Swim ladder

Jul 18, 2014
13
Hunter 216 Lake Geneva, Wi
I recently purchased a 2003 hunter 216. Can anyone recommend a portable swim ladder?
Thanks,
Tom
 
Jul 12, 2011
1,165
Leopard 40 Jupiter, Florida
Welcome to the 216! I followed the instructions of Jeff Prideaux on this site (Boat Information > 216 > Owner Modifications) and installed a 3-step telescoping ladder (whatever brand West Marine sells). It's really nice because climbing up on a really small swim platform in waves is a pain. I used a piece of King Starboard, rather than Jeff's washers) to make up the difference in height that you will get. With such a small boat, the swim platform curves up aout two inches over the one-foot width of the ladder. You don't want the ladder too close to the center-mounted outboard or you'll scratch your legs in the water. Make sure you put in a good backing plate or large stainless fender washers underneath. You need to spread quite a bit of weight out and the deck is pretty thin compared to larger boats.
 
Jul 12, 2011
1,165
Leopard 40 Jupiter, Florida
Sorry, forgot the last bit -- you'll need some stainless to extend the telescoping ladder out over the aft rub rail. I got a local machine shop to cut two pieces of 1/4 stainless sheet about 2" by 14" to spread the load over the platform and extend out far enought to bolt the swim ladder to.

I ordered the King Starboard from: http://www.boatoutfitters.com/cut-to-size-arctic-white-king-starboard It was cheaper to only buy the small piece I needed and have them cut it, rather than a large slab and cut it myself.
 
Jun 8, 2004
10,465
-na -NA Anywhere USA
Spreading the load is highly recommended as a former dealer who did that in the past. You will have to install an inspection port to enable doing that. Please make sure it is long and wide.
 
May 6, 2004
40
Hunter 31 Morehead City, NC
When I had a H216 I got a 4 step portable ladder. The poles on either side had a large shepherds hook at the top. These could be folded in to be reasonably compact. When in use just hang over side of boat near the stern. When not in use fold and stow below.
 
Jul 18, 2014
13
Hunter 216 Lake Geneva, Wi
Ladder manufacturer

Welcome to the 216! I followed the instructions of Jeff Prideaux on this site (Boat Information > 216 > Owner Modifications) and installed a 3-step telescoping ladder (whatever brand West Marine sells). It's really nice because climbing up on a really small swim platform in waves is a pain. I used a piece of King Starboard, rather than Jeff's washers) to make up the difference in height that you will get. With such a small boat, the swim platform curves up aout two inches over the one-foot width of the ladder. You don't want the ladder too close to the center-mounted outboard or you'll scratch your legs in the water. Make sure you put in a good backing plate or large stainless fender washers underneath. You need to spread quite a bit of weight out and the deck is pretty thin compared to larger boats.
What was the make of the ladder for you h216?
I purchased one only to find out it's too long. It won't fold down on rear platform.
Thanks,
Tom