Swim Ladder Mod

bbwhitejr

Well-Known Member
Apr 14, 2013
4,300
Lake Lanier GA
Boat Info
2003 420DA, 6CTAs
Engines
NA
As I get older, the climb up the swim ladder and getting back onto the boat is a bit more challenging.

Our 260DA had a nice handle to hold onto when coming up the swim ladder and onto the platform. Our 44DB, has nothing but a handle at the very top of the ladder. I bought 2-suction cup handles that attach, but they are quite a ways from the ladder.

A dock mate has a Four Winns 328 that has a “hand hold” built into the top of his swim ladder cover. After using it a time or two, I decided this would be most beneficial.

Searching the net for a “hand hold” revealed nothing close to what I was looking for. Reaching out to a well known member here, he sent me a pic of a Marine Hawse Pipe and it fit the bill perfectly. Measurements were all within 1/4” of my friend’s 4-Winns so I went with it. Cut the hole in the cover with a Drexel and had the CNC department at work machine me a piece of 1/2” UHMW for the back side. Will test functionality this weekend....
4290A704-E61D-46ED-8846-A1FE92E6E0C8.jpeg 1632582F-42CF-4062-89A7-8BFC9F5A1665.jpeg

Bennett
 
Nice mod. Looks good and solid.
 
I keep wanting to add an additional rung at the bottom of the ladder somehow. It'd have to be removable so I could take it off for running around.

My best, but-not-very-good, idea is some kind of length of stainless tubing for the rung with a length of stainless chain through the tubing, with bolts through the tubing and chain links to keep the tubing from rotating, and then some kind of attachment to the existing ladder rails using a carabiner.

Windline actually make a 4 step ladder that's very similar to the one my 310DA, it makes me wonder how difficult it would be to swap out, especially just a partial swap of just the ladder portion and keeping the existing mounted bracket.
 
maybe just a ski-rope handle attached to a stanchion or cleat could help.
 
bbwhite, I like your idea. I'm another who struggles more as I get older and would like to add something like you did.

Can you shed some light on where you bought it?
 
Got it off of Amazon. Below is a pic...Blkbird on here put a couple of “P” shaped removable handles from Swim Platforms on his and I liked them. But having an integrated platform and having to throughput the bolts, I decided against them due to lack of easy access. You might also check them out.
60CCFE6B-3A87-4169-8C6F-D16241601DDD.jpeg
 
I keep wanting to add an additional rung at the bottom of the ladder somehow. It'd have to be removable so I could take it off for running around.

My best, but-not-very-good, idea is some kind of length of stainless tubing for the rung with a length of stainless chain through the tubing, with bolts through the tubing and chain links to keep the tubing from rotating, and then some kind of attachment to the existing ladder rails using a carabiner.

Windline actually make a 4 step ladder that's very similar to the one my 310DA, it makes me wonder how difficult it would be to swap out, especially just a partial swap of just the ladder portion and keeping the existing mounted bracket.
I just made something like this. It’s my second version actually. First version served me well for many years until the chain started to rust. 12” piece of 3/4 PVC with a elbow on each end. Threaded some swing set chain through that was Long enough to loop around the bottom rung of existing ladder and give me a 12” step. Covered that with vinyl tubing for protection. Added a chain snap to connect it. Covered PVC with non skid tape.

Version two is similar. Varnished oak step with a 1/8” aluminum plate on the bottom for strength. Chrome chain and stainless hardware. The last coat of spar varnish is drying now. Tomorrow I can assemble it and take a picture.

The admiral won’t leave the dock without it.
 

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Here is version two. I started another thread in the Modifications section on this. Didn't want to hijack this thread. I'm out.
 
There's a member or two on here that have uprights attached to the swim platform for getting up.

Maybe they will post up their installation as well.


EDIT: I might go with something like this later on.

http://www.easyupswimhandles.com/

This is what Blkbird installed. On an integrated platform access to the inside to put the nuts on the through bolts is very poor on my boat.....great thing if you do not have the integrated platform. The sockets are through bolted and the poles are inserted when needed. Really cool....

Bennett
 
This is what Blkbird installed. On an integrated platform access to the inside to put the nuts on the through bolts is very poor on my boat.....great thing if you do not have the integrated platform. The sockets are through bolted and the poles are inserted when needed. Really cool....

Bennett

I would really like to know how well they hold up after a bit of use.
 
I would really like to know how well they hold up after a bit of use.
I have them on mine as of this year... so far, so good. A friend has the same on his for 8 seasons now and they are as good as new.
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As I get older, the climb up the swim ladder and getting back onto the boat is a bit more challenging.

Our 260DA had a nice handle to hold onto when coming up the swim ladder and onto the platform. Our 44DB, has nothing but a handle at the very top of the ladder. I bought 2-suction cup handles that attach, but they are quite a ways from the ladder.

A dock mate has a Four Winns 328 that has a “hand hold” built into the top of his swim ladder cover. After using it a time or two, I decided this would be most beneficial.

Searching the net for a “hand hold” revealed nothing close to what I was looking for. Reaching out to a well known member here, he sent me a pic of a Marine Hawse Pipe and it fit the bill perfectly. Measurements were all within 1/4” of my friend’s 4-Winns so I went with it. Cut the hole in the cover with a Drexel and had the CNC department at work machine me a piece of 1/2” UHMW for the back side. Will test functionality this weekend....
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Bennett

This may be the single best mod I have ever made. The admiral and I are like no issue at all going up or down the swim ladder. I works perfect!!!!

Well worth it if you have this issue.

Bennett
 
Installed this on my 340.....great for bad knees and legs...
 

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