Move swim Platform ladder ?

DavePant

Member
Aug 5, 2019
39
Boat Info
1989 270 Amberjack
Engines
5.7L Twin
I was thinking of moving the ladder to the starboard side of the swim platform. Anyone ever done this, why do they put it on the port side?
 
Do you mind if I ask what’s motivating this?

I removed a center mounted 2 step ladder that folded up against the transom once in favor of a 4 step telescoping under mount for obvious reasons and it worked out very well.
 
I was thinking of moving the ladder to the starboard side of the swim platform. Anyone ever done this, why do they put it on the port side?
Usually they put it on opposite side than transom door. I think reason is safety. You may have a swimmer next to swim ladder while someone other tries to jump right after leaving cockpit. That also allow for installing grab handle and doesnt interfere with transom door in case of ladders folding on top of swim platform.
 
I was thinking of moving the ladder to the starboard side of the swim platform. Anyone ever done this, why do they put it on the port side?
Is this just a simple, bolt-on platform with a bolt-on ladder? That makes things easy - do whatever makes the most sense for you.
 
Yeah was thinking of using the same ladder just seeing if I could move it to the other side. I would not have the grab handle though. I was thinking of storing bikes on the swim platform. With the ladder near the transom door I would not have to climb over them.
 
There's nothing "legally" stopping you from moving it. If it would be more convenient for you and how you use your boat to move it... get 'er done!

I believe the reason is more in regards to the style of ladder and boarding the boat from the dock. If it's the style of ladder that fits under a trap door or the ladder mounts completely under the platform, then it's not a tripping hazard. However, if it's the style of ladder that lays (exposed) on top the platform (as I would imagine yours is given the year of the boat), then it would be a tripping hazard when boarding.

Do you have the depth to mount and undermount/slide-out ladder?
 
The swim platform is probably not deep enough. It is only like 18" or so.
 
Ahh yeah, those would probably work, thanks! However I might just wait and see but was wondering so I thought I would ask those with more wisdom than I have haha. I cannot afford that really right now I just bought the boat last summer and there are more important things that I need. I will definitely keep those in mind though for later!
 
Understood - just throwing those ideas out there so you knew what your options are.
 
Understood - just throwing those ideas out there so you knew what your options are.
So I have to move the ladder on the platform on a 1989 268. Now mind you , I've guessed-a-mated I've built over 100,000 boats in my career. The only things I havent done is install motors an build small parts ( basically lids , door and other small fiberglass parts) so I dont know exactly what is required to add an under the platform ladder. Will I have to add metal? I would normally glass wood an a metal plate underneath and a piece of steel triple wide as the mounting frame rail. And an extra piece along the edge. Any ideas?
 

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