Swim Ladder Handle

[Langg]

Has anyone installed the swim ladder handle from BWY?

I ordered one and all i got was the handle, no screws or instructions
on how to mount it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

It is very hard getting back into the boat on that little ladder the
26M has. And i would hate to rip a chunck of boat out the first
time i pull my self up if i didnt mount it right.

Thanks

[Paul S]

you could call them for advice, they are very helpful on the phone.

I installed one, but put it vertical and it doesn't work overly well. I need to mount a new one.

Probably 2' above the ladder should be good. I would backplate the screws with big washers and locknuts. Take the handle with you to buy the hardware to ensure the bolts fit right in the holes.

[Langg]

Ok, the lady on the phone said you dont go all the way
thru the hull..she said it is thick enough back there that
you just use 3m 5200 and screw it in.???

Not much help ...but maybe thats all i need to do.

[Paul S]

MMMM I'm sure that would work, but still feel a bit hesitant of 1) 5200 is as premanent as you can get, and 2) self tapping screws.. would prefer back plated bolt/nut/washer. The hull IS very thick there and no doubt can take it.

You will have to be 110% sure that where you put it, you will always want it there, as it will be a pain to remove the 5200 from there at a later point.

I would think an alternative way would be to through bolt it (I feel more secure that way) and using a sealant like boatlife (to seal out water) that is flexible and more removable than 5200. Just in case you want to move it or replace it later, it should be a bit easier than removing 5200

Everyone has their favorite way of mounting stuff. Not saying mine is the best or even better.. just different

[Terry]

OK I actually got one from BWY and installed it as they advised. I too thought it should have backing washers but when I went below to investigate how I decided it was not an option. Three years later it is still on there rock solid and it has sustained the force of my 210 lbs pulling on it. I mounted it exactly under the rub rail so that I could grab it as high as possible and this seems to be ideal. I do not have the ladder, just a single step to put one foot on then haul myself up with the handle from the ground, never done this from the water because it is too cold to be in the water up here.

[Langg]

What size screws did you use to mount it. How long and dia.??
I was thinking i needed to mount it pretty high as well.

[Frank C]

Just found a couple of long-ago pix of my boarding handles. The smaller one and the ladder were installed by my MacDealer, upon new delivery. I found the larger handle (24-inch shower handle, brushed-finish SS) in Home Depot. Be aware that a stainless shower handle won't be as corrosion resistant as typical boating gear, but it only requires a brief wipe-down twice a year.

I surely wouldn't mount the larger handle with self-tapping screws. It's mounted with thru-bolts and fender washers. You can also see the double purchase I added for raising the rudders. One of the lower mounting bolts is an eyebolt.

[Boblee]

If you want to use through bolts you will basically have to do what the factory does with the Aust boats when they install the stern rails which incidently are a great handle for hauling yourself up the back especially if you use the motor to sit on.
These access ports are essential for adding extras like arch supports power and water inlets etc.

[Highlander]

Terry

By Canadian law because of your high freeboard you are required to have a boarding ladder !

J

[Kilblaan]

I have a ss boarding handle which I plan to install about 24" above my Railmaker boarding ladder (between port rudder & OB).

Question #1: What size of hole do I need to cut (saw on a posting that 1 3/4" was adequate) to be able to put on the nut and washer ... I'm new at this type of thing and would like advise on a method to do this without loosing the washer and nut in a black hole ... also how do you tighten the bolt from behind - as the boarding handle has the head of the bolt integrated in the handle.

Question #2: I'm having trouble finding a source of the white plastic snap-on covers that cover things up after (assume you can get them in a range of sizes) ... been to several marine supply stores and they want to sell me the type that has the outer ring that screws and cost a fortune for each

[Divecoz]

Commercial Electrical Supply houses. I have several in the garage that are SS with a screw in the center to tighten up a post on the back. They make a Zillion kinds for my industry and sell the plastic "KO" Plugs in 1/2, 3/4, 1 , 1 1/4, 1 1/2, 2,......... 2 1/2, & 3 " but those are most often special order.
BTW the cheaper galvanized KO's / Knock out closures, do not come with gaskets JSYK..
One of many suppliers...http://www.licensedelectrician.com/Stor ... illers.htm " Plastic"

[Kilblaan]

I found a source for these white plastic liner caps - Blue Water Yachts