How would u install a transom ladder

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bellnier

bellnier

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Apr 25, 2010
104
Oday 22 Wellfleet MA
I plan to install a transom ladder this weekend. It’s a GARELICK 2 step fold-down with 4 mounting brackets. What would you suggest for the 4 mounting screws? Drill 4 holes and use ¼ x 20 SS bolts & nuts or use 14x1” SS screws. If bolts what sort of sealant should used to seal around the bolts? If screws what sort of adhesive/ sealant to use around screws?
 
RECESS

RECESS

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Dec 20, 2003
1,509
Catalina 27 . St. Mary's Georgia
I just did this a month ago. A couple tips. have the ladder against the transom and mark exactly where the holes to the mounting bracket hit when holding it. Check about 4 times. Nothing more aggravating than needing to enlarge a hole to make it work... I know this very well. I put a full height, from the base to the rub rail, piece of plywood, and a cut in half stop sign over the plywood for a backing plat in the hull. The plywood was soaked in fiberglass resin to prevent rot.

Go with the most stout bolts the mounting hardware will allow. There will be side to side pressure as adults come up and out of the water.

The pictures over exposed the red on my boat. It is actually a lot glossier that what is shown.







This is what the color actually looks like and the swim ladder installed. Just do not get in a hurry.

 
caguy

caguy

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Sep 22, 2006
4,004
Catalina, Luger C-27, Adventure 30 Marina del Rey
I don't know how old you are or what kind of shape you are in but making sure that the ladder extends far enough into the water that you or guest can climb up that first step. My side mounted hook ladder extends down a foot below the surface and I find that I can not make that first step. I added a permanently mounted telescoping ladder that extends down about 2' below the surface and that works fine.
Make sure that the top step is a comfortable height to reach the transom.
IMHO, I think you are going to have trouble accomplishing this with just two steps.
BTW I used a 3/16'' ss backing plate, no messing with having to seal or glass a wooden one.
 

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bellnier

bellnier

.
Apr 25, 2010
104
Oday 22 Wellfleet MA
Thanks for your comments. It looks like thru bolts are going to be required. What would you guys do to seal around the bolts? WM Marine Silicone Sealant or WM Life-Calk Sealant?
 
emergpa1

emergpa1

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Oct 2, 2008
1,424
Island Packet 31 Brunswick, Ga
RECESS said:
I just did this a month ago. A couple tips. have the ladder against the transom and mark exactly where the holes to the mounting bracket hit when holding it. Check about 4 times. Nothing more aggravating than needing to enlarge a hole to make it work... I know this very well. I put a full height, from the base to the rub rail, piece of plywood, and a cut in half stop sign over the plywood for a backing plat in the hull. The plywood was soaked in fiberglass resin to prevent rot.

Go with the most stout bolts the mounting hardware will allow. There will be side to side pressure as adults come up and out of the water.

The pictures over exposed the red on my boat. It is actually a lot glossier that what is shown.



This is what the color actually looks like and the swim ladder installed. Just do not get in a hurry.
Click to expand
Hey, dave, is that red fire truck or cherry??????;) just kidding, that is a beautiful boat. and where did you get a half of a stop sign...i have not seen that for sale at the marine hardware shop....love it, love it...
keith
 
RECESS

RECESS

.
Dec 20, 2003
1,509
Catalina 27 . St. Mary's Georgia
emergpa1 said:
Hey, dave, is that red fire truck or cherry??????;) just kidding, that is a beautiful boat. and where did you get a half of a stop sign...i have not seen that for sale at the marine hardware shop....love it, love it...
keith
Click to expand
My wife's brother stole a stop sign about 20 years ago. He got into trouble with his parents and was told to put it back. He hid it in the barn and when I was saying that they make stop signs out of aluminum and would make a great backing plate.... a neuron fired in my wife's memory about where one might still be hidden. It is Rochelle Red. It is holding up rather well to the UV. I have it all over my hands right now making new companionway hatch boards.
 
bellnier

bellnier

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Apr 25, 2010
104
Oday 22 Wellfleet MA
Sorry but this reminds me of a late 1970s fatal auto accident in Otis Mass caused by a stolen stop sign.
 
bellnier

bellnier

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Apr 25, 2010
104
Oday 22 Wellfleet MA
It's done! 8 each 1/4x28 SS hex bolts w/fender washers with 3/8" thick hardwood backboard 4x4 squares. We can get into the boat easily from the parking lot. Getting out of the water on might be harder but it's really only for an emergency. Thanks for the support & info guys
 

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RECESS

RECESS

.
Dec 20, 2003
1,509
Catalina 27 . St. Mary's Georgia
Very nice looking job. I am 6' and 215lbs. Even on my O'Day 25 I can get up mine easily with two rungs. If you find another rung would suit you, you can always tie a stretchy rope on both sides of the last rung to form another slacked step and put your foot in.
 
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