Swim Step Ladder/Lag Bolt Question - Revised

[rfrye1]

I plan on installing a folding/telescoping on the swimstep on my H376 this weekend. I'll be using 4200 as sealant/adhesive plus SS Lag bolts. I always get a little "nervous" drilling new holes in my boat.
My question is: With the lag bolts should I use flat washers, lock washers or both? What length bolt would Y'all suggest? (I don't know the thickness of the fiberglass).
Thanks. Bob

 

[jssailem]

Bob, I suspect you want SS Machine Screw bolts of adequate size for the task (not lag bolts).
You will want to use a backer of some sort (starboard, plywood, or self made epoxy board - your choice Checkout the Practical Sailor report on backing boards).
I prefer to use Starboard backing (inside the boat), a fender washed and a locking washer, then a nut sized for the bolt.
Can not tell you where to put the hole, I would locate it where it serves the purpose for the ladder and I can access the inside of the boat to secure the nut. The hole on the ladder attachment should give you a good size for the bolt diameter.

I hate drilling holes in my boat as well. Somethings just got to happen. Good luck.

 

[Allan Frey]

What make and model ladder are you going to use? The mounting points (lateral or vertical) on your new ladder are going to determine what you can do on a 376. Also check first to see if you have clearance for the swing down step when the ladder is in the stowed position; there is very little space.

allan

 

[thinwater]

Please not Starboard (polyethelene) for anything high-load. It will look pretty for a while, but then it will distort, flow, and even crack over time. The fitting will loosen. Fiberglass, stainless, aluminum, or extra-heavy (NOT standard--at least 2.5 mm thick) fender washers.

If the glass is cored, he will need to seal the core.

(PS has a follow-up article scheduled, this time covering some washer-related alternatives.)

 

[rfrye1]

What make and model ladder are you going to use? The mounting points (lateral or vertical) on your new ladder are going to determine what you can do on a 376. Also check first to see if you have clearance for the swing down step when the ladder is in the stowed position; there is very little space.

allan

It's a folding 3step telescope ladder. About 1.5" high. Good point on the swing-down step. It will be close. I didn't measure that.

 

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[rfrye1]

Attached are Ladder Pics. I have not installed yet. The ladder is about 12-14" wide. Is it OK to use 2 separate mounting backers, one under each mounting arm. The glass in that area appears to be about 1/4-3/8" thick. I can get under it to mount a backing plate. I was considering 1/2" or 3/4" Marine Plywood. And of course 4200 on both sides to seal and help secure.

 

[Rick486]

This is the same ladder as on my boat. It's ok except when climbing out of the water one's toes are squished against the hull. OK so long as you move quickly step to step. The stand off is a bit small.

 

[isaksp00]

If it were me, and it can fit, I'd use a single piece of ply across both attach points - the more surface bearing against the hull, the better (it seems to me). My 23 has the motor mounts and swim platform/ladder backed with simple 2X4's (it came that way when I bought it used). Has not been a problem. If you use ply, I'd at minimum seal the edges so water does not wick in, and if you want, the surfaces. I think I'd use epoxy, like West System, which is what I did for a chain plate support bulkhead I just replaced. But I'd seal the wood, not glue it to the hull.