When climbing up the swim ladder barefoot on my Legend 45, the stainless steel round ladder rungs hurt our feet. Has anyone tried to make teak planks that fit over the rungs? If so how did you attach to keep the planks from turning when you step on them? I've thought of cutting semi-circle holes in the ends of the planks to catch the vertical bars, and then to use brackets similar to those used by electricians to secure conduit, from underneath, but this won't keep the treads from turning slightly while climbing. An alternative would be to thru-bolt them to the rungs with stainless steel 1/4" bolts and washers. Has anyone done this? How successful was it? Thanks, Dan O'side
Ouch! Swim ladder hurts
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Dan.....workin on it
I'm working on the same problem as my charter clients have said the same thing. Currently working a solution with pool noodles cutting them to fit, then slicing them down the middle and wrapping around. To secure them so they don't fall off I have attached them with zip ties ( matched the color and everything). I would like a more permanent solution. Hope this helps. Pray for Wind, Lugeman
I'm working on the same problem as my charter clients have said the same thing. Currently working a solution with pool noodles cutting them to fit, then slicing them down the middle and wrapping around. To secure them so they don't fall off I have attached them with zip ties ( matched the color and everything). I would like a more permanent solution. Hope this helps. Pray for Wind, Lugeman
Someone recently did this with Plasteak...
...either on here or in a magazine...try Boat works and Good Old Boat online and a search on here.
...either on here or in a magazine...try Boat works and Good Old Boat online and a search on here.
3-Strand
Howdy, I have been battling the same thing on my 26.5. I have see several boats in our marina with 3-strand wrapped around the rungs to make them larger diameter and provide a little cushion. Just thought I'd throw that out in case you hadn't seen or heard of that yet. Still not sure what I am going to do. I do like the step treads at the link below though... Good luck Clayton
Howdy, I have been battling the same thing on my 26.5. I have see several boats in our marina with 3-strand wrapped around the rungs to make them larger diameter and provide a little cushion. Just thought I'd throw that out in case you hadn't seen or heard of that yet. Still not sure what I am going to do. I do like the step treads at the link below though... Good luck Clayton
Is ladder at 90 degrees?
The West Marine link cautions that the rung/ladder needs to be a 90 degree angle for proper fit. When my ladder is down, it rests on a 45 degree (+/-) transom. That'll kick the leading edge of the step nearly vertical. Hmmm, it may be better than nothing but I'm not convinced that's the solution. I looked at my companion way ladder inside and found the end holes are bored at slightly less than a 90. That keeps the treads level. I guess I'll go buy one set to see how it fits/feels. I like the idea of low maintence materials and that it leaves the center of the rungs open for hand holds. I'll let you know what its like. If anyone already has installed West Marine Sole Savers sing out. Dan O'side
The West Marine link cautions that the rung/ladder needs to be a 90 degree angle for proper fit. When my ladder is down, it rests on a 45 degree (+/-) transom. That'll kick the leading edge of the step nearly vertical. Hmmm, it may be better than nothing but I'm not convinced that's the solution. I looked at my companion way ladder inside and found the end holes are bored at slightly less than a 90. That keeps the treads level. I guess I'll go buy one set to see how it fits/feels. I like the idea of low maintence materials and that it leaves the center of the rungs open for hand holds. I'll let you know what its like. If anyone already has installed West Marine Sole Savers sing out. Dan O'side
Try this.
Place the ladder wrungs under the toes rather than under the sole of the foot. If you can walk on the tip of the toes they are strong enough to hold the weight. It also gives you a better grip against slipping. The idea is to use the hands and feet in a sequence of movement so that at no time is your full weight resting on any particular extremity. It does not have to be fast, your hands are also going to be wet so make sure you have a good hold before transfering weight back and forth.
Place the ladder wrungs under the toes rather than under the sole of the foot. If you can walk on the tip of the toes they are strong enough to hold the weight. It also gives you a better grip against slipping. The idea is to use the hands and feet in a sequence of movement so that at no time is your full weight resting on any particular extremity. It does not have to be fast, your hands are also going to be wet so make sure you have a good hold before transfering weight back and forth.
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