Swim ladder Hunter 280

[matts997]

The previous owner removed the swim ladder from my H280 and I want to put it back on for safety reasons. But I can't figure how the bolts attach to the underside of the swim platform--the bolts don't seem long enough to pass through the swim platform, unless there are recessed holes underneath?? I tried to kneel on the platform and reach under to feel for the holes, but couldn't get my arm under far enough.

Has anyone done this--do I need to get in the water or haul the boat out to re-attach the ladder?

Also the owners manual mentions a swim platform lanyard--but I don't have that--where does it attach to the ladder and boat?

Thanks, Matt

 

[Tally Ho]

I had a H280 (but sold her after 5-foot-itis crept in).

I believe the bolts only go through the top of the platform, and are secured inside the boat. You will have to crawl behind the paneling in the rear of the aft berth (where you access the rudder tube, quadrant, etc) to secure the nuts and washers.

I don't think the bolts go all the way through the platform to the water underneath.

Greg

 

[matts997]

thanks for your reply Greg. Someone I ran into here thinks it is accessed through the cockpit floor--but definitely not underneath the swim platform as you say. I'll be checking it out this weekend.

Matt

 

[Tally Ho]

I don't recall any part of the cockpit floor being removable (except access plate for emergency tiller).

Let me know what you find out....I still think you will go through the back wall of the rear berth. On my H280, there was a small door to look into the back, but I had to remove the wall to actually reach anything in there. The wall on mine was split down the middle and came out in 2 pieces. Had to find all of the hidden screws that held it in place. By the way, the fuel and waste tanks are back there too....fuel on the starboard corner, waste on the port side.

Greg

 

[matts997]

I'll let you know. Quite a lot of trouble to remove the ladder! Reason I'm replacing it is I got dumped from my kayak, which I keep in the same slip as my H280, and found it very hard to climb out of the water w/out the ladder, especially wearing a fully inflated PFD in 45 degree water. First time I've had to do this and it made me think about how difficult it would be for my wife and others to climb on board if they went overboard. I've since read you're supposed to partially deflate the PFD before trying to board a vessel from the water. Lesson learned!

Matt

 

[Tally Ho]

You can reach the ladder and pull it down from the water, so,it is a great safety feature.

Greg

 

[Tata duende]

Probably be on my boat today, will take a look. Did get down and 'look', bolts are plug welded into the mounting bracket on the ladder. I think that it would be a safe assumption that nuts are on the underside of the platform floor, but would have to remove the panel aft of the berth to be certain.