Swim ladder advice for 26X

[PaulsPaddle]

Hi, I've tried the search and can't find a good swim ladder option for 26X.

We are in our 50's and swimming is an active part of our water experience. Just had a Suzuki 90 put on and the original ladder does not fit beside it.

The picture from Blue Water Yachts shows a 3 rung ladder on the outside of the rudder and round rungs.

We'd prefer a 4 rung ladder with more oval or flat steps for ease of use. Ideally pre-made if possible.

Any advice is appreciated.

[rsvpasap]

Here is a link to a ladder that is detachable and attaches at the top of the gunwales, not out the stern. The six-rung version extends well down into the water. You should measure the ladder and your boat to make sure it's appropriate for your use. https://www.westmarine.com/west-marine- ... 68550.html

Often available at other retailers at the same or lower price. Also West Marine does limited price matching: https://www.westmarine.com/customerserv ... olicy.html

I have the Blue Water Yachts folding swim ladder which I like and use very frequently as a step to get from the dinghy into the Macgregor. Were I often using it to actually climb out of the water, I would also like to have a handrail mounted on the stern of the boat. Mine was installed by Blue Water Yachts and they mounted it outside the rudder rather than between the rudder and outboard.

[leefrankpierce]

The problem with the longer ladders = the X does not have enough space high up on the transom.
What I decided to do is to use the B.Y. ladder and add handles to the X that helps me step on the transom next to where the motor mounts.
Have to walk around the motor and have the rear seat up.
The rear seat = an issue so will probably hinge it on the right vs the left.
The ladder could go to the right, but the ballast dump is there, so I stayed on the left.

[Stickinthemud57]

In the paperwork from my 26S purchase: www.railmakers.com. They claim to do custom work. Best of luck!

[dlandersson]

Dude, put the ladder on the side, not the rear.

The problem with the longer ladders = the X does not have enough space high up on the transom.
What I decided to do is to use the B.Y. ladder and add handles to the X that helps me step on the transom next to where the motor mounts.
Have to walk around the motor and have the rear seat up.
The rear seat = an issue so will probably hinge it on the right vs the left.
The ladder could go to the right, but the ballast dump is there, so I stayed on the left.

[leefrankpierce]

OP only discussed permanently installed on the back, so I responded with what I have done after I put a 120 hp on and the original ladder had to be removed. (note: OP had to remove their existing ladder)
https://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/6401-1x0.htm
It does come down much lower, but it is single rung width run on each step making it uncomfortable on the feet, and as mentioned before, it is not a complete solution until you mount a handle on the back between the top of the ladder mount and the top of the boat.
In fact, I have only tested while on the trailer, never from the water.

For me there are a couple of issues with temporary mounted on the side:
1. Our side gunwales are not parallel with water, so would have to adjust the ladder to fit our angle.
2. knocking it loose when in the water. Might not be a big issue if someone can climb the outboard.
3. Needing a ladder if you go over accidentally. (rig so you can lower the ladder from the water.)

I actually considered purchasing tubing and rigging up to do my own designs with the most ambitious being a bow pullpit that incorporated a folding ladder.

[Ammiraglio]

No spring chickens here either...

I couldn't find a satisfactory ladder, so I thought of a different solution: an inflatable dock (search "inflatable dock" and select "pictures"). I bought a 6' by 6' one on a West Marine sale. The idea is that you walk off the Mac onto this dock, and then it's like the side of a swimming pool. It looks promising, but I haven't tried it yet. When I do I'll post to tell if I think it's worth the trouble.

[dlandersson]

I do something similar. I have a 4 step hooked ladder for either side. I fund it also works nicely when the water level in the marina is pretty high. I also have a 6' floating mat that I can tie on alongside it. They work pretty well.

I couldn't find a satisfactory ladder, so I thought of a different solution: an inflatable dock (search "inflatable dock" and select "pictures"). I bought a 6' by 6' one on a West Marine sale. The idea is that you walk off the Mac onto this dock, and then it's like the side of a swimming pool. It looks promising, but I haven't tried it yet. When I do I'll post to tell if I think it's worth the trouble.