the inside of the transom you can see where the thickness changes (apx. at the 2nd pintle). By good fortune the lower mounting bolts on our ladder just caught the bottom of the thicker transom section. Also, the mounting feet on this ladder are pretty small. I found using the largest possible backing plate was necessary to minimize transom flex with full-size adults. And I do mean absolutely as-large-as-possible, even fitting the backing plate around obstacles mounted to the transom. I've been using the ladder for two years and am very happy with it. A nice feature is the built-in clamp that secures the ladder in the up position. Randy Graves M17 #410 ________________________________________ From: montgomery_boats-bounces+randyg=cite.nic.edu@mailman.xmission.com [montgomery_boats-bounces+randyg=cite.nic.edu@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Arnold Sharpe [afsharpe@mac.com] Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2007 9:41 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: M_Boats: boarding ladders--M-17 Does anyone out there have a recommendation for a boarding ladder for an M-17. Being an old fart, it occurs to me that if I should fall overboard I could not get back aboard unless I had a good boarding ladder...even at that it will be tough but it beats the alternatives. My boat is the "LITTLE BREEZE" an M-17, hull # 265. Thanks..Arnold _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats