MacGregorSailors.com

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.

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.

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.

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

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

leefrankpierce wrote: ↑Wed Jul 26, 2023 12:33 pm 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.

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.

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.

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.

Ammiraglio wrote: ↑Thu Jul 27, 2023 6:39 pm 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.