Transom Installation of Swim Ladder

[LordNelson]

I would like to install a swim ladder on the transom of my 1974 O day 20. The transom is hollow fiberglass and I am not sure I can get back into the area to install any plywood backing. Does anyone have any ideas on how I could safely install the ladder so that I don't rip a hole in the transom climbing on the ladder?I have thought of drilling both the transom and the cockpit liner and installing the wood backing in the cockpit but I am not sure this would work. I wish i could inject structural foam between the two fiberglass layers. I have looked at Great Stuff foam insulation sold in cans but i don't think it would be strong enough. Wish they sold structural foam in cans.

 

[Joe11688]

Installing a swim ladder

You could possibly install a round deck plate on the inside of your transom to get at the back-up plate, with nuts and washers for the ladder. I helped a friend of mine install one on his 192 O'Day a couple of years ago, and we were able to install the ladder pretty easy between the deck plate and the cockpit hatch opening. A large hole saw is needed to cut the opening with a variable speed drill to go slow and keep the dust down to a minimum. We used a piece of plywood for the back-up plate on the inside of the transom. West Marine carries the deck plates. check out the accompanying link.Joe

 

[LordNelson]

Great Idea

Great Idea. I hadn't thought of installing a deck plate, but I think it would work and be a whole lot easier than trying to pull out the bulkhead behind the bunk. I am afraid if I go through all that I wouldn't be able to get to it or have enough room to work if I could. This would also allow easy inspection once in a while.

 

[Joe11688]

Pull out the bulkhead

Lord Nelson, You may want to pull the bulkhead out at the foot of the settees to check the hose for your self bailing cockpit. It's been a long time since I've replaced mine, and I think it's about time to do it again. Years ago, I left my 6 gal. metal gas tank on board over the winter, and it rusted out and leaked gasoline. The gasoline ate out the self bailing hose and a mixture of gasoline and water got into the bilge. What a mess! It took months to get that gas smell out of my boat, too. I use a 6 gal. Dura-Tank now, which is made of plastic and it fits into the O'Day fuel compartment. Needless to say, I don't leave it on board any more, over the winter.