Ladder Installation

[nameaneh]

So I had my ladder installed and I had to take it off... Problem is I can't get to where the lock nuts go to secure the bolts anymore. I am thinking about riveting, but I tried it and had some issues (still may be a possibility). Anyone know anything else I can use to secure the ladder without having to use nuts?

Thanks

 

[Ross]

Why can't you get to the location of the lock nuts?

 

[higgs]

This would be your boarding ladder - like from the water into the boat? If so, you do not want to use rivets as you should have a backing plate.

 

[sailingdog]

Riveting to Fiberglass is generally a really bad idea. They will not hold securely in fiberglass, as fiberglass is too brittle.

 

[nameaneh]

Thanks... I learned the hard way about the rivets. It is the boarding ladder. For some reason there is a wall underneath the cockpit when you go down into the cabin. It's an old Venture 21. The wall seems to be molded into the fiberglass at the bottom so I don't know how to remove it to get back there.

 

[Ross]

Are there cockpit lockers?

 

[caguy]

Timo42 has an access hole that he cut in the transom liner above the bench. He covered it up with marine speakers. He has access on both sides to his ladder and motor mount.
He glassed in a piece of plywood for backing.

You can see it in this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChHUvaK_CrE

I used a 4x12" 1/4" ss plate. This I do have a pict of. On the Mac you can get in through the laz. This is no country for old fat men.

 

[Ted]

Do you have a place to install an access port large enough to get your arm through it to hold the nuts? They come in various sizes. If you can borrow a young child with thin arms, I bet they could get their arm though a 3 or 4 inch diameter access port with no problem.

 

[Ross]

I used to ask my three year old son to help me with all manner of things that needed small hands. My grand daughter was only four when she was collecting bugs to look at with a microscope. Those little kids are much more capable than most people give them credit for being.

 

[jackhartjr]

Ross said, "Those little kids are much more capable than most people give them credit for being."
Not only that when you ask they think they are being trusted to help and usually LOVE the experience.
And who knows...might make a pretty good crew some day!
Jack

 

[oldiesrocker2001]

Nameaneh,
While you don't show a pic, it sounds like the PO closed of the entire rear of the boat from the companionway hatchway. Sounds strange though, and could make it real difficult to replace the keel winch guide bolt. I have an old V21 and that area is real important for storage in this "little" boat. Going in through the Lazarette is the only way normally to get to the inner edge of the transom since the styrofoam blocks(which should still be there for flotation) are usually in the way. My ladder has screws into a wood backing plate which I plan to replace with bolts and oversize fender washers after putting a coat of poly on the wood plank. I added a wood backing and did the same for the motor mount on the port side of mine.